class2arkansas

The  Caddo River between the launching ramp off Lower Dam Pike (Hwy. 390) and Hwy. 67 (also Hwy. 7) in Caddo Valley offers the best Class 1  family friendly paddling in Arkansas.  This two mile section of the river is suitable for everything from inner tubes to tandem canoes.  The Caddo flow is controlled by releases from Lake DeGray; you don’t want to go at a time when electricity is being generated. It usually takes about two hours from the time generation begins for the high flow to reach this part of the river. The release information can be found at
http://www.entergy.com/operations_information/hydro/flow_releases.aspx

No release (or minimum release) actually means a small amount of flow will still be occurring in the river, usually 150 cfs. That is the flow level you want for a family friendly outing; it is availble all summer long, in general.

There is a bathroom in the park near the put-in.  The take-out is a 100 feet past the highway 67 bridge, at a private canoe rental service, Caddo River Rats Canoe and Tube Rental. This is where you will park; the parking fee is $3 at this time. If you go in a single vehicle, I think you can buy a shuttle from these folks for $3 also. The rental company is open seven days a week from mid-May to the first week in September. Check with them for exact dates at caddoriverrats.weebly.com or call them at 870-260-1345. It’s a fairly steep climb up to the top of the bank at the take-out; you’ll need help to get a canoe up the slope, but one person should be able to drag a kayak up.

Since the trip is only two miles long, there is no need to get in a hurry.  Take your time and enjoy the gravel bars; explore the side creeks and estuaries to see what kind of fish or other wildlife you may encounter.  The water is clear and shallow in most places; a gentle current is nearly constant.  There are some itty bitty surfing waves to ride and plenty of eddies to catch if you are so inclined.  Fishing is an option, also.  Be sure to have your fishing license with you since wildlife officers frequently patrol this popular river.  Remember that NO GLASS containers are allowed and that your trash and ice chest contents must be fastened into your boat according to state law.  You must also have a floating coozy on cans you are drinking from.  You will be ticketed for failure to obey those laws.  This section of the Caddo runs year round, meaning you can enjoy a hot summer day here (usually with a lot of other folks).

Here is a video of a recent outing: