Riverside Resort
Berryville, AR
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Eureka Springs, Arkansas Paddling
Eureka Springs, Arkansas has long been a favorite vacation destination for Oklahoma folks. The little Ozark town is close enough to Oklahoma for a quick weekend car trip, yet distant enough to provide an interesting change of scenery. Lots of Oklahoma kids first visit Eureka Springs to see The Great Passion Play, others visit to see the live music and variety shows or as a quick stop on the way to Branson, Missouri. Just outside of town is the fantastic Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge where you can get up close and personal with tigers, bears, ligers, bobcats and other wild and wooly creatures.
Dianne and I started going to Eureka Springs in the off-season for bargain deals at B&B's, now we go for the canoeing & kayaking on the White River or on the Kings River! Dylan, Dianne and myself had a blast on the Kings River and we are hoping to arrange a trip down the White River this Summer.
The Kings River at Eureka Springs, AR - Kings River Map
Dylan and Dad Canoe Kings River,
originally uploaded by FreeWine.This river begins high in the Boston Mountains of Madison County. From here the stream twists its way northward to the White River and finally flows into southern Missouri's Table Rock Lake. The stream's water quality is usually very good to excellent, flowing clean, clear and very cold. A stage of about 3.0 feet is considered minimum for good boating. The Kings River offers over 90 miles of navigable wilderness and is one of only five north-flowing rivers within the continental United States.
The Kings River near Eureka Springs, Arkansas is an excellent Oklahoma road trip for those who love to canoe. Clear water and lovely scenery abound on this well outfitted and easy to paddle river.
Mostly, I have to enjoy this activity with my son Dylan, as Dianne prefers to paddle solo. She rented a kayak for this trip. Considering the fact that I flipped the canoe over about three seconds from the launch on our first canoe trip, it is little wonder that she is reluctant to share my boat? Don't even ASK about our experience in a tandem kayak.A canoe is primarily driven by the paddler sitting in the back of the boat. The paddler sitting in the bow (front) of the boat is then free to take pictures, make sandwiches, fish or whatever. Also, canoes tend to be longer than kayaks and they ride a little higher in the water. Finally, I think that canoes are a bit easier to get into and out of without an 'incident'. I love owning both a canoe and a kayak, just like I prefer having both a car and a pickup. They serve different needs.
More Kings River Pictures on our Flickr pages.Local Canoe & Kayak Livery Operators
There are a number of great canoe and kayak livery operators around Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I have a short list of them below. Don't get put-off by some outfitters listing Berryville as their address. It is right by Eureka Springs. Also, be careful not to confuse Riverside Resort and Riverview Resort.
Riverview Resort & Country Store
17939 Highway 62 West
Eureka Springs, AR
Phone: (479) 253-8367
Website: http://www.riverview-resort.com
River Lake Outdoor Center & Canoe
14735 Highway 62 West
Eureka Springs, AR
Phone: (479) 253-5628
Riverside Resort & Canoe Rental (Tested & Approved)
3031 Hwy 62 West
Berryville, AR 72616
Phone: 870-423-3116
Website: http://www.riversideresortandcanoes.com
(Jacuzzi suites right on the riverside! We loved it.)
Kings River Retreat
8190 Highway 221 South
Eureka Springs, AR
Phone: (479) 253-2346
Website: http://www.kingsriverretreat.com
The White River at Eureka Springs, Arkansas - White River Map
The White's upper reaches are strictly seasonal, with the late October through April/May period traditionally the best time for float trips. Below Bull Shoals Dam, the White River is a year-round float stream, with some of the best fishing reported during the winter months. The 10-mile stretch of White River tailwater below Beaver Dam is famed for its trout fishing. Canoeing and floating are also popular here, and there’s a handicap-accessible fishing area.
Other Arkansas Kayaking Spots
