Playing in the rapids at Rockport Ledge on the Ouachita River
Arkansas has more than 9,000 miles of streams, and a good deal of
this mileage is perfect for floating - be it by canoe, johnboat, raft or
kayak. The variety of Arkansas river rafting adventures is
remarkable, ranging from matchless trout fishing trips and rugged
whitewater rafting to peaceful float trips ideal for first timers. Take a
canoeing vacation in Arkansas, where the streams are, in a word, inviting.
Use the drop down menu to find seasons, access points, fishing
tips, basic characteristics and locator maps for 18 favorite waterways
or click on each Arkansas river listed here:
Big Piney Creek,
Buffalo River,
Caddo River,
Cadron Creek,
Cossatot River,
Crooked Creek,
Eleven Point River,
Illinois Bayou,
Kings River,
Little Missouri River,
Little Red River,
Mulberry River,
Ouachita River,
Richland Creek,
Saline River,
Spring River,
Strawberry River and
White River. What you won't find are mile-by-mile descriptions of the streams; these details are for you to discover!
Find an Arkansas Canoe Club, Check Arkansas River Levels & More!
More information on Arkansas's float streams--including Arkansas river levels and an up-to-date message board--is available at the Arkansas Canoe Club website, www.ArkansasCanoeClub.com.
Several other clubs in Arkansas regularly participate in organized hiking or floating excursions. Two such clubs are the
Arkansas Chapter of the Sierra Club and the
Ozark Society, which provide information on Arkansas river levels, trails, waterways, conservation and more.
Other Sources of Info
Many of the streams mentioned in this collection flow through or
near Arkansas's three national forests--the Ouachita National Forest and the
Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. They offer superb hiking, camping, and hunting
opportunities in addition to their river recreation possibilities. For more information,
write:
Forest Supervisor
Ouachita National Forest
P.O. Box 1270
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71902
Forest Supervisor
Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
605 West Main Street
Russellville, Arkansas 72801
The Arkansas
Game & Fish Commission is the agency charged with managing the state's
wildlife resources. It has established a fine network of hatcheries, public fishing lakes,
and wildlife management areas. More information, including order forms for hunting and
fishing licenses, may be obtained by writing:
Information & Education Division
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
The Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism manages the state
park system, produces the Arkansas Vacation Kit, and houses the Arkansas Trails Council.
For details on these or similar topics, write:
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
1 Capitol Mall
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
In 1979 the legislature established the Arkansas Natural
&
Scenic Rivers Commission, a body charged with developing a
system to protect "natural
beauty along certain rivers of the state." In 1997, the Arkansas
General Assembly dissolved this commission and moved the duties to the
Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC). The ANHC is part of the
Department of Arkansas Heritage and now maintains the Arkansas Natural
and Scenic Rivers System. It also serves as a resource and contact
point for state and federal river designation information in Arkansas.
For more information on the Commission and
its activities, write:
Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
c/o Department of Arkansas Heritage
1500 Tower Building
323 Center Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201