6 Must Float Rivers Just a Short Drive from Adventure and Fun
You know one thing great about a wet Spring is what it can do for floating on a half-dozen streams by providing a cool activity well into summer. If you're looking for a way to beat the heat, unwind in nature, and enjoy some of the most scenic waterways in the region, Northwest Arkansas is surrounded by incredible floating destinations. Whether you prefer the peaceful glide of a canoe, the community of rafting, or a relaxing float in a kayak, these rivers offer something for everyone—plus local outfitters to make your adventure easy and fun.
Here are five must-float rivers, all just a short drive from Northwest Arkansas:
🛶 Elk River – Pineville, MO
Just north of the Arkansas border, the Elk River is a favorite for laid-back summer floats. With its gentle current, wide channels, and beautiful bluffs, it’s perfect for families and first-time paddlers. The river is lined with gravel bars, making it easy to stop for a swim or picnic.
📍 Best launch spot: Pineville, MO
🚣♀️ Outfitters: Several in the area, including Lazy Days and River Ranch Resort
🌟 Why go: Easy floating, great for groups, and close to NWA
🌿 Kings River – Eureka Springs, AR
Flowing through the rolling Ozark hills, the Kings River is a crystal-clear gem ideal for nature lovers. Wildlife sightings are common, and the river offers a peaceful atmosphere perfect for fishing, photography, and unplugging from the world.
📍 Best launch spot: Rockhouse or Trigger Gap
🚣 Outfitters: Kings River Outfitters in Eureka Springs
🌟 Why go: Scenic, quiet, and perfect for canoes and kayaks
🌊 Mulberry River – Turner’s Bend, AR
If you crave a bit more excitement, the Mulberry River offers Class I–III rapids (depending on rainfall), making it a seasonal favorite for experienced paddlers and adventure seekers. Spring and early summer are the best times to catch it flowing.
📍 Best launch spot: Turner’s Bend
🚣♂️ Outfitters: Turner Bend Outfitter
🌟 Why go: Whitewater fun and stunning Ozark mountain views
🏞️ Buffalo National River – Ponca, AR
A bucket-list destination for paddlers, the Buffalo River was the first national river in the U.S., and for good reason. Towering limestone bluffs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife make it one of the most scenic floats in America.
📍 Best launch spot: Ponca (for the upper river)
🛶 Outfitters: Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca
🌟 Why go: Epic scenery, rich history, and unforgettable floating
🌊 War Eagle Creek – Near Huntsville, AR
A hidden gem in the Ozarks, War Eagle Creek offers peaceful waters, lush surroundings, and a relaxed floating experience. Ideal for kayaks and canoes, this creek is a great spot to enjoy quiet time on the water without the crowds.
📍 Best launch spot: Near Withrow Springs State Park
🚣 Outfitters: War Eagle Canoe Outfitters (when in season)
🌟 Why go: Underrated, peaceful, and perfect for a nature-filled day trip
🌊 Illinois River – Tahlequah, OK
Another popular and accessible float near Northwest Arkansas is the Illinois River, just west in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This river is all about good times, whether you're on a guided raft, kayak, or tube. Expect clear water, mild currents, and plenty of fun.
📍 Best launch spot: Tahlequah, OK
🚣 Outfitters: Sparrow Hawk, Peyton’s Place, and other riverside rentals
🌟 Why go: Social floats, family-friendly, and loaded with outfitters
Before You Go:
Always check water levels and weather before floating.
Book rentals and shuttles in advance—weekends fill up fast!
Pack sunscreen, water, snacks, and water shoes.
Leave no trace—help keep these rivers clean and beautiful.
Ready to
hit the water? With so many great rivers and local outfitters nearby, there’s no excuse not to paddle your way into an unforgettable Ozark adventure. So grab your paddle, load up the cooler, and float your worries away!
