TAKE TO THE WATER

A guide to Arkansas float trips of varying difficulties

The quiet splash of an oar, the beauty of morning mist rising from the water, the thrill of navigating a difficult stretch of whitewater — these are siren calls for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. Luckily, Arkansas’ many rivers, streams and lakes offer abundant venues for watery adventures. The state’s waterways offer a variety of challenges, from Class I (easy) all the way to Class IV (very difficult), appealing to boaters of all skill levels. The following streams and lakes are only a few popular venues for float trips.

STRAWBERRY RIVER (CLASS I, II)

With its headwaters in Fulton County, this stream meanders a little more than 100 miles before merging with the Black

River. While the stream doesn’t offer a lot of whitewater, families can enjoy the scenic trip and its fishing opportunities. Spring is the best time for floating.

BIG PINEY CREEK (CLASS I, II, III)

Positioned in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, this clear, 67-mile-long mountain stream ranks among the best floats in the state, with stretches of whitewater providing added excitement. The stream rushes over ledges and numerous rapids in a twisting course past bluffs and gravel bars toward the Arkansas River. The prime time for canoeing begins in the fall and continues into June, depending on the season’s rainfall.

BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER (CLASS I, II)

The country’s first national river, the Buffalo runs about 150 miles from the Boston Mountains to the White River. While many legs of the river’s journey are calm and ideal for novices, others provide challenges for more-experienced boaters. Most parts of the Buffalo may be floated year-round, except in the upper reaches, where the winter and spring months are the optimal time for canoes and kayaks.

COSSATOT RIVER (CLASS I, II, III, IV)

Probably the most challenging of Arkansas’ rivers, early Native Americans called this waterway Cossatot — their word for “skull-crusher.” This rugged stream sprouts in the Ouachita Mountains and flows about 26 miles, ending in Gillham Lake. Upended layers of jagged bedrock provide Class IV (sometimes Class V) rapids for the very experienced canoer/kayaker.

CROOKED CREEK (CLASS I, II)

There are 10 Crooked Creeks in Arkansas ( along with a few Crooked bayous, branches and sloughs), but this one, which originates in Newtown County, flows north, then east to the White River, a distance of about 80 miles. Paddlers enjoy gorgeous Ozark landscapes — rolling hills, wooded glades, lofty bluffs and verdant pastures — paired with quiet pools interspersed with fast-moving chutes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE AND TOURISM Most parts of the Buffalo National River, which can be floated year-round, are calm and ideal for novices.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE AND TOURISM The rugged Cossatot River is considered one of Arkansas’ most challenging rivers and provides miles of Class IV rapids for the experienced canoer/kayaker.