Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Looking for info on floating Big Piney from Hurricane Creek to Ark River. Taking 16' Buffalo River canoe and 9' Corsica S kayak. Last week of March (spring break this year for public school teachers and students).

Want to know the land along the whole watershed from the Hurricane Valley on down, so we can fill in the blank spots on our mental map.

What can you advise about: unusual hazards, particularly nice campsites, campsites to avoid, just-in-case outfitters, emergency phone numbers and resources, sidetrip hikes definitely worth it, number of days for those not in hurry, etc.

P.S. Not afraid to drag, not too proud to portage where advisable.

George West

http://www.ozarkpages.com/cgi-bin/crfind.pl?Piney" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Get a copy of Tom Kennon's book:

http://books.google.com/books/about/Oza ... UKAQAAMAAJ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Call Moore's Outdoors:

http://www.mooreoutdoors.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope this helps.

Whitewater-wise, this is summed up as "Treat to Long Pool" (class 2-3) and "Everything else". Do you seek rapids or avoid them? If the latter, perhaps starting at Long Pool would be better. I don't really know what's below the "Long Pool to Double Bridges" section, but I would assume willow jungles at worst.

The Treat to Long Pool section is a small step up from the Mulberry. You may already know that.

bring a fishing pole.

panicman wrote:bring a fishing pole.

and some RAIN

If you're looking to camp at least one night on the Piney, you can make the Helton's to Moore's a trip. Overnight camping used to be available just above Grave's Creek. Not a sandbar.

Think some camping might be done at one other rapid (1,2,3, etc.) as I recall. These are accessible by ATVs, etc. The Moores are your go to people for more detailed river information and shuttle if you need one.

And yes water is needed, and fishing can be good. Suggest you shorten the trip so you can enjoy the times on the banks as well as the time on the rivers. Dress warm and dry. If we are lucky!!!

There is much information on the stretch from Helton's down, so I will cover the stretch from Fort Douglas (just below Hurricane Creek) and Helton’s.

This stretch is class II water that is easily handled by paddler with basic boating skills. Its remoteness makes it wonderful, and I have never seen another boater on this stretch of the river when floating. It is one of the best smallmouth fishing stretches in state; bring fishing pole.

There are several large center-river gravel bars in this stretch that separate the flow and feature willow jungles (always present) and large strainers (often present) that are not to be trifled with in water above 3.5.

The first rapid below HWY 123 bridge crosses the first center-river gravel bar, and it has had a bad strainer on river right the past 2 years.

At mile 5, look for Waterman’s ford (you will see county road enter river on right). After passing this ford and its large gravel bar, be careful on the next rapid formed by the next center-river gravel bar. Only the river left is passable, but it takes you into an S turn, and the second turn leg of this S turn puts you straight into a nasty willow jungle if you cannot navigate the turn. Consider portaging this rapid.

At mile 7, you will approach a slate area on river right where Trace Creek enters. This is a great area to camp, and if you take an approx. 1 mile hike up trace creek, you will see a wonderful waterful.

At mile 8, you will cross Phillip’s ford. From here to Heltons, it is very remote, all public land, and it features many great areas to camp.

Have a great float.

John

Thanks to all for all the leads. Exactly what I was hoping for. Have ordered a used copy of the Whitewater book tonight, admired the excellent pix of The Mother etc in the Photo Gallery and will contact Moore's early on. (Had spotted their cabin store late last spring on a chilly trip to Long Pool so I now know exactly how to find them.) Philosophically addicted to traveling the whole watershed* (since I've logged a lot of time along the headwater tributary of the Hurricane) but seriously listening to advice to shorten trip to savor time out of boat as much as in water. P.S. In addition to Voices of Mocassin Creek by Piney Page, does anyone know sources of local history? -- this site is a remarkable resource. appreciate all those who make it work, George West Mon 1/27/14 11:30 p.m.