We invite you to have “More Fun Per Gallon” in Arkansas this
year. Each day we will be blogging on different Arkansas destinations which can
be reached on one tank of gas or less. This is basically every corner of The
Natural State. We hope these suggestions help you in planning a trip to
remember.
year. Each day we will be blogging on different Arkansas destinations which can
be reached on one tank of gas or less. This is basically every corner of The
Natural State. We hope these suggestions help you in planning a trip to
remember.
Today’s Trip: Hot Springs to Glenwood
Around 30
miles west of Hot Springs is the small town of Glenwood. The city is located
near the Caddo River in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Since the
Caddo River is right here, canoeing and kayaking is a big draw to the
area. The town has also brought back a festival called Caddo River Fest and Trade
Days, which has been set for June
15-16 this year.
miles west of Hot Springs is the small town of Glenwood. The city is located
near the Caddo River in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Since the
Caddo River is right here, canoeing and kayaking is a big draw to the
area. The town has also brought back a festival called Caddo River Fest and Trade
Days, which has been set for June
15-16 this year.
If you might want to getyour river fix in, this is the place and three outfitters in town include Caddo River Camping &
Canoe Rental. The store has been in the area for over 25 years and have new
owners in David and Gayla Claborn.
The Claborn’s said the river is good for beginning canoeists with Class I and
II rapids. They also offer shuttle service for those with their own equipment.
For more details visit www.caddoriver.com.
Another
outfitter is Lucky’s and they offer different float trips. More details about this outfit (which has been in
business over 5 years and is located at 3 Baker Road) can be found at www.caddocanoeandkayak.com. Arrowhead Cabin and Canoe
Rentals is also in town. More information can be found at www.arrowheadcabinandcanoe.com.
outfitter is Lucky’s and they offer different float trips. More details about this outfit (which has been in
business over 5 years and is located at 3 Baker Road) can be found at www.caddocanoeandkayak.com. Arrowhead Cabin and Canoe
Rentals is also in town. More information can be found at www.arrowheadcabinandcanoe.com.
After enjoying the river, if you might be up for a
bite to eat, here are some dining options in town.
bite to eat, here are some dining options in town.
I
f you
visit Glenwood, I recommend a stop at a shop/museum I enjoy in town called
Billy’s House of Guitars, which is run by Billy Herrell. This shop/musem has guitars and other instruments and memorabilia that belonged to folks like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, etc. A special section is devoted to cowboy movie starts like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Herrell is a collector and the museum houses his personal collection of music and movie memorabilia. Here is an article I wrote on the museum awhile back in case you might want
to head there sometime. Herrell is a joy to talk to so be sure to say hello to
him and ask him to show you around. His stories are worth a trip alone. The shop is located at 201 East Broadway.
f youvisit Glenwood, I recommend a stop at a shop/museum I enjoy in town called
Billy’s House of Guitars, which is run by Billy Herrell. This shop/musem has guitars and other instruments and memorabilia that belonged to folks like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, etc. A special section is devoted to cowboy movie starts like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Herrell is a collector and the museum houses his personal collection of music and movie memorabilia. Here is an article I wrote on the museum awhile back in case you might want
to head there sometime. Herrell is a joy to talk to so be sure to say hello to
him and ask him to show you around. His stories are worth a trip alone. The shop is located at 201 East Broadway.
Situated on Lake Greeson’s shore, Daisy State Park in Kirby is also nearby and offers a chance to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, canoeing, camping, mountain biking, ATV riding, hiking, etc.
If you might need some more outdoor options or want to enjoy the sight of another river (the Little Missouri River ), you can jump in the car and drive to the Albert Pike Recreation Area, a couple of miles north of the small town of Langley, which is around 20 miles from Glenwood. Ouachita National Forest officials have
opened some portions of this popular recreation area , which had previously been closed since October 2010. This includes Loops A and B and East Beach. If you head to this area, be sure to check out Little Missouri Falls too!
opened some portions of this popular recreation area , which had previously been closed since October 2010. This includes Loops A and B and East Beach. If you head to this area, be sure to check out Little Missouri Falls too!
Oh, for those of you that might be planning canoe/kayaking trips on the Caddo, this link provides the current water level of the river:
You can then place that number in the range below to see what floating conditions will be at that level.
Gauge height in feet:
Low: 5.40 – 5.75: Some rocks at 5.75 to start having to get around, great range for inexperienced boaters though. Anything in this range is still floatable, but pack light.
Medium: 5.75 – 7.25: Great floating, few rocks, more boat control. This is the best range.
Higher: 7.25 – 8.75: A fast-paced float for experienced boaters with almost every rapid washed out above 7.50
Flood: 8.75 or greater: At 8.50 feet the river is starting to spread into flood plain and running through dense strainers. Cross currents become powerful. Correct route is most important. No rentals go out at this level.
Hope this helps. Enjoy!
