For those seeking a fast and fun paddling adventure in the Arkansas Ozarks, a float trip on the Mulberry River is a must. Floating High Bank to Byrd’s on the Mulberry River is one of my favorite sections of river in the state. I love it because the steady flow and swift rapids make this river so much fun. And this particular section has some of the best rapids. At only 4.7 miles long, this short float is loaded with lots of fun action. It is a great option for a quick and exciting half-day float. Or combine it with Wolf Pen, or maybe float on down to Redding for a longer, full-day float. The great thing about the Mulberry – there are so many options for different float combinations. Combine all that with the natural beauty of the area, and the Mulberry River is easily one of the top floating destinations in Arkansas.
Quick Glance
Distance: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
High Bank Access Coordinates: 35.678882, -93.688930
Indian Creek Access: 35.683736, -93.710804
Whoop and Holler: 35.680318, -93.724454
Byrd’s Access (Take-out): 35.677613, -93.743131
Redding Access: 35.681563, -93.787146
Turner Bend Store (access): 35.669869, -93.828349
(Copy/Paste Coordinates into GPS or Google Maps search bar)
Directions
The Mulberry is one of the easiest rivers in Arkansas to access. The access points for this float are about 45 minutes north of the Ozark exit from I-40. From Hwy 23, aka “The Pigtrail”, at the community of Cass, go east along Cass Oark Rd (Hwy 215). You will see signs for Byrd’s Adventure Center and High Bank access point. These points are mapped out for you below:
What to Expect
Emerald Water and Class II Rapids
The Mulberry is another one of those rivers with beautiful emerald water that the Ozarks is known for. When it is floatable, it has a really nice current with very little paddling required. This particular section of the river has a lot of fast-moving water and some really fun, fast rapids. American Whitewater rates these as class II+. Immediately upon leaving High Bank access, you’ll meet “Jump Start” where I advise you to keep left, avoiding the big rocks on the right. That’s if the first big wave doesn’t flip you. This part usually flips a few people. But don’t worry, it is a popular hangout spot with plenty of folks around to help out. The other big rapid section is just past Indian Creek called “Whoop and Holler”. When you hit this big wave train, you’ll see why. Both of these rapids sections are featured in the video below as well as most of the rapids in between.
Floating High Bank to Byrd’s on the Mulberry River is only a 4.7 mile float that can be done in a couple of hours. Or make lots of stops and stretch it out to four hours. If I want a full day, I prefer to do Wolf Pen to Byrd’s (8 miles) or High Bank to Redding Campground (8 miles). The access at Indian Creek is 2.7 miles from Byrd’s. This provides a couple of six(ish) mile float options (Wolf Pen to Indian Creek, or Indian Creek to Redding). And that’s the great thing about the Mulberry – so many options!
Scenic Beauty
As I mentioned, this is a very beautiful scenic area. Although it may not have the towering bluffs of the Buffalo, it does have some nice bluffs on the river. There are lots of cool rock formations, giant boulders, a couple of caves, and several springs and creeks. And plenty of mountains can be seen in the distance. Just below “Whoop and Holler” is a giant rock shelf that is a great place to take a break. It’s fun to park your boat here and watch paddlers hit the rapids just upstream. This is a great spot to stop for lunch, or delay that final stretch to Byrd’s just a mile or two away.
The Mulberry is not a big party river like the Spring River or certain parts of the Buffalo. But you are likely to encounter lots of fun, friendly people (and their dogs – yep, it’s pet friendly) on the Mulberry. There may be a few folks that are a little over-served, but overall it’s mostly a family-friendly river. And the people working at Byrd’s and Turner Bend outfitters are very friendly and knowledgeable. The people on and around this river are another thing that makes the Mulberry one of my favorites.
Plan Your Trip
Floating Time: 2-4 hrs depending on stops
Cell Service: Little to none (AT&T)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Closest Outfitters: Byrd’s Adventure Center, Turner Bend Store
Another really great thing about the Mulberry is how easily accessible it is. All the access points are off Cass Oark Rd, which hugs the river running east and west. The access points are easy to get in and out with no long gravel roads to travel. They may get a little crowded sometimes. So if you’re self-shuttling and leaving a car, better get there fairly early. That’s another thing – this river is very easy to self-shuttle. You can drive from High Bank to Turner Bend in 15 minutes. And there are a lot of convenient access points in between. This leaves lots of options for customizing the length of float you want to do. For a small parking fee, you can leave a car at either of the outfitters if you end your float there. But if you cannot self-shuttle, the good folks at the outfitters can get you where you want to go.
As with all floats, always check the water levels on American Whitewater or the RiverApp when planning your float from High Bank to Byrd’s on the Mulberry River. The river sections in green on their site, are good to go. If you’re still not sure, call Byrd’s or Turner Bend Store to get more info on the river conditions. If you are renting a kayak or canoe, it’s best to call the outfitter ahead of time anyway to reserve. Speaking of calling, it’s hard to get a cell signal anywhere on Cass Oark Rd. So if you’re meeting or coordinating with others, you’ll need to get close to the Turner Bend store for a signal.
Accommodations
There are several options for spending the night. Byrd’s, Turner Bend, and Redding Campground all offer tent camping sites with various options. Turner Bend has a few cabins for rent. And Byrd’s offers RV/Camper sites – some with full water and electric hookups. Food options are plenty too. Turner Bend Store has a great deli. Byrd’s has a full-service riverside restaurant. And just down the road in Oark, the Oark Cafe has some of the best burgers and homemade pies in the state. If you are a first time floater, check our gear list for all you’ll need. Remember, no glass of any kind on the river, and be sure to keep your trash in a bag. This is a really special area. So be sure to leave no trace, and keep this river beautiful. Enjoy the float!
