The majority of Arkansas' most popular streams and rivers occupy the northern half of the state. Many of these arise within beautiful Ozark National Forest and virtually all ultimately feed into the Mississippi River. You will find easy car access to most of these waterways, which are especially popular with water sports enthusiasts and anglers.
Flowing southwest through the Boston Mountains, the Mulberry River empties into Ozark Lake, a widening of the Arkansas River. Especially within Ozark National Forest, this stunning river draws many canoers, kayakers and rafters who drift downstream enjoying spectacular views of the wild woodlands. Non-boaters can also enjoy the river from its banks in many locations.
Three miles out of the town of Ozark, south of Ozark National Forest, East Gar Creek is a popular getaway location for local fishermen. Whether fly-fishing, bait casting or using a spinning reel, you stand a good chance of catching large-mouth and rock bass, or rainbow trout.
This wild stream winds south through Ozark National Forest before emptying into Little Piney Creek. Owens Creek lures fishermen mostly from Clarksville, 15 miles away to the southwest, with the prospect of catching their limit of brook, brown or rainbow trout.
Twisting southeast through the Boston Mountains of Ozark National Forest, Little Piney Creek feeds Piney Bay, a tributary of the Arkansas River. The creek's rapids attract whitewater rafters and kayakers, but it also has many calm areas along the 12-mile class II run.
Before merging with its smaller namesake as it empties into Piney Bay, Big Piney Creek zigzags through the Boston Mountains east of Little Piney Creek. While the 4.4-mile long class II rapids attract many rafters and kayakers, Big Piney is also popular with hikers traversing the Grassy Point, Grimmet Springs and Still Hollow trails.
While the enormous Mississippi River acts as the eastern border of the state of Arkansas, the Arkansas River is the largest waterway flowing through the state, from west to east and terminating in the Mississippi River. This is one of America's top rafting rivers in Colorado, but is a noted destination for Arkansas fishermen hoping to hook bream, catfish, a variety of bass, or crappie.
