Canoe, Kayak, or Raft…When Paddling In Arkansas, It’s Called a FLOAT TRIP!!!

There are some parts of the Natural State that are not accessible by road, or by trail. The only way they can ever be seen is by water (unless you have the money to rent a helicopter). Paddling is an increasingly popular activity in Arkansas. There are hundreds of miles of rushing rivers and streams winding through the valleys of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. From lazy rivers to whitewater with class I – IV rapids, there are plenty of options for paddling in Arkansas to fit most skill levels.

Where to Float

LOTS of choices here. The most popular rivers for paddling in Arkansas are:
Buffalo River
Mulberry River
Kings River
Caddo River
Big Piney Creek
Ouachita River
Illinois River
Cossatot River
Spring River

Around the State

Those are the most popular, but there are many others to explore. There are also plenty more online resources out there, each with their own perspectives and information that they offer. Want to find more information, pictures, reviews, and details on specific rivers? The following sites are worth a look. They provide a little more in-depth information that might help you decide where to go, when, how to get there.

• American Whitewater – This (or the RiverApp below) should be your first stop when looking for rivers to float around this state. You can’t float if there’s no water, and American Whitewater shows you the water and flow levels for all the major float rivers, and some you’ve probably not heard of. Along with that vital information, clicking on each river, you can find additional information. Things like river hazards, pics of rapids, and other things to prepare you for a float.
• RiverApp – This a really nice mobile app that displays a GPS map to show paddling locations anywhere in the country. It shows the put-in and take-out points on the rivers. Tapping a point will bring up details for the float. It shows water levels for that section of river that can be filtered by time period. It shows the float’s position on a map. And it shows you hazards/info for the float, which you can add your own comments to. That’s a really cool feature.
• Canoeing and Kayaking by Arkansas.com – This site provides a list of all the major floating rivers, sorted by difficulty. There is a TON of great detailed information here for each river.
• Ouachita Rivers – Rivers, outfitters, and lodging in the Ouachitas.
• Go Paddling – This a great site with lots of info. Get gear reviews, info on paddling trips, tips on gear, paddling, safety. There is a message board, classifieds, and most importantly, a GPS map to help you find paddling locations near you. Get the app here
• AR Own Blog – Filtered by #paddling articles. Here I write about my own float trips and provide all the info you need to do these floats. Don’t see what you’re looking for? It’s a growing list, so check back!
• All Trails – Filter for “Paddle Sports” to find lists, pictures, reviews for popular floats.

Paddling Tips

A successful float trip requires a bit more planning than most outdoor adventures, especially for beginners. A few things to consider and plan for are:

1. Skill Level – The last thing an inexperienced paddler wants to do is get in over his head (no pun intended) with a river that he/she does not have the skills to navigate. This will most likely result in lost gear, destroyed boat, injuries, or even drowning. Always check the river classification before you go! See Tip #2.
2. Always Check Water Levels – Depending on where you live, you may have to drive several hours to get to the river you want to float. Imagine driving all that way just to find the river doesn’t have enough water in it to float!!! Or it’s too high and dangerous. What a waste of time and money! Hit up these sites to check the water levels every day leading up to your float.
   • American Whitewater – This should be the most important site in your bookmarks list for paddling in Arkansas. Our weather changes quickly, and the water levels change with it. Here you will find a list of all floatable rivers and creeks in Arkansas. It lists each river’s class(I-V) and the current water level. They are color coded to help you easily find the rivers that are currently at ideal float levels. Users can click on the name of each river to see pictures, descriptions, maps, directions, and other helpful information.
   • RiverApp – If you want a second opinion, this is the same app I have listed above. I’m also listing it here because it is a great resource to find river levels. It displays a GPS map to show paddling locations anywhere in the country. It shows the put-in and take-out points on the rivers. Tapping a point will bring up details for the float. It shows water levels for that section of river that can be filtered by time period. It also shows you hazards/info for the float, which is also important and a really cool feature.
   • Ozark Whitewater Page and Ozark Creek Information – These sites are managed by local whitewater enthusiasts. They provide lists of floatable rivers and creeks in Arkansas with classifications, water levels, descriptions, and access directions.
   • Current Buffalo River Level – This is specifically for the Buffalo River. It shows current river levels for popular floats on the Buffalo National River.
3. Renting Equipment and Shuttling – Unless you own all your own gear, you are going to need rent some or all of it from an outfitter. And unless you have the river knowledge and capability to shuttle your group, you will need a shuttle service. Choose the outfitter you want to use, and MAKE RESERVATIONS before you even leave your driveway. Again, what a waste of time and money to get to your destination and find that there are no boats available!
4. Buying Equipment – I don’t recommend buying equipment until you’ve had a chance to try out some different styles and models of kayaks, canoes, or rafts. Try out canoes vs kayaks and see what you like better. If a canoe is for you, consider the size, seating features, and things like that. If you’re a kayak person, decide if you want a serious whitewater kayak, or one more suited for slower water. Whitewater kayaks have a smaller cockpit, turn easier, but tend to be harder to paddle straight (tracking). Other kayaks, like angler kayaks, tend to be a little wider. A well-designed one will track straighter, making it easier to paddle hard and stay in a straight line. Then try a sit-inside kayak vs a sit-on-top. They are not cheap, so decide what’s for you before dropping a bunch of money. Consider taking these steps:
   • Rent equipment for a while.
   • Float with people that own their own equipment. Ask if they would mind if you try their’s out for a short bit. Most people love their boat and don’t mind letting you see how awesome their ride is. (Just don’t keep it too long.)
   • Find a local store or outfitter that does demo days and go try out their stuff.
   • Make a list of the models you like, and read user reviews online.
   • Start shopping. On a budget? Wait for the model you want to go on sale. Follow certain outfitters or canoe/kayak shops on social media. They often advertise sales there. Find used gear on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Paddling Gear List

If you are planning for your first float trip, check the gear list below. DON’T be the guy that didn’t think to bring ANYTHING! Whether floating a canoe, kayak, raft, or tube, the list below is a basic list of essential items you’ll need for any float trip. No matter if you plan to buy it or rent it, just make sure you’ve got it before getting in the water:

For more info on paddling in Arkansas, float trip ideas and more, check out my blog and search the #paddling tags. Thanks!