You’ll Never Forget A Trip To These 16 Waterfront Spots In Arkansas
If there’s a greater set of natural wonders in the Natural State than the mountain ranges that cross through it, it’s Arkansas’s totally gorgeous waterways. It was hard to narrow this list down, but we did it just for you, readers.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Buffalo National River: This river is popular with fisherman, casual floaters, and serious kayakers alike. It’s not hard to see why.
2. Lake Fort Smith at Lake Fort Smith State Park: Though swimming is not permitted, fishing is, and for a small fee visitors to the park can have a guided tour of the lake on a pontoon boat. Guests can also stay overnight in a cabin and rent a party boat, kayak, or pedal boat.
5. Cossatot River: Cossatot translates roughly to “skull crusher.” It has been called "the most challenging section of whitewater between the Smokies and the Rockies.” Though not for the casual floater, it’s a must-do for serious kayakers and canoeists.
7.Clear Creek, Anywhere: Clear Creek has 173 miles of shoreline ambling through the Ozarks and the Arkansas River Valley. It offers spots for swimming, fishing, and camping.
8. Natural Dam: During the summer, this is a popular swimming hole and a great place to wade in bare feet. In the spring and fall, it’s just nice to sit and listen to the water.
9. Kings River Falls: Located in Northwest Arkansas, Kings River is a popular destination for float trips. More than that, Kings River has a set of falls that are totally gorgeous, even at low flow. Check out this low flow pic:
11. Mammoth Spring at Mammoth Spring State Park: Located in the Ozark Plateau, visiting this spring also means visiting some of the best natural beauty Arkansas has to offer.
12. Lake Ouachita is a man-made lake formed by the damming of the Ouachita River.
It is the largest lake completely within the state of Arkansas. Regardless of how it was formed, the lake is undeniably beautiful. Check out this shot taken around sunset.
14. Bull Shoals Reservoir at Bull Shoals State Park: Arkansas shares the Bull Shoals Reservoir with Missouri, and its total area makes it the biggest lake at least partially inside the Natural State.
15. Lake Austell & Lake Dunn at Village Creek State Park: Located in eastern Arkansas as part of a 1967 commission to form a large park in that section of the state, Village Creek State Park houses a section of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The two lakes in the park are tranquil and pretty, a good place to sit and think after a walk down the trail.
16. Saline River at Jenkins Ferry State Park: Set in the middle of the state, centering on a Civil War battlefield, this section of the Saline River is truly gorgeous.
Since it’s now springtime, it’s time to keep an eye toward summer fun. We can’t think of anything better to do in Arkansas than visit these terrific waterfront spots.
J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. She is a writer, a mom, and a graduate student. She is also an avid collector of tacky fish whatnots, slightly chipped teapots, and other old things. In her spare time she enjoys driving to the nearest creek to sit a while. If you were to visit her, she'd try to feed you cornbread.
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