The Little River flows into Arkansas from Oklahoma west of Horatio in Sevier County. Near SH 41 the river is joined by an unnamed tributary flowing south from DeQueen Lake parallel to the Cossatot River a few miles to the east. The first practical public access point for the Little River in Arkansas is SH 41 at Horatio from which point the river flows about 40 miles down to and across Millwood Lake to Millwood State Park, the last practical access point for taking out above Millwood Dam. The river flows as a basically flatwater stream with no major hazards making it accessible for less experienced paddlers as well as anybody else who enjoys paddling beautiful rivers. The southwestern corner of Arkansas provides a very scenic backdrop to this gentle river that is fed by inflow from the Cossatot and Saline Rivers to the north. The entire run is within the beautiful Ouachita National Forest with its variety of pines, oaks, elms, sycamores, willows and other species of trees. The length of this reach makes it great for two or three day trips, though by using US Highway 71 as an access point it can be broken up into runs of 26 and 14 miles for those wanting a shorter trip.
Sevier and Little River Counties in the Ouachita National Forest of far southwestern Arkansas just east of the Oklahoma State Line. Texarkana is located just a few miles to the south on the Texas-Arkansas border.
Little Rock 194 miles; Texarkana 50 miles; Fort Smith 130 miles; Oklahoma City 310 miles; Dallas 231 miles; Austin 426 miles; San Antonio 476 miles; Houston 339 miles; Kansas City 501 miles; Albuquerque 900 miles; Phoenix 1,233 miles; Denver 935 miles; Salt Lake City 1,411 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)
Water quality is generally good to very good flowing from the unspoiled McCurtain County, Oklahoma wilderness to Millwood Lake. Navigable flows usually exist other than in the dead of summer or during periods of extended drought.
Generally, almost any time is good to paddle the Little River, though the best conditions of weather and flow will usually be found between late-Febraury and early-June or late-September through early-December. The river is largely dependent upon recent local rainfall for high flows, and sometimes reaches very high levels.
This reach of the Little River has few, if any, major hazards to navigation making it ideal for casual, recreational paddlers with limited experience.
SH 41 bridge at Horatio at 0.0 miles; US Highway 71 just below the Cossatot River confluence at about 26.0 miles; Millwood State Park on Millwood Lake at about 40.0 miles. There may be other access points for this reach of the Little River.
Millwood State Park on Millwood Lake at the end of this reach offers excellent camping opportunities. There are no other known campgrounds located along the Little River. Abundant natural campsites can be found, but some are on private property. Always obtain permission before camping on privately-owned land.
There are no river-related services available along this reach of the Little River. Take along everything you need for your trip and run your own shuttles.
The Little River offers scenic flatwater trips in far southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. In Oklahoma, the river is fed by inflow from the Mountain Fork River and its tributaries, while in Arkansas it receives the waters of the Cossatot and Saline Rivers. Runs are made through a very remote, undeveloped area in the Ouachita National Forest. This reach is not wildly popular with paddlers, so those who journey here will enjoy solitude while paddling, with options for trips of about 26, 14 or 40 miles, depending upon access points used. Going all the way to Millwood State Park requires a paddle of a few miles across Millwood Lake, taking out just above the dam. The river is usually navigable, though it is best in spring and fall months. Winter paddling can be done for those who are properly attired for cold weather conditions. Be sure to take along your camera because there is gorgeous scenery all around the river, and the state park is especially beautiful.
