Month: June 2020
Tyler Bend to Gilbert Float on the Buffalo River
I have seen a lot of requests lately asking what is the best float for beginners. I have seen this asked in various social media groups and been asked several times directly. There are a lot of great floats in our state that are great for beginners. And maybe one day I’ll devote a whole article to that list. But there’s one float that comes to mind that I recommend more than any other. The Tyler Bend to Gilbert float on the Buffalo River is, in my opinion, the best float for a first time or novice paddler. Why is that? I’m glad you asked. It’s a combination of several reasons. First, it’s an easy float that is safe for beginners. But it also has beautiful scenery, and enough swift water to make it fun. Next, it’s location makes it the quickest on the Buf...
Floating Byrd’s to Turner Bend on the Mulberry River
Floating Byrd’s to Turner Bend on the Mulberry River is an eight-mile trip with clear green water, fun rapids, and easy access from Cass Oark Road. It has enough fast water to keep the float exciting, but most of the rapids are manageable for paddlers with basic river skills. Redding Campground sits near the halfway point, giving you the option to shorten the trip when the upper section is too low or you just want a quicker day on the water. Add in the scenery, friendly people, and two experienced outfitters, and it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular sections of the Mulberry River. One of the best things about this section is the balance between scenery and excitement. The current keeps the float moving, while the rapids add enough action to make the trip memorable wi...
Hike to Terry Keefe Falls
Terry Keefe Falls is a short but rewarding destination tucked inside the Richland Creek Wilderness of the Arkansas Ozarks. The hike to Terry Keefe Falls is relatively easy, making it a great option for families and casual hikers alike. Along the way, the trail winds through hardwood forest and follows the sound of the creek. As a result, anticipation builds before the waterfall even comes into view. Beyond the main falls, this area offers even more to explore. On the drive in, there are easy stops at Falling Water Falls, Six Finger Falls and Fuzzy Butt Falls, Intersection Falls, and several others. Because of these nearby options, Keefe Falls works well as either a quick outing or part of a longer waterfall day. Quick Glance Distance: Approximately 1.1 miles out and back Difficulty: Modera...
Hemmed in Hollow Falls Via the Buffalo River
Did you know that the highest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains is located right here in Arkansas? Yep, that’s right. Hemmed in Hollow, located on the Buffalo National River, is 209 feet tall. That makes it the highest waterfall in Mid-America, according the National Park Service. From the regular trail head it’s a pretty tough hike. It starts in the hills above the top of the falls and ends at the bottom of the falls. So the steep uphill hike out of there is the difficult part. But for anyone that’s physically unable to do this hike, I have good news. You can access Hemmed in Hollow Falls via the Buffalo River and it’s a very short, easy hike. OK, so if you thought I was going to tell you about some special elevator, zip line or something, ...
Helton’s Farm to Long Pool on Big Piney Creek
A lot of people know about the extreme paddling of the Cossatot River in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas. But did you know you can go whitewater rafting in the Ozarks? It may not be the extreme whitewater rafting you see in Colorado or the Grand Canyon. But when the water is right, floating Helton’s Farm to Long Pool on Big Piney Creek can be some pretty intense paddling. I had a chance to run this stretch with some buddies last summer, and man what a ride! NOTICE – This is NOT a float for beginners! There is one outfitter here, and they will not rent to or shuttle novice paddlers for this float. And for good reason. Floating Helton’s Farm to Long Pool on Big Piney Creek is another one of those floats that you have to catch when the water level is right. Just l...
