Arkansas is the Natural State, has 9,700 miles of rivers and streams traversing it, and 56% of the area is covered by forests. The mountains, hills woods, rivers natural springs, caverns, and caves, along with stunning views create Arkansas an all-year-round outdoor paradise.
If you’re a kayaker, Arkansas is a great location with its whitewater Class I-V, National Parks, Scenic River system, and State Parks you’re guaranteed to find a place that will meet your requirements. In this blog we’ll look at the areas we believe are the top kayaking in Arkansas. Let’s start.
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Mulberry River
The Mulberry is well-known for its most visually appealing blue-green to emerald color in its water. The river isn’t too long, with a length of just 62 miles, but it provides a number of unique floats such as rapids that flow along the route. Based on the amount of rainfall and the weather, you’ll have to check the level of water to be able before attempting to float it.
Massive boulders that are the size of a house and unspoiled scenery are what make the Mulberry an extremely popular spot for everyone. The water’s color is unparalleled and leaves you wanting to return. Turner Bend Outfitter is the place to go to when you’re looking to take a trip on the Mulberry. They’ll have everything you’ll need to have the most enjoyable time in the Mulberry!
Kayak in Arkansas – Spring River
The river that flows through the spring is considered to be one of the most beautiful year-round floats that you can find in Arkansas. The river is run with water from Mammoth Springs which pumps water out at a chilly high of 58°F. Perfect for beating the heat. Also, known for excellent fishing, the float can lead you through dense forests and occasionally rock-strewn bluff lines.
It is said that the Spring River is almost always flounderable, which is precisely what you need to get rid of the summer heat. Nothing can beat the crisp, clear flowing water from a spring, with your loved ones and friends. If you plan to float in the Spring Make sure to go to the Spring River Oak Campground to fulfill everything you need for your float trip. The campground is located at Mammoth Springs, which is where the river starts and ends, they’ve got you covered.
Middle Buffalo River (Buffalo National River)
The first national river in America is the Buffalo National River is the most coveted jewel in kayaking trips Arkansas. Hidden deep within the Ozarks forest, floating down this river can be quite an experience. The water is crystal clear, and the river cuts through the forest, with massive rock bluffs along.
The river runs for 135 miles and is full of floating options. Your trip will offer stunning spectacular views of the landscape at every bend in the river. This river’s Middle Buffalo offers some of the most scenic floats in the entire state. the team Buffalo River Outfitters (Buffalo National River) offers everything you need to make the perfect float, including an overnight ride along with the buffalo that’s an experience unlike any other!
Lower Buffalo River (Buffalo National River)
It’s so good, we had to repeat it ….Located in the northern part of Arkansas The Lower Buffalo is a stretch that is home to some of the state’s most picturesque countryside. It is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of life, and to enjoy the natural splendor of Arkansas’s Natural State.
The opposite side of the Buffalo The lower one provides some incredible fishing. If you’re planning a trip into Lower Buffalo, Lower Buffalo, the squad that is located at the Buffalo River Float Service is the place to visit. They provide full-service rentals, and offer several float trips to showcase the beauty that is The Lower Buffalo!
Cossatot River State Park and Natural Area
If you’re a lover of nature, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area of 5,400 acres in Cossatot River State Park and Natural Area south of Mena in western Arkansas. Take a walk along 14 miles of the River Corridor Trail or the 3.5-mile Harris Creek Trail. Take a tour with park interpreters on a special snorkeling excursion or take a walk with them to discover the local fauna, flora, and geology. Visit a bird sanctuary or camp out, or throw a line to the abundant fish in the river.
When the Cossatot becomes high, however, there are many visitors who show up who are experienced canoeists and kayakers who came with a single goal in their minds: to take on this river’s class II, IV as well as V, rapids. This isn’t something novices ought to even think about. It’s risky, to put it mildly. However, for those who love extreme sports trying out twelve miles of waters of the park which are part of the National Wild and Scenic River offers unforgettable thrills.
Within the Cossatot Falls area, which is characterized by its distinctive ledges and steep canyons the river falls 33 feet in elevation in less than a third mile. It is said by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers declares the river “is the most challenging to navigate whitewater streams in Arkansas.” The early Indians just called it Cossatot which is their term for “skull crusher.” Paddlers are urged to wear helmets, life jackets, and appropriate clothes to prevent hypothermia.
Illinois River
The stream in question is part of a Category I stretch that runs throughout the Ozark National Forest and is finished with Lake Francis in Oklahoma. It’s a stunning and safe stream, designed for novices.
There are several businesses along with Route AR 68 that rent kayaks and canoes and provide shuttles across the river and back. Visitors can take pleasure in the cool, clear water and feel the sense of being far from everything. The river’s banks are lined with trees that provide peace since very little evidence of human activity is seen on the river’s banks.
