These 8 Wild And Scenic Rivers In Arkansas Will Exhilarate Any Outdoor Lover
By Carol Ann Carson|Published July 04, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
The Natural State has over 80,000 miles of river flowing throughout the state. Out of these thousands of miles, less than 1% are designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. Eight rivers have this title and each one has its own unique beauty to enjoy. These special streams offer endless adventures that everyone can enjoy. Let’s pick one to paddle as we tour these different rivers.
Keep in mind that these rivers cross multiple towns so the addresses listed for each river is just one possible put-in area. If you’d like to know the criteria for a Wild and Scenic River, visit this page.
We recently mentioned the Mulberry River as one of the things to do while camping right here. Whether you're spending a weekend or just a few hours, this river can provide endless enjoyment. Springtime brings the strongest rapids but does calm down during the drier summer.
Dedicated white water rafters as well as casual floaters can agree that Big Piney Creek is a perfect Arkansas getaway. The 67-mile long stream can have over Class II rapids depending on the rains, so do research water levels before heading out. Be sure to stop at the Long Pool Recreation Area along the creek for a relaxing dip in the swimming hole.
Address: National Forest Road 1804, Dover, AR 72837
While the Mulberry and Big Piney are top picks for rafters, hikers may find more adventure along Hurricane Creek. This stream certainly lives up to its "Scenic" designation because of the number of waterfalls in the area. To learn the details on navigating to Blue Hole Falls and Green Grotto, read our full article right here.
The wild rapids of the Cossatot are a dream for experienced rafters. Many of the river's sections contain Class IV and V rapids. The river is so popular it's even been awarded as the best whitewater float stream in mid-America. You don't have to be a paddle expert to enjoy the beauty of the Cossatot, however. This trail offers a lovely tour on the shoreside, with no kayaking necessary!
The best floating on the Little Mo' is done during the springtime but that doesn't mean you need to wait to plan your trip. The trails along the river are simply stunning. Waterfalls, swimming holes, and mountain overlooks can be found throughout the area. One of the trails to have all of these features is the Little Missouri Trail.
This wilderness area is a waterfall chaser's paradise. The scenic drives and dozens of fall-filled trails make this one of the prettiest spots in all of Arkansas. Paddling the creek is possible but should only be done by well experienced kayakers. Here's one article that showcases the many falls in the area.
Perhaps the most popular spot along this creek is the crystal-clear Gunner Pool. You can read all about it right here. Floating the creek is possible but most folks prefer camping and swimming in the area instead.
The ultimate Wild and Scenic River in Arkansas is the beloved Buffalo National River. The nearly 150-mile long river has the best floating in the state. Every family needs to have at least one (or five) float trips down the Buffalo on their bucket list. Here's a good overview of the different float-friendly sections of the river.
Address: 4699 AR-43, Ponca, AR 72670
Which river is your favorite? Have you paddled them all? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Submit your gorgeous river photos in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Here are 12 other water wonderlands to add to your itinerary this summer!
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