Float recommendation needed

[Ash]

Good day. So glad my Internet search found your group. I am planning a vacation trip to Arkansas for the end of July. We are 3 outdoor ladies (jogger, swimmer, hiker) in our late 50's and we want to see the National Buffalo River. Two of us have canoed and kayaked on flat water, slow rivers, bay coves. The other lady has only paddled from the front of my canoe a time or two.

As I get older, I am finding the kayak easier to maneuver on and out of the water.

For the best scenery and small ripples tossed in for fun, what section of the river would you recommend we do for a brief day trip? Between which towns?

Are there places to get out and swim a bit to cool off?

Would we do better in inner tubes to keep cool in July?

Is the White River down near Moutain View, AR just as nice a float for scenery?

Any recommendations for outfitters?

I know. A lot of questions. But, I bet you guys have the answers.

Ash

[Richard]

Hwy 14 bridge (Dillards Ferry) to Rush would be the best bet. 9 miles of easy water. I would recommend canoes over tubes. Plenty of oportunities to swim. Most popular is at Buffalo Point.

Here is a guide to the the Buffalo River. It will answer a lot of your questions.
http://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/u ... 09_web.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Wild Bill’s Outfitter
1-800-554-8657

There are several good hiking trails in the area. But it will be hot.

The White River is very nice this time of year. But, you will not be swimming. Water right now is about 60º. The prevailing winds are from the south this time of year and can be challenging. Not sure about shuttles or rentals because I normally hitch hike or self shuttle with others. Boswell shoals to Allison is about 4 miles. Calico Rock to Allison is about 15 miles. Norfork to Reds Landing is 7 miles and would be my pick. It is farther away from Mt View though. I would also encourage you to go to Blanchard Springs Caverns while you are in the area. It is located on Hwy 14 between the Buffalo and the White.

Make sure you check for ticks. They can be deadly. Literally.

[Jim Krueger]

I second the recommendation to visit Blanchard Springs Cavern! My favorite way of doing this is to first visit the Ozark Folk Center at Mountain View and have a large country lunch in their wonderful restaurant, then make the fairly short drive over to Blanchard Springs and walk all that lunch off in the delightfully cool cavern. It doesn't get any better than this on a hot July day here. :) At least on a land tour.

Best Regards
Jim

[Ash]

Your group is the greatest. We only have one day to play on the River. Your suggestions will give us more river time and less car time.

Do a rain dance this week, so there will be some water when I get there on July 31. Lest you think me totally insane for coming at the end of July, that's when a workshop I wanted to attend is scheduled at the Folk Art Center.

Yep. Blanchard Caverns is already on our Must See List. I agree. When the temps soar, a cave tour is a good vacation stop.

---Ash

"All who wander are not lost." -J.R. Tolkein

[Richard]

Ash,
I said Boswell Shoals to Allison was 4 miles. It is nine miles.

[Ash]

The Internet brochure guide that Richard recommended is very helpful. The best part for me was the comparison of miles to length of time the float takes, after considering the river level.

I've more than once started out thinking I'd be finished by noon, only to find myself frantically paddling my way to shore at dusk. The rivers in our area have almost no current and wind back and forth like drunk Aunt Abby's darning stitch.

I'm doing my rain dance every day up until July 25 when we hit the road to drive your direction. When we get home, I'll give you a report on our river experience.

Ash