Water Trails

• How long does it take to paddle a trail?

  Arkansas Water Trails are designed to be day trips. They can be as short as a couple of hours or as long as you wish to make them, depending on how many stops you make for wildlife-watching, fishing and exploring.

  In still water, you can generally expect to travel 1 to 2 miles per hour. However, river flows and water levels can alter the duration of your trip. Paddling against the flow takes more time, while paddling with the flow can shorten the trip dramatically. For information on streamflow, visit USGS Real-Time Water Data For Arkansas

• How do I determine optimum flow conditions of a water trail?

  When water levels and flows are low, man-made obstructions, log jams and snags increase and may render a water trail inaccessible. Low water can also diminish water quality.

  Heavy rain may cause flash floods or other dangerous conditions. Flood stage occurs when there are high water levels and high flows. Make sure that your water skills and experience are equal to the river and the conditions.

  The AGFC will provide as much information as possible on this website, but you must keep your skill level in mind when determining your ability to safely travel a body of water. Use this information at your own risk.

  To determine current conditions and trip times, contact a local canoe rental business, if available. Also, check the Arkansas Canoe Club’s web site for recommended water levels on certain rivers and creeks in the state.

• What days are the trails open?

  Paddling trails are open seven days a week. However, some access sites may have park curfews. Check individual sites to determine their business hours.

• Are canoe/kayak rentals and shuttles available on-site?

  Canoe and kayak rentals are sometimes available on-site or in a nearby community. Check individual sites to determine if they have rental or shuttle services.

  The AGFC makes every effort to keep rentals and shuttle information up to date on its website, but it is your responsibility to call ahead and be sure these businesses are still open for business.