You’ve probably driven over the bridge on Highway 62 a hundred times without thinking much about the water moving beneath you. To the casual traveler, it's just a brown ribbon cutting through the flat Arkansas timber. But for those of us who live here or spent our childhoods dragging a johnboat through the mud, Black River Corning Arkansas is basically the heartbeat of Clay County. It’s a place where history, some pretty intense flooding, and world-class duck hunting all collide in a way that’s uniquely "Delta."
Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle the town of Corning is even where it is today.
From Hecht City to a Railroad Hub
Most people don't realize Corning wasn't always Corning. Back in the day, the settlement was about a mile east and went by the name Hecht City. It was named after Levi and Solomon Hecht, brothers who ran a lumber mill right on the banks of the Black River. They were smart; they knew the river was the only real highway they had for moving timber.
Then the railroad came.
In 1871, the Cairo and Fulton Railroad surveyed the land and decided the tracks needed to be a bit further west. So, like a scene out of a movie, the whole town basically packed up and moved to its current location to meet the tracks. By 1873, they renamed it Corning after an engineer named H.D. Corning.
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The river remained the lifeline, though. In the late 1800s, there was even a "pearl rush" on the Black River. A guy named Dr. J.H. Myers found a massive pearl near Black Rock, and suddenly everyone was out there digging through river mussels. It got so big they eventually built a button factory because the shells were perfect for mother-of-pearl buttons.
The Dave Donaldson Factor
If you mention Black River Corning Arkansas to a sportsman, they aren't thinking about buttons or railroads. They’re thinking about the Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
It sits about 10 miles south of town.
This place is legendary. It covers over 25,000 acres, and when the fall rains hit, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) floods about 7,000 acres of green timber. This creates what some hunters call the "Holy Grail" of duck habitat. It’s thick, it’s flooded, and it attracts mallards by the thousands.
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If you're planning to head out there, you've gotta know the rules because they don't mess around:
- Waterfowl hunting usually has to wrap up by noon.
- You’ll need an AGFC camping permit if you’re staying overnight.
- The "rush hour" at the boat ramps before 4:00 AM is real—and kinda dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
It’s not just for the guys in camo, though. In the summer, the river is a solid spot for fishing. We’re talking largemouth bass, crappie, and some massive catfish. I’ve heard stories of people pulling stream-running walleye out of the Black too, which is a bit of a local secret.
Dealing with the "Big Water"
You can't talk about this river without talking about the floods. It's a love-hate relationship. The same water that brings the ducks also threatens the farms and the town.
In April 2011, the river hit a record crest of 18.12 feet at the Corning gauge. That was a mess. Highway 62 east of the river usually goes under when the water hits about 17.5 feet. When that happens, the "Black River Relief Bridge" earns its name, but travel basically grinds to a halt.
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As of early 2026, the water levels are sitting pretty low—around 1.7 feet according to the latest USGS data. But locals know that can change in a weekend if a big system moves up from the Gulf or dumps rain in the Missouri Ozarks where the river starts.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the NRCS are constantly studying this stretch. There’s a lot of talk lately about "levee setbacks" and "two-stage ditches." Basically, they’re trying to find ways to let the river be a river without ruining the local economy. It’s a delicate balance.
Why It Still Matters
The Black River isn't just a geographical feature; it’s an identity. It’s the reason the cypress trees look the way they do and why the soil is so rich. Whether you’re launching a kayak at the Highway 62 ramp or just watching the eagles at Lake Ashbaugh in the winter, there’s a sense of permanence here.
If you’re looking to experience it yourself, here are a few ways to do it right:
- Check the Gauges: Before you hook up the boat, check the USGS or NOAA "CRGA4" station. If it’s over 12 feet, things are getting "action" level.
- Visit the Museums: Head over to the Randolph County Heritage Museum in nearby Pocahontas to see the actual button-making tools from the pearling days.
- Respect the Timber: If you're visiting the WMA, remember that the bottomland hardwood forest is a disappearing ecosystem. Take out what you take in.
Black River Corning Arkansas has seen its share of changes—from steamboats and pearl hunters to modern-day conservationists. It’s a little bit wild, a little bit unpredictable, and entirely worth the trip if you want to see the real Arkansas Delta.
Actionable Next Steps: Check the current water levels at the USGS Corning Gauge before planning a float or fishing trip. If you're planning to hunt the Dave Donaldson WMA, ensure you have your AGFC permits and are familiar with the 2025-2026 seasonal boundary changes and boating restrictions.