Canoeing, Kayaking & Floating
From the upper White's gentle drift to the Buffalo's bluff-lined wilderness, North Arkansas has more paddleable water per square mile than just about anywhere east of the Rockies.
Buffalo National River
America's first National River. 135 miles of free-flowing water beneath 500-ft limestone bluffs. Half-day rentals run about $40; multi-day expeditions through the Lower Buffalo Wilderness are bucket-list level.
North Fork River
Below Norfork Dam: clear, cold, fast tailwater. Combine paddling and trout fishing on a single half-day float. Most local outfitters will shuttle you for $20–30.
Lake paddling
Both Bull Shoals and Norfork are excellent for SUP and sea kayak. Sunrise launches from the COE ramps are unbeatable in summer.
Browse the directory for verified local outfitters covering this activity.
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