Kayak in Arkansas – Cadron Creek
There aren’t any significant dangers in the 38.5-mile Cadron Creek before the Pinnacle Springs Campground. Below the springs Class I-III rapids and Shoals are visible, with some having dense willow thickets. Nearer to Cathedral Shoals is a Class III drop, in which the current flows faster, and you’ll have to be on the lookout for large boulders located on the bottom of the channels.
Class I-III whitewater is waiting in a remote location with some thrilling rapids marked in technical drops as well as deep pools. The scenery is stunning here with caves, wooded banks, and pinnacles. In winter, the bluffs are coated with ice and transform into waterfalls as spring begins to melt.
Caddo River
Caddo is a relatively small river, measuring only 40 miles long. It’s considered to be a fairly peaceful float in general and lower-level rapids need to be placed strategically to create a faster floating. It’s great for a family, or “chill” floating. Being in the Ouachita National Forest, the view of the water is stunning.
The Caddo also offers excellent fishing and is considered to be one of the least well-known fishing locations within the State. The most enjoyable months to float the Caddo are from March to June. When you are planning to go you should not miss the Caddo River Camping and Canoe They’ve got everything you need to enjoy a wonderful experience with the Caddo.
Big Piney Creek
The sparkling water that flows through Big Piney Creek flow past trees-lined pine-covered banks and hardwood trees, lush vegetation, and wildlife. The 67-mile-long creek flows to the Arkansas River tossing out rock gardens, pools, and rapids that are dotted with surfing spots, ledges, and waves trains.
The majority of the time, it is classified as easy to challenging, the most popular stretch is Class III 8+ miles run from Helton’s Farm and Longwood Campground. The sections you’ll traverse are “Roller Coaster,” “Cascades of Extinction’ (aka Mother, a home-sized boulder), and ‘Surfing hole’.
Kings River
The Kings River is loaded with Adventures. A cruise along the Kings will take you to lush, tree-lined banks, clear pools, and gravel bars that slope. Trigger Gap on the river is created by a collapsed bridge and produces not only white rapids, but also adds excitement to your float, but it’s also one of the most beautiful swimming spots in the state. A river with a variety of species, there are more than 80 miles of stunning scenery.
It’s just a little about an hour from Fayetteville It’s the ideal option for a float if you attend university at the University of Arkansas or live in NWA. The river is also renowned for its bass that is small, therefore make sure to bring your rod along If you’re looking for a fishing experience that’s more your style! If you do decide to hit the Kings Make sure to go to Trigger Gap Outfitters to get all your floating needs, as well as the top floating options in the water. The shop is located at Eureka Springs along the banks of the river, they’re the preferred Outfitter of those who want to float on the Kings River.
Boen Gulf Creek
The mighty waterfall, strainers severe rapids unending undercut rocks await you on the Class IV-V river that plunges 650 feet within three miles. It runs through the Ozark Plateau, it flows into the Buffalo River, its 10.25 miles traverses three gorges. The put-down elevation is the highest elevation in the Ozarks at an elevation of 80 feet.
The first slide, “Dog Barf Falls” is a basic ledge that is followed by two rocks, a rapid flow, and a large creek hole. It then takes you towards “Paradise Falls” and a swift slide, diagonal holes as well as a 25-foot waterfall that falls before crashing into a large hole in the bottom. Premium Class V.
Lake Ouachita State Park
It’s not always the case that you’ll be in a river, but Lake Ouachita makes the case. It is known for its stunning beauty as well as its natural shoreline and clear water, Lake Ouachita is the largest lake that lies within Arkansas State borders and is a wonderful place to explore.
The Ouachita National Forest the view of Lake Ouachita is breathtaking, sunsets here are truly special. The wildlife is plentiful, the fishing is superb and there are numerous islands scattered throughout. If you’re planning to visit Lake Ouachita, you definitely should take a look at Ouachita Kayak Tours and make sure that your trip on the lake is truly one of a kind.
The Kayaking Experience In Arkansas
Arkansas is the epitome of excellent outdoor living, healthy exercises, and sports. Kayaking is an increasingly popular sport, and Arkansas can be a model by embracing its diversity. It’s part of their culture, they’re focused on outdoor activities and sports. Plenty of snow, just enough rain, and breathtaking waterfalls that cover the rocks in a way that resembles a wedding veil.
Clear, crystal clear emerald green turquoise waters, clear, cold waterfalls, and creek banks filled with hardwood trees, indigenous wildflowers, and other plants. Deer, bears, elk beavers, turkeys, and more were found along the riverbanks.
Sloping gravel bars with a gentle slope and campsites, primitive camping, and accommodations are scattered in each and every spot. Everything is laid out in front of you as you travel along the creeks and rivers of Arkansas.
The stunning Natural State offers the rush of whitewater rapids. Beginning with class I through V+ to large expanses of lakes that are unfettered. The options for where you can paddle or kayak is limitless.
The creeks and rivers have gauges for water that help to determine the efficacy of a river with dozens upon dozens of outfitters that rent out their equipment and provide directions and shuttle rides. Pick tranquil floats or skull-crushing rapids across deep canyons. spectacular Bluffs, and breathtaking views.
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