No Arkansas river is totally and completely lazy. Just like most people, the Natural State’s river have moments of drama and moments of ease. Below you’re going to find 10 rivers, or rather, 10 sections of rivers, that are lazy enough that you can float to your heart’s content without working those paddles very hard. As with all float trips, you’ll want to do your research before you make plans. For several of these rivers, the difficulty or ease depends on water levels and which section you choose to float.
- Ouachita River
Flickr/Patrick Lewis The most popular lazy float on the Ouachita is the ten mile stretch from Oden to Rocky Shoals. This float will take you through some of the most beautiful forested land you can find anywhere, as the Ouachita National Forest is totally lovely.
- Buffalo National River
Flickr/Steven Rodriguez The Buffalo National River has probably the finest floating in the Natural State. While times of high flow will cause the class I (easy) water to move up a tier to class II (moderately difficult) water, the Buffalo stays pretty easy most of the time. And the scenery? There’s nothing like it in the world.
- Eleven Point River
Facebook/Shady River Getaway The Eleven Point River is an extremely underrated river that flows into Arkansas from its headwaters in southern Missouri. It’s spring fed, which means it can be floated year round, and it’s certainly not overdeveloped, which means you can enjoy some solitude on that slow, unobstructed river.
- Little Maumelle Water Trail
Flickr/Jonathan Ball If you’re doing the Little Maumelle Water Trail, you’re making a good choice. You’ll put in at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, most likely, and you can paddle around as long as you want before you head back to the dock. It’s a pretty easy place to float around on a slow-flowing stream, and it’s super close to Little Rock, too.
- Saline River
Flickr/twi$tbarbie The Saline River is another central Arkansas favorite with a slow flow and plenty of chances to float your troubles away. If you don’t have equipment of your own, you can rent a canoe from Saline River Canoe. They’ve got a four mile float trip from Peeler Bend to Lyle Park that you’ll absolutely adore.
- Caddo River
Flickr/Patrick Lewis The best lazy float on the Caddo is from Glenwood to Amity, as the waters above there are a bit more difficult to navigate. The eight miles you’ll float from Glenwood to Amity will have longer pools and tamer rapids than the upper portion of the river. If gorgeous forested hills and amazing rock outcrops are your thing, you’re going to love the scenery on the Caddo River.
- Spring River
Flickr/Dave Thomas The Spring River is fed by Mammoth Springs, which has the highest flow rate of any natural spring in the Natural State. Being spring-fed means the water levels are dependable and the water hovers around 58 degrees year round. You can tube, canoe, or kayak the Spring River with a fair amount of ease, and the fishing is great too.
- Mulberry River
Flickr/Thomas & Dianne Jones Yes, there is some whitewater on the Mulberry, but if you catch it at the right time, it’s just about the most family friendly whitewater in the Natural State. There’s a catch to when this river is “lazy.” You’ll want to mind which section you choose to float and check out the water levels as well. At a normal flow rate, the Mulberry is mostly a lovely, peaceable river. When the water is too high or too low, there’s nothing lazy about it.
- White River
Flickr/Chad The White River is an incredibly interesting river. It begins as a stream and meanders its way into a quick river and then into a wide, relaxing waterway. Your best bet for a lazy float is downstream. You’ll be glad to know that White River Canoe can supply all your tubing, kayaking, and canoeing needs as well. If you’re in doubt about when and where to float, call White River Canoe.
Have you floated on any of these rivers before? If so, share your experiences with us!
Flickr/Patrick Lewis
The most popular lazy float on the Ouachita is the ten mile stretch from Oden to Rocky Shoals. This float will take you through some of the most beautiful forested land you can find anywhere, as the Ouachita National Forest is totally lovely.
Flickr/Steven Rodriguez
The Buffalo National River has probably the finest floating in the Natural State. While times of high flow will cause the class I (easy) water to move up a tier to class II (moderately difficult) water, the Buffalo stays pretty easy most of the time. And the scenery? There’s nothing like it in the world.
Facebook/Shady River Getaway
The Eleven Point River is an extremely underrated river that flows into Arkansas from its headwaters in southern Missouri. It’s spring fed, which means it can be floated year round, and it’s certainly not overdeveloped, which means you can enjoy some solitude on that slow, unobstructed river.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
If you’re doing the Little Maumelle Water Trail, you’re making a good choice. You’ll put in at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, most likely, and you can paddle around as long as you want before you head back to the dock. It’s a pretty easy place to float around on a slow-flowing stream, and it’s super close to Little Rock, too.
Flickr/twi$tbarbie
The Saline River is another central Arkansas favorite with a slow flow and plenty of chances to float your troubles away. If you don’t have equipment of your own, you can rent a canoe from Saline River Canoe. They’ve got a four mile float trip from Peeler Bend to Lyle Park that you’ll absolutely adore.
The best lazy float on the Caddo is from Glenwood to Amity, as the waters above there are a bit more difficult to navigate. The eight miles you’ll float from Glenwood to Amity will have longer pools and tamer rapids than the upper portion of the river. If gorgeous forested hills and amazing rock outcrops are your thing, you’re going to love the scenery on the Caddo River.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
The Spring River is fed by Mammoth Springs, which has the highest flow rate of any natural spring in the Natural State. Being spring-fed means the water levels are dependable and the water hovers around 58 degrees year round. You can tube, canoe, or kayak the Spring River with a fair amount of ease, and the fishing is great too.
Flickr/Thomas & Dianne Jones
Yes, there is some whitewater on the Mulberry, but if you catch it at the right time, it’s just about the most family friendly whitewater in the Natural State. There’s a catch to when this river is “lazy.” You’ll want to mind which section you choose to float and check out the water levels as well. At a normal flow rate, the Mulberry is mostly a lovely, peaceable river. When the water is too high or too low, there’s nothing lazy about it.
Flickr/Chad
The White River is an incredibly interesting river. It begins as a stream and meanders its way into a quick river and then into a wide, relaxing waterway. Your best bet for a lazy float is downstream. You’ll be glad to know that White River Canoe can supply all your tubing, kayaking, and canoeing needs as well. If you’re in doubt about when and where to float, call White River Canoe.
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