Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Multiple Adventures Await in Searcy County
Visitors to Searcy County can find a wide variety of adventures — whether exploring the miles of mountain trails and river waters, stepping back into history, savoring local flavors, or appreciating the beauty from local artisans and in a unique night sky.
The Buffalo National River, which marks its golden anniversary in 2022 as America’s first designated national river, meanders through a rugged and scenic landscape in Searcy County. The river is a popular destination for floaters, anglers, and campers, with elk and bald eagles among the area wildlife on display by day.
Paths throughout the county’s landscape invite visitors to take a journey on foot, by mountain bike, or on motorcycle or horseback. The Ozark Highlands Trail has been noted as one of the top ten long distance hiking trails in the United States by The Guardian, and also connects to the Buffalo River Trail. Mountain bikers can experience the thill of the Ozark Grinder Trail, while motorists can criss- cross the county on scenic highway loops, and horseback riders can enjoy more than 100 miles of trails from multiple stables.
Searcy County’s connection to the past is also close at hand, from a host of local museums, to antique and flea market shopping, to genealogical research resources to look deeper into family history. Traditions of the past are also brought alive in a number of ways, from live concerts and an old-fashioned movie experience at one of the state’s last remaining drive-in theaters in Marshall, to old-world sourdough bread baking in Leslie, and farm-to-table dinners in Harriet.
An eclectic mix of works can be found from artists around the county, including along the Arkansas Quilt Trail, and at various galleries with modern and folk art, and periodic events for craft enthusiasts.
When the day is done, clear nights above the county offer a special treat for stargazers. With its first-in-the-state designation as an International Dark-Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2019, the Buffalo National River’s naturally dark skies help teach the various benefits in reducing light pollution.
Area campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, and more lodging options are ready to accommodate a variety of visitors as they rest from one day’s fun and prepare for a new one on the horizon. GREATER SEARCY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • P. O. Box 1385, Marshall, AR 72650 • arkansas2024eclipse.com Ad paid for by combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region funds
LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER (CLASS I, II, III, IV)
Sprouting just south of the Big Fork community in western Arkansas, the Little Missouri descends 1,035 feet during its 29-mile trek to Lake Greeson. That’s an average drop of 35 feet per mile — and that means plenty of whitewater. In places, the stream carves its way through layers of rock, exposing the structure of the Ouachita Mountains. This stream is only floatable after extended periods of rain.
MULBERRY RIVER (CLASS I, II, III)
Some would describe the Mulberry as “50 miles of whitewater” — and that may not be far from the truth. Beginning deep in the Ozarks and flowing about 55 miles into the Arkansas River, the stream pours over ledges and whips around sharp turns, providing challenges for seasoned paddlers. The best floating months are generally from fall until late June.
OUACHITA RIVER (CLASS I, II)
Beginning where two streams converge at the base of Rich Mountain in Polk County, this river winds through the scenic Ouachita Mountains into Lake Ouachita. In addition to the family-friendly classification, the route is dotted with campgrounds, picnic areas and access points. This stream is generally floatable all year.
SALINE RIVER (CLASS I, II)
Basically a good float stream year-round, the Saline River offers a variety of floats, from fast-moving shoals to quiet pools and slow-moving stretches. Dense forest lines the riverbanks, and visitors may spot a variety of wildlife, including deer, mink, otters, beavers and birds. Except for the uppermost portions, the Saline is floatable year-round.
LITTLE RED RIVER (CLASS I, II, III)
Primarily known as a trout-fishing paradise, the Little Red also offers scenic floating opportunities. Large boulders dot the first few miles of the river beneath Greers Ferry Lake, creating a challenge for canoers. The water level varies, depending on the operation of the dam.
SPRING RIVER (CLASS I, II)
Starting at Mammoth Spring, this cool-water, spring-fed stream flows about 57 miles to the Black River. Most canoers and kayakers opt to float the 17-mile stretch between Mammoth Spring State Park and Hardy; this area is perfect for beginning to intermediate floaters. The constant flow from Mammoth Spring ensures that this stream is floatable all year, even during the dry summer months.
WHITE RIVER (CLASS I, II)
Flowing in a winding path, this river undergoes several transformations during its 720-mile journey, beginning as a small mountain stream and finishing as a broad, meandering waterway. As it passes through 18 Arkansas counties, there are several popular floats. The upper portion of the river is a seasonal float, traditionally from late October through April or May. Below Bull Shoals Dam, the river may be floated any time of year.