The Yalobusha River is full of pleasant surprises and meanderings and is a paddler’s paradise from the dam in Grenada to its end. Claimed to be “one of Mississippi’s treasures,” it flows through the Malmaison Wildlife Management Area, displays sycamore, birch, maple, and willow forests along its banks, hosts and abundance of wildlife from beaver to red-tailed hawks and blue herons, and possesses some fine sandbars and clear water. It is floatable at virtually any level; even in flood the river is fairly docile. There are many opportunities for camping and other outdoor recreational opportunities along its path. This route flows through the gorgeous Malmaison Wildlife Management Area for about half its distance.

This section of the Mulberry has good action. There are a few named rapids and several tight curves. Redding Campground is on the right about halfway down. The Mulberry can be a lazy stream one day and the next be too full to run. Always check the current river level.

The Mulberry River has some entertaining paddling with good scenery. You pass by farmlands but they are well obscured by the densely wooded banks. The primary hazard faced on the Mulberry River is willow jungles; they are long and dense even by Ozark stream standards, it is wise to scout before entering. About .75 miles below the put-in you will encounter a low water bridge that is very hazardous on the river left; it may be passable on the river right but portage if there is any doubt. The put-in is at Byrd’s Adventure Center and a fee must be paid for parking, shuttle services are available. The take-out is at Turner Bend and a fee must be paid for parking/access.

This paddle offers some moderate whitewater on the Buffalo National River; some of the best paddling in middle America. The scenery is excellent, dense hardwood forest blanketing hill country and the highest rock faces in the region. Be on the lookout for willow thickets that can trap boat.

This paddle offers some moderate whitewater on the Buffalo National River; some of the best paddling in middle America. Be wary of the low water bridge at Erbie Ford, the need to portage is likely. The scenery is excellent, dense hardwood forest blanketing hill country and the highest rock faces in the region. Be on the lookout for willow thickets that can trap boat.

The Hailstone River is essentially the upper reach of the Buffalo River but is notably narrower and more challenging than the waters down stream. This section should only be attempted by skilled paddlers with swiftwater rescue skills in an appropriately size group. Expect numerous drops that should be scouted before committing to them. The scenery is excellent, typical of the Ozark hill country with thick forest and towering bluffs. This is also a long run so start early.

The Little Missouri River is among the most popular spots in Arkansas for advanced paddlers. The stream has many rapids that come in quick succession as well as standing wave playgrounds and drops. Paddlers should be competent in swift water rescue techniques. The scenery along this run is excellent, a mix of Ouachita National Forest wilderness and a few farmlands; access is limited.

This is an entertaining and challenging bit of whitewater for the experienced paddler. The first four miles provide a good class II warm up for the more challenging waters down stream. What follows the first section are some stiff class III approaching class IV rapids and drops that will keep you from enjoying the excellent scenery. The area surrounding this run is in pristine condition; forested Ozark hill country and tall bluffs.

The Yalobusha River is full of pleasant surprises and meanderings and is a paddler’s paradise from the dam in Grenada to its end. Claimed to be “one of Mississippi’s treasures,” it flows through the Malmaison Wildlife Management Area, displays sycamore, birch, maple, and willow forests along its banks, hosts and abundance of wildlife from beaver to red-tailed hawks and blue herons, and possesses some fine sandbars and clear water. It is floatable at virtually any level; even in flood the river is fairly docile. There are many opportunities for camping and other outdoor recreational opportunities along its path.

Very relaxing and quiet morning on the lake