This is a custom HTML / JavaScript Element
In order To See Your Custom HTML/JavaScript Code in Action You Must Click On The Preview Page Button, Your Code is NOT going to be active in the edit mode
PGh0bWw+Cjxib2R5Pgo8IS0tU3RhcnRGcmFnbWVudC0tPvCfkYkgPHNwYW4gY2xhc3M9IiIgZGF0YS1zdGF0ZT0iZGVsYXllZC1vcGVuIiBhcmlhLWRlc2NyaWJlZGJ5PSJyYWRpeC3Cq3I4OMK7Ij48YSBkYXRhLXN0YXJ0PSI1NyIgZGF0YS1lbmQ9IjE0MiIgY2xhc3M9ImN1cnNvci1wb2ludGVyIj5DbGljayBoZXJlIHRvIHZpZXcgdGhlIHVwZGF0ZWQgbWFwPC9hPjwvc3Bhbj48IS0tRW5kRnJhZ21lbnQtLT4KPC9ib2R5Pgo8L2h0bWw+
👉
Click here to view the updated map
06.07.2025
Bella Vista’s New Bike Lift: OZ Trails Bike Park Breaks Ground on Major New Attraction
OZ Trails Game-Changing New AttractionBella Vista, Arkansas — already a nationally recognized destination for mountain bikers — is about to add a game-changing new attraction to its growing network of world-class cycling amenities: the OZ Trails Bike Park.Plans are officially moving forward for what will be the first lift-served mountain bike park in Northwest Arkansas, right in Bella Vista's backyard. This ambitious project brings together some of the most prominent local outdoor recreation players to create a truly unique, year-round cycling experience.🚧 The Location: Right Off Bella Vista WayThe OZ Trails Bike Park is being built on approximately 190 acres of land directly off US Highway 71 (Bella Vista Way) — specifically across from Sonic Drive-In and the Sugar Creek Shopping Center. Locals have already noticed extensive land clearing in the area, and early development activity is well underway.The location is strategically positioned just north of the Arkansas Welcome Center near the Bella Vista/Bentonville city line. This places the new bike park right at the convergence point of Bella Vista’s Little Sugar trail system, Bentonville’s world-famous OZ Trails network, and the Razorback Greenway — making it a hub for regional cycling access. 🏗️ Construction TimelineThe project officially enters its construction phase in spring 2025, with an anticipated opening sometime in 2026. While an official groundbreaking ceremony has not yet been publicly announced, equipment and land clearing suggest full-scale development has already begun behind the scenes.This build represents one of the largest new trail construction projects in Northwest Arkansas since the initial launch of the OZ Trails system, which has already transformed the region into a global mountain biking destination.🎢 The Chairlift: Poma-Leitner TechnologyThe most distinctive feature of the new OZ Trails Bike Park is its high-speed detachable quad chairlift manufactured by Poma-Leitner, a global leader in mountain lift systems.The chairlift will allow riders to bypass the typical pedal-up climbs and instead access over 20 miles of gravity-fed downhill trails by simply loading their bikes and themselves onto the lift for a quick ride to the top. Unlike many other bike parks across the country, this system will operate year-round, making it one of the only four-season lift-served bike parks in the central United States. 🚵 Trail Design and Park FeaturesThe trails themselves are being developed by some of the most respected names in the mountain bike industry, including:Gravity LogicRock Solid Trail ContractingCrafton Tull (engineering)Hufft (architecture and park design)Together, these firms are designing a complete range of trail experiences for all rider levels — from first-timers to professional downhill racers.In addition to the extensive trail network, the park will also feature:The OZ Trails HQ lodge with full-service diningA complete bike shop and rental centerA community plaza for events and social gatheringsA large pump track for skill building and warm-upsA dedicated hiking trail for non-bikersPublic art installations and gathering spaces built into the landscape💡 Powered by OZ Trails and the Runway GroupThe project is being spearheaded by The Runway Group, owned by Walton family members, who have played a huge role in transforming Northwest Arkansas into one of the country’s premier outdoor adventure regions. The new Bella Vista lift park represents the next major phase of their vision for OZ Trails, pushing the area even closer toward international cycling prominence.🌎 Economic & Community ImpactBella Vista Mayor John Flynn has emphasized that this development is not just for tourists but will also provide meaningful economic and quality-of-life benefits for local residents. Increased tourism, additional jobs, expanded outdoor access, and new local businesses are all expected as this next-generation cycling destination comes online.The new OZ Trails Bike Park will position Bella Vista alongside world-renowned mountain bike resorts in places like Colorado, Utah, and British Columbia — but right here in the beautiful hills of the Ozarks.📅 What’s NextOver the coming months, local residents and visitors alike can expect to see rapid progress at the site. The addition of heavy machinery, grading work, and early infrastructure installation will soon give shape to what is sure to become one of the most unique bike parks in the country.For ongoing updates, trail maps, renderings, and project news, you can follow official releases from OZ Trails.Bella Vista is already one of the best places in the country to ride a mountain bike — but when this new bike lift opens, it may well become the best.
06.05.2025
Will Home Prices Fall in Bentonville, Arkansas? New Rules Offer Hope
Will Home Prices in Bentonville Experience a Shift?Bentonville, Arkansas, has recently seen a surge in home prices, largely driven by the influx of new residents attracted by Walmart's headquarters and the vibrant growth within the area. In response to this demand, city officials have implemented new regulations aimed at speeding up the housing development process. These changes beg the question: will home prices fall as a result?In 'Will Home Prices Fall in Bentonville, Arkansas?', the discussion dives into new regulations impacting housing development, prompting us to analyze their potential effects on the local housing market. Understanding the New RegulationsTwo significant rules have been introduced in Bentonville to boost housing affordability. First, builders can now obtain a building permit before completing the final plat of a project. This shift allows for quicker initiation of construction, potentially reducing the development timeline from three years to just over a year. Second, the city now employs on-site architects and engineers to resolve minor issues during the building process, ensuring smoother communication with city officials and minimizing delays.The Impact on AffordabilityThe expedited permitting process may lead to substantial savings for builders, reducing holding costs associated with loans on undeveloped land. With these savings, developers may pass on lower prices to homebuyers. However, experts predict that while there may be a reduction in prices, it is unlikely to be as dramatic as one might expect. The increased availability of multi-family units such as condos and townhouses will be more pertinent to affordability than single-family homes.Future Trends in Bentonville HousingLooking ahead, Bentonville plans to introduce a surplus of multi-family residential units. This influx should begin to balance the market and make housing more accessible to a growing population. While single-family homes may plateau, the increased supply of affordable options could be a game-changer for those eager to settle in this attractive locale.If you’re interested in learning more about housing options in Bentonville or considering a move, staying informed about local developments will be essential as these changes unfold.
Add Row 
Add Element 
Add Row 
Add 
Write A Comment