Arkansas, known as the Natural State, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially kayakers. With its 9,700 miles of streams and rivers, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Arkansas offers a wide range of kayaking experiences for all skill levels. Whether you’re a whitewater thrill-seeker or a leisurely flatwater paddler, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state.
The Mulberry River: A Whitewater Roller Coaster
One of the top kayaking destinations in Arkansas is the Mulberry River. Spanning 62 miles, this river offers a thrilling whitewater experience with rapids ranging from easy to difficult. The most popular stretch is a 45-mile section that features twenty significant Class I-III boiling rapids. Paddlers will encounter challenging drops, house-size boulders, and the need for quick maneuvering.
The best time to paddle the Mulberry River is from mid-October to mid-June when the water levels are optimal. Be prepared for hard concentration, quick thinking, and the possibility of self-rescue skills. Travel light and lash your equipment securely as you navigate through the exhilarating rapids of this whitewater roller coaster.
The Spring River: Ideal for Beginners and Families
For those new to kayaking or looking for a more relaxed experience, the Spring River is a great choice. Flowing between Missouri and Arkansas for 57 miles, this river offers a combination of flatwater stretches and easy-to-tackle Class I-II rapids. It’s an ideal destination for families and beginners looking to enjoy a leisurely paddle.
Thanks to its underground spring source, the Spring River maintains a sufficient water level year-round, making it accessible for kayaking throughout the seasons. The popular route from Mammoth Spring to Hardy is particularly well-suited for beginners and intermediate paddlers.
Buffalo National River: America’s First National River
As the country’s first national river, the Buffalo National River is a must-visit destination for kayaking enthusiasts. Spanning 150 miles, this river offers a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil stretches to thrilling whitewater rapids. The Hailstone section, a 15.5-mile stretch from Fallsville to Boxley Valley, is a popular choice for whitewater paddlers, featuring Class II-III+ rapids.
Besides the exciting whitewater, the Buffalo National River is known for its picturesque landscapes, including hardwood forests and towering limestone bluffs. As you navigate through sharp turns, willow jungles, and deep canyons, be prepared to be awed by the remote beauty of this national treasure.
Cossatot River: A Whitewater Challenge
For experienced kayakers seeking an adrenaline rush, the Cossatot River is the ultimate challenge. Meaning “skull crusher” in the Ouachita Mountain region, this river offers Class II-V rapids, including serious drops and thrilling whitewater sections. It is considered the most difficult whitewater stream in the state of Arkansas.
The rapids of the Cossatot River vary depending on the water levels, with the closer you get to Cossatot Falls, the more intense the rapids become. Prepare for a demanding paddle as you navigate through a series of consecutive Class IV-V rapids. This river is not recommended for novices and should only be attempted during wet weather when the stream depth is optimal.
Illinois Bayou: A Scenic and Gentle Float
If you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic kayaking experience, the Illinois Bayou is the perfect destination. Starting at the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Little Red River, this Class I-II whitewater river offers a pleasant float with picturesque surroundings. Surrounded by dense forests, kayakers will enjoy the crystal-clear, cold water and the occasional surfing waves.
The 18-mile run from Bayou Bluff Campground is a popular choice, featuring a slight gradient, rocky shoals, and Class III snags at higher water flows. While there are not many hazards along the way, be aware of potential willow strainers. Take your time to soak in the beauty of the dense forests and capture some stunning photographs along the way.
Cadron Creek: A Remote and Exciting Adventure
For a remote and thrilling kayaking adventure, Cadron Creek is an excellent choice. The 38.5-mile creek offers a range of rapids, from Class I to III, with some sections featuring extreme willow thickets. Below the Pinnacle Springs Campground, paddlers will encounter Class I-III rapids and shoals, along with large boulders in the middle of the channel.
As you venture further downstream, you’ll reach Cathedral Shoals, where a Class III drop awaits. The current becomes faster, and you’ll need to navigate around significant obstacles. The scenery along Cadron Creek is simply spectacular, with wooded banks, caves, and pinnacles. During the winter months, the bluffs are adorned with ice, creating stunning waterfalls during the spring thaw.
