#kayaking
Turner Bend to Campbell Cemetery on the Mulberry River
Floating Turner Bend to Campbell Cemetery on the Mulberry River had been sitting on my adventure list for years. Having floated the Upper Mulberry stretches from Wolf Pen and High Bank to Turner’s many times, this middle section had been calling to me like an unfinished story. When I finally made the trip, it did not disappoint. I expected it to follow the pattern of many rivers – fast and splashy upstream, slowing to a gentler, lazier pace as it winds toward the lower end. Instead, this stretch threw my assumptions overboard. To my surprise, the current stayed quick and playful, delivering the same thrill as the upper Mulberry. With several exciting class II rapids and even more natural beauty, this was not the float I expected—it was far better. Quick Glance Distance: 10.1 mi...
Floating Carver to Woolum on the Buffalo River
There’s something truly therapeutic about an overnight float trip on the Buffalo National River. The quiet stillness of the evening, and the crackle of a campfire under a canopy of stars. Sleeping to the sounds of water rushing through nearby shoals. A front row view of a towering bluff with the morning sun peeking over its ridge is one of the best ways to enjoy morning coffee. For those seeking a perfect blend of stunning scenery, manageable paddling, and ample camping opportunities, floating Carver to Woolum on the Buffalo River is an ideal choice. This journey offers a fantastic multi-day adventure that showcases the heart of America’s first national river. Floating Carver to Woolum on the Buffalo River is a classic overnight float through serene forests, rugged bluffs, and ...
Ozark Campground to Hasty on the Buffalo River
Floating from Ozark Campground to Hasty on the Buffalo National River offers a serene and scenic adventure through the heart of the Ozarks. This is a great option for paddlers that love the Pruitt to Hasty float but would like to add a couple more miles to it. Ozark Campground is two miles upstream from Pruitt Access. The seven mile float from Pruitt to Hasty is one of the more popular day trips on the Buffalo. Most – maybe all – of the local outfitters put paddlers on the river at Pruitt. I don’t know of any that provide float or shuttle service starting at Ozark Campground. I assume this is because Pruitt’s close proximity to Hwy 7 makes it much easier for outfitters to access than Ozark. But for anyone willing to self-shuttle their own boat and skip the line at P...
Exploring Bluffton Preserve – A Natural Gem in the Southern Ozarks
Tucked away in a beautiful valley just six miles north of Clinton in the southern Ozarks lies the Bluffton Preserve Nature Area. This is another natural area managed by the Nature Conservancy. Through the help of generous donors, the Nature Conservancy is the same group responsible for bringing us other wonderful recreational areas like Rattlesnake Ridge and Blue Mountain. While exploring Bluffton Preserve, I immediately realized this place is an outdoors treasure chest. There are professionally built trails for mountain biking, hiking, and backpack camping. Four miles of the Archey Fork Little Red River flows right through the area, with an access point for launching canoes and kayaks. This picturesque stream provides swimming holes, fishing, and a beautiful backdrop for hiking and observ...
Greer Crossing to Whitten on the Eleven Point River
Every Summer when the temperature rises and the rainfall stops, the hunt for floatable rivers begins. We have had some great floats on dam-fed gems like the Little Red River and Lower Ouachita River. And for the last two Summers, we’ve really enjoyed the spring-fed Eleven Point River near Pocahontas in Northeast Arkansas. But I’ve always heard the Eleven Point is also really nice further upriver into Missouri. So we recently ventured into the Show-me State to check it out. To ensure the flow would be good, we decided on floating Greer Crossing to Whitten on the Eleven Point River, and it did not disappoint. The Eleven Point is one of the three major floating rivers in the Mark Twain National Forest of Southern Missouri. All three are spring-fed and in close proximity of each ot...
Floating War Eagle Creek – Hwy 23 to Hwy 45
The Ozarks, a vast and scenic mountain range stretching across Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, is a paddler’s paradise. With an abundance of options ranging from gentle floats to adrenaline-pumping whitewater, the Ozarks cater to all paddling skill levels. In the Arkansas Ozarks, iconic rivers such as the Buffalo, Kings, and Mulberry garner most of the attention, and rightfully so. But beyond these popular rivers lie some lesser known gems like War Eagle Creek. Floating War Eagle Creek is a must-do for anyone seeking a scenic and relaxing experience in nature, away from the crowds. My first glimpses of War Eagle Creek came while I was driving to Marble for a float trip down the nearby Kings River. I knew right then I had to come back to float this one too. This gentle waterway is o...
