LESSER-KNOWN AREA STREAMS PROVIDE ADVENTURE WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE

Arkansas is home to several nationally known rivers. The Buffalo National River (76 miles north of Conway), the White River (80 miles northeast of Conway) and the Little Red River (50 miles northeast of Conway) draw visitors from neighboring states daily. However, Conway area residents also have the opportunity to take advantage of several lesser-known streams that offer equally authentic scenery and adventure.

Approximately one hour north or one hour west of Conway, subtle changes in the geography offer outdoor recreational opportunities not available in most of the state — or even the country. Clear mountain streams with rock bottoms offer paddlers, fisherman, or those looking to wade and splash a destination worth the drive.

Illinois Bayou

approximately one hour west of Conway

The headwaters of the Illinois Bayou are in the midst of the Ozarks. The stream eventually works its way southwest toward the Arkansas river valley near Russellville. The Illinois Bayou has multiple forks that offer a everything from serious paddling adventures to lazy floats or wades.

Points of Interest & Access

• Bayou Bluff Recreation Area (5 miles north of Hector on Highway 27)

• Long Pool Recreation Area (21 miles north of Russellville)

• There are multiple wade-in or put-in locations at bridges (north of Highway 27)

Recommended gauge levels: USGS gauge at Scottsville between 4 ½ and 6 feet provides multiple opportunities for wading with deep enough pools to hold fish and/or float.

Middle Fork of the Little Red River

approximately one hour north of Conway

When most people talk about the Little Red River, they are referring to the 30 miles of world-class trout stream below the dam at Greers Ferry Lake. However, the Little Red above Greers Ferry Lake is made up of multiple forks that are the perfect example of Ozark Mountain streams. The Middle Fork of the Little Red River winds through the communities of Leslie and Shirley before dumping into Greers Ferry Lake.

Points of Interest & Access

• There is wade in access at Highway 65 just south of Leslie. Leslie has a number of restaurants and stores worth visiting.

• There is also wade in access just upstream of the railroad bridge in downtown Shirley. Downtown Shirley has a large city park and river outfitter.

Recommended gauge levels: USGS gauge at Shirley between 5 ½ and 7 feet provides multiple opportunities for wading with deep enough pools to hold fish and/ or float. Six feet is the minimum depth needed for an enjoyable float. The level of technical expertise needed increases with depth. Only experienced floaters should be on the river >10 feeet at Shirley gauge.

Know Before You Go: WaterAlert helps safely explore area rivers and streams www.usgs.gov/tools/wateralert

Before you head to a stream or river prone to rapid changes in depth, check the water levels using USGS data. You can also create an account to notify you when a favorite river or stream is at just the right depth for your favorite adventure. When you have a great day on the water, visit the relevant water gauge on USGS and bookmark the depth. It will help you make future plans, rediscover favorite spots or landmarks, and stay safe.