Strong River begins in the Bienville National Forest near Morton and flows southwest past Pucket and Mendenhall before joining the Pearl River. Only about a third of its length is floatable from D’Lo Water Park down to the Pearl, and even some of the upper parts are too shallow at times. Most of the time the river is placid and very enjoyable but in extreme water conditions it may be unpredictably raging and dangerous. This stretch begins at D’Lo Water Park, locally known as “the rock”, where there is a campground and canoe rental and shuttle services. About five miles below the park, Merit Bridge crosses the river. It is a very beautiful historic iron bridge. Immense walls of hardwood forest with few sandbars provide stunning scenery and host a variety of wildlife. Just before the take-out there is a river-wide rapid that can be exciting and fun, provided there’s enough water to get over it. It can easily be avoided if desired.