Local advice sought...

[tjalmy]

Hi there,
We will be visiting your lovely state for a week at the end of May.
Would anyone care to meet and paddle for a day trip?
We'll be staying near the Kings River, would consider also the White River,
then travling south, through the Ouacita National forest.
Maybe the Mulberry? Ouacita?
Any info on favorite local paddle trips, and/or local foods, would be most welcome.
We are looking for river trips that are class 2 and under, or lakes. We won't be bringing white water boats.
Senic beauty is our priority. A bit of spider-eating brush busting won't bother us.
I'll be happy to repay anyone who heads down to central Florida with my local knowledge.
Thanks so much,
T & D Almy

[bennettm]

rock house road to trigger gap on the kings river is a good float for scenery and there is a outfitter located at trigger gap so you can get river level info and shuttle service

[msisco]

there's so many good places to float, hike, mtn bike and just generaly muckabout in the woods around here it's hard to narrow it down, one of my faves for just a day or two or even 10 is ye olde buffalo river ans spending some time wandering around the old mining town of Rush, it was once the largest town west of the mississippi, tons of hiking trails all around the river. if you havent gotten one already, i would suggest getting the Ar. State Parks adventure guide book. the website is arkansasstateparks.com or the phone #is 1-800-natural. you can also contact the office directly at 501-682-7777 to get the adventure guide,, might get to you sooner that way

[Prairie Tater]

I'm surprised that you did not mention the Buffalo River in your plans. If you are traveling all the way from Florida, then you've got to consider the nine miles from Ponca to Kyles Landing. For scenic quality, this run has the most "bang for your buck" of any float stream I know. You are paddling at the base of many towering bluffs on nothing more than class II. Most of it is flat water. There are also several hiking trails leading to some beautiful waterfalls (don't miss Hemmed-in Hollow). If you need a shuttle, Buffalo Outdoor Center is located in Ponca. Its also fairly easy to hook up with someone at the put-in. Enjoy your trip!

Terry Prater

[tjalmy]

Thanks all,
The reason I didn't list the Buffalo is two fold. First, I didn't know day trips were an option. Secondly, I felt the need to float the Buffalo and Current rivers as a vacation unto itself. Not that I won't reconsider.
We will be returning from a south western vacation, and, taking a more northern route returning, thought we'd spend a few days in the Ozarks.
I've only driven through there once, and it left a mark in my brain to go back.
Thanks again.
And what's this I hear about y'all having a white barbeque sauce?
T

[Gordon Kumpuris]

For class II and class I the Buffalo is pretty much hands down our best stream day in and day out. Lots of day trip access points but yes it is also worthy of a vacation destination all by itself. The Mulberry is a pretty stream too and very popular. The Ouachita is scenic but in my opinion not as scenic as the two others mentioned. All three have businesses that will provide boats and shuttles. Watch the water levels in late may. Our rivers could be too high or too low. Who knows. Check the Ozark whitewater summary page for more level information. It can be found as a link from the ACC homepage.

[Roger]

"And what's this I hear about y'all having a white barbeque sauce?"

Uhhh, that doesn't ring a bell. We got the WHITE Pig Inn in North little Rock. Some poeple make a bbq sauce with WHITE wine. Heard of White Trash BBQ Sauce but it's not white.

Anybody got any other ideas?

[tjalmy]

Sorry, my bad.
I guess my memory was faulty. The white sauce is rumored to be in Alabama.
If you haven't seen this, it's worth it.
Southern Review of Barbeque....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ubTQfr_tyY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Despite what they say about Florida. Of course you'll notice Florida is shaped like California, so I'm not sure they know what they're talking about.

Tom

[KimL]

Yes, I've had white BBQ sauce in both Huntsville, AL, and Clarksville, TN, but the Clarksville, TN, people had origins in northern AL. As soon as I saw your post, I thought, hmmmmm. Arkansas, Alabama, must be confused. If you ever head that way, look for the Greenbriar on the new(ish) interstate connector from I-65 to Huntsville. The Greenbriar will be on the north side of the highway. Can't remember the exit but could find out if you really want to know.

[KimL]

Computer gremlins at it again, double-posting!