Floating Rush Landing to the White on the Buffalo River
The Buffalo National River offers a unique wilderness experience for millions of hikers and paddlers every year. This natural playground of the Ozarks attracts visitors from all over to experience the thrill and beauty of its many scenic floats. But for those seeking ultimate tranquility, solitude and stunning scenery, the Lower Buffalo Wilderness offers a true escape. Floating Rush Landing to the White on the Buffalo River is a 25-mile float that delves into the heart of the Ozarks. This remote stretch of the river provides a glimpse of a world mostly untouched by civilization. Floating Rush Landing to the White on the Buffalo River has been on my adventure to-do list for years. After bad weather spoiled our plans for this float in 2023, my buddies and I were determined to try again. With...
Remote Designs 60L Submersible Duffel Product Review
I recently had a request to occasionally talk about outdoor gear that I recommend. So I thought I would take a break from writing about hiking and kayaking to do a product review. The timing is great because I have been looking into some new float gear lately. Specifically, I’ve been looking at extra large dry bags to replace my current backpack set-up for overnight floats. So when I got the opportunity to test out the Remote Designs 60L Submersible Duffel, I jumped all over it! I want to note here that I did receive this product for free. But there was no financial incentive to write a product review, nor am I in any way obligated to do so. I am giving my honest opinion on it because I like the company and think they have a good product. If I didn’t think that, I simply would ...
Cow Shoals to Swinging Bridge on the Little Red River
For many people in Arkansas, the hot temperatures and dry rivers of mid-Summer mean the end of float season. But that doesn’t have to be the case. That’s right, there are other float options out there that do not rely on rainfall. There are spring-fed rivers like the Eleven Point River and the Illinois River. And there are dam-fed floats like the Little Missouri, Lower Ouachita, and Little Red. Last Summer we made our first trip down the Little Red when we floated Swinging Bridge to Lobo Landing. To beat the heat this year, we went upriver to float Cow Shoals to Swinging Bridge on the Little Red River. Quick Glance Distance: Approximately 4.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Cow Shoals Access Coordinates: 35.513393, -91.929978 Swinging Bridge Access (Barnett Park) Coordinates: 35.489656,...
Baker Ford to Tyler Bend on the Buffalo River
I once wrote that Tyler Bend to Gilbert on the Buffalo River is my top recommendation for beginner paddlers. I think it still is. But Baker Ford to Tyler Bend comes in a close second in that category. This short section of the Buffalo is a perfect lazy river float for a beginner to get a taste of Ozark paddling. With no dangerous rapids, the steady current carries floaters downriver without too much paddling required. All while experiencing the majestic bluffs and crystal-clear waters that keep us all coming back. The only thing that makes Tyler Bend to Gilbert a slightly better option for beginners is the ease of self-shuttling. The driving distance to the put-in is much shorter to Tyler Bend than Baker Ford. Aside from that, it’s about the same floating conditions and scenery. This...
Long Pool to Hwy 164 on Big Piney Creek
There are certain floats in Arkansas that have a very short window of opportunity for floating. You have to catch these floats during prime float season, and often within days of a good rain. Floats like North Sylamore Creek, or Helton’s to Long Pool on Big Piney Creek are good examples. Big Piney Creek is one of my favorites, and I think a very underrated float river in Arkansas. And although the window of opportunity is often short, there is a section that’s a little more forgiving. Of course I’m talking about Long Pool to Hwy 164 on Big Piney Creek. Long Pool to Hwy 164 on Big Piney Creek is a float that I have done many times. You might also see it called Long Pool to Moore’s, or Long Pool to Twin Bridges. I like it for several reasons. One, it has some really f...
Grinder’s Ferry to South Maumee on the Buffalo River
As float season gets underway, the businesses along Hwy 65 between Marshall and St. Joe are getting into their busy season. Paddlers of all kinds will flock to this beloved area by the thousands for a fun day on the Buffalo River. A majority of folks floating in this area will do Tyler Bend or Grinder’s Ferry to Gilbert. It’s one of the most popular sections of the Buffalo due the ease of shuttling. But what does the Buffalo River look like after Gilbert? The next take-out after that is Maumee, and most people never see this 12-mile section. It’s been one of the few sections of the Buffalo left on my to-do list. So to start the 2023 float season, we did an overnight float from Grinder’s Ferry to South Maumee. You may be asking, “What’s the deal with this...
