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 without turning it into a whitewater run. And if you like this section, you can find even more scenery and more rapids on the Mulberry floating the Turner Bend to Campbell Cemetery run on the Mulberry.
Quick Glance
Distance: Approximately 8 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Byrd’s Adventure Center (put-in): 35.677687, -93.743156
Redding Campground Access: 35.681570, -93.787099
The SAC: 35.684286, -93.813865
Turner Bend Access (take-out): 35.669869, -93.828349
(Copy/Paste Coordinates into GPS or Google Maps search bar)
Directions
This 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”, go east along Cass Oark Rd (Hwy 215). After passing Redding Campground, you will see signs for Byrd’s Adventure Center. These points are mapped out for you below:
What to Expect
Emerald Water and Class I-III Rapids
Floating Byrd’s to Turner Bend on the Mulberry River is an eight-mile float. From Byrd’s, it is 3.8 miles to the Redding access area, making it a perfect halfway point if you want to do a shorter float. Anything above 2 feet on the Turner Bend gauge is usually floatable, although you may drag in a few spots near the lower end of that range. Around 3 feet is ideal for a fast, fun float. At 2 feet or less, you might have to skip Byrd’s and start at Redding. From there, it is a pretty quick four-mile float to Turner Bend, so stop often if you want to make the most of it.
With ideal float conditions, you can expect mostly Class I-II rapids. American Whitewater says Class I-III. The only part I would consider Class III is what they call “The SAC.” That is a set of rapids close to the end that runs steep and fast into a gigantic boulder. Anytime a set of rapids has a name, it is usually cause for concern, but do not let this one scare you at normal levels. There will be a sign on the right-hand bank warning you that it is coming up. When you get there, stay on the inside of the curve on the right-hand side. When the water takes you toward the boulder, paddle hard a couple of times on the left, and then paddle hard on the right. Above 4 feet, the river is getting high, and 5 feet on the gauge is considered flood stage. The outfitters will not put paddlers on the river at that level, and only experienced paddlers should consider floating when it is that high. Aside from that, the rest of the rapids are pretty easy Class I-II, but fun.
Scenic Beauty
This is a very beautiful scenic area. Although it may not have the towering bluffs of the Buffalo, it does have some nice bluffs along the river. Along the way, you will see lots of cool rock formations and giant boulders. There is also a set of rapids that shoots under a concrete bridge, which is fun. About halfway between Byrd’s and Redding, cold spring water trickles from the hillside into the river. It is a nice place to stop and take a break, so keep an eye out on the left side for the large flat rocks and water trickling from the hill.
This is not a big party river like the Spring or parts of the Buffalo. But you are likely to encounter lots of fun, friendly people—and their dogs—on the Mulberry. There may be a few over-served patrons, but overall, it is a pretty family-friendly river. The people working at Byrd’s and Turner Bend outfitters are also very friendly and knowledgeable. The people on and around this river are another thing that makes the Mulberry one of my favorites.
At the end of the float, you will see the big bridge at Turner Bend. Stay on the left side as you approach it. Use the takeout before the bridge if you are parked on that side of the highway. If you park in the campground, you can use the takeout after the bridge.
Plan Your Trip
Floating Time: 4-6 hours depending on flow and number of stops
Cell Service: Little to none, except near Turner Bend
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Closest Outfitters: Byrd’s Adventure Center and Turner Bend Store
One of the great things 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 of, with no long gravel roads to travel. They may get a little crowded sometimes, so if you are self-shuttling and leaving a car, get there fairly early. This river is also super easy to self-shuttle because you can drive from Byrd’s to Turner Bend in about 15 minutes. For a small parking fee, you can leave a car at either outfitter 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.
For all float sections on the Mulberry River, it is best to check the water levels on American Whitewater or RiverApp. The river sections shown in green or orange are generally good to go. If you are still not sure, call Turner Bend or Byrd’s to get real-time information about the river conditions. If you are renting a kayak or canoe, it is best to call the outfitter ahead of time anyway to reserve one. Speaking of calling, it is hard to get a cell signal anywhere on Cass Oark Rd. So if you are meeting or coordinating with others, you will 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 and camper sites, including some with full water and electric hookups. Food options are plentiful too. Turner Bend Store has a great deli, while Byrd’s has a full-service riverside restaurant. 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 everything you will need. Remember, no glass of any kind is allowed 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 help keep this river beautiful. Enjoy the float!