Big Piney Creek: Emerald Waters and Rock Gardens
If you’re seeking emerald waters, abundant wildlife, and a variety of rapids, look no further than Big Piney Creek. Flowing past tree-lined banks of pines and hardwood trees, this 67-mile stream offers a mix of rock gardens, pool-drops, and rapids with surf spots, ledges, and wave trains. The most popular stretch is the Class III, 8+ mile run between Helton’s Farm and Longwood Campground.
During this exhilarating paddle, you’ll encounter sections named “Roller Coaster,” “Cascades of Extinction,” and “Surfing Hole.” The rapids will challenge your skills and provide plenty of excitement. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful surroundings, including the dense forests and stunning bluffs that line the banks of Big Piney Creek.
Boen Gulf Creek: A Thrilling Class IV-V Challenge
For the most experienced and adventurous kayakers, Boen Gulf Creek offers an intense Class IV-V paddling experience. With hydraulic waterfalls, severe rapids, and relentless undercut rocks, this creek drops 650 feet within three miles. It passes through three gorges, offering non-stop drops and technical challenges.
As you navigate the creek, you’ll encounter features like “Dog Barf Falls,” a straightforward ledge, and “Paradise Falls,” a fast slide with a 25-foot high waterfall. Be prepared for big holes, gigantic waves, and challenging rapids. Boen Gulf Creek is not for the faint of heart and should only be attempted by skilled paddlers with the appropriate equipment and experience.
Kings River: Diverse Scenery and Class III Whitewater
Located near Eureka Springs, the Kings River offers diverse scenery and a range of paddling experiences. This 90-mile river flows from the Boston Mountains to the Arkansas/Missouri border, eventually emptying into Table Rock Lake. With sparkling clear pools, tree-lined banks, and sloping gravel bars, the lower stretch of the river provides a pleasant float with Class I currents.
For those seeking more excitement, the upper sections between Marble and Marshall Ford, as well as between Marshal Ford and Rockhouse, offer Class III whitewater. These stretches provide a thrilling challenge for intermediate paddlers. The Kings River is a great destination for both leisurely floats and adrenaline-pumping rapids, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Beech Creek: A Class III-V Challenge in the Ozarks
For advanced kayakers looking for a tough and technical challenge, Beech Creek is a Class III-V rapid water paradise. With hazards including strainers, undercuts, and continuous rough rapids, this 7.5-mile creek offers non-stop drops and a thrilling journey through a gorge. The rapids here are considered some of the toughest in the Ozarks.
Highlights of Beech Creek include the infamous “Jungle Gym,” featuring a series of Class IV+ drops, and “White Lightning,” a long slide with gigantic waves. The final drop at Beech Falls is a Class IV ledge, providing an exhilarating end to this intense paddling experience. Be prepared for technical maneuvers, deep pools, and stunning natural surroundings.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Arkansas Kayaking Adventure
Arkansas truly is a kayaker’s paradise, with its diverse waterways, stunning landscapes, and thrilling rapids. Whether you’re a whitewater enthusiast seeking an adrenaline rush or a beginner looking for a leisurely float, there’s a kayaking destination in Arkansas that will suit your preferences.
From the Mulberry River’s whitewater roller coaster to the tranquil Spring River, the Buffalo National River’s Class II-III+ rapids, and the challenging Cossatot River, Arkansas offers a wide range of experiences for every skill level. Explore the scenic Illinois Bayou, navigate the remote Cadron Creek, paddle through the emerald waters of Big Piney Creek, and take on the intense rapids of Boen Gulf Creek.
Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the diverse scenery of the Kings River and test your skills at Beech Creek’s Class III-V challenge. Arkansas has it all for kayaking enthusiasts of all levels. So grab your paddle, pack your gear, and embark on your next kayaking adventure in the Natural State of Arkansas.
