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Mulberry River
The Mulberry River is located in Newton, Johnson and Franklin Counties, Arkansas and is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The river has also been recognized by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as one of the premier smallmouth and spotted bass fisheries in Arkansas. The Mulberry is also popular for canoeing, camping and swimming, offering Class I to II rapids.
Visitors to the Mulberry can expect basic Ozark Mountain scenery--narrow canyons, tree-lined bluffs, and dense woods. A good assortment of wildlife is found in the immediate area, including one of the state's largest concentrations of black bears. The stream itself is clear, cool, and challenging.
Traditional floating months are late fall to June, but conditions can vary according to local rainfall. Readings between 2.0 and 4.0 are ideal, while 4.5 and beyond are considered dangerous. Canoeists should also make a point of checking into local weather forecasts. A heavy rain can quickly transform the Mulberry into a rampaging torrent. Because of the chance for these sudden rises, visitors are advised that camping is recommended to be at least 100 feet from the river.
General Information
General Notes:It wouldn't be completely accurate to describe the Mulberry River as 50 miles of whitewater, but it would not be far from the truth for several months of the year. From its beginnings deep in the Ozarks to its confluence with the Arkansas River, the Mulberry pours over ledges, shoots through willow thickets, and whips around sharp turns. These "wild" characteristics are what give the stream its class II/III rating, and high marks from the floating public.
In drier times, the river takes on a completely different personality. It's a good place to swim, wade, skip rocks, and stalk the wary smallmouth. The best floating during the summer months is on an air mattress at one of the local swimming holes.
In short, the Mulberry River is a seasonal stream, but the good news is that it offers a season for just about anybody.
Activities
Boating - Non-Motorized
Traditional floating months are late fall to June, but conditions can vary according to local rainfall. Readings between 2.0 and 4.0 are ideal, while 4.5 and beyond are considered dangerous. Canoeists should also make a point of checking into local weather forecasts. A heavy rain can quickly transform the Mulberry into a rampaging torrent. Because of the chance for these sudden rises, visitors are advised that camping is recommended to be at least 100 feet from the river.
