Below Arkadelphia the Oauchita River flows generally south by southeast about 25 miles through Dallas County as a Class I flatwater stream. The area is remote and largely undeveloped all the way to the SH 128 bridge between Sparkman and Gurdon. Its flows tend to be adequate enough for paddling most of the year, though they are higher in summer months because of hydroelectric generation at Remmel Dam on Lake Catherine above Malvern. The waters are generally well suited for recreational paddling in canoes, kayaks and rafts most of the time. This reach is somewhat popular with local paddlers, though is not widely known as a great river run because of a lack of river-related services available along its banks. Unnamed Dallas County roads afford river access at about 5.5 miles, from SH 8 at Dalark, and 14.0 miles, from SH 7 south of Dalark, south of the Arkadelphia put-in, so paddlers have options as to where to start and end runs on this reach depending upon time available, changes in flow conditions, weather conditions and other personal factors. Moderately strong currents facilitate getting downriver without much effort, especially during summer months, when flows are increased according to electricity demand in Malvern, Arkadelphia and nearby towns that receive power from Remmel Dam. This is a scenic wilderness run with few signs of civilization where paddlers can enjoy a good current in a serene setting.
Central Arkansas, in Dallas County, between Arkadelphia and the Little Missouri River confluence. Little Rock is a little more than an hour away to the northeast on IH 30, and Texarkana is about the same distance to the southwest on IH 30.
Little Rock 70 miles; Texarkana 75 miles; Fort Smith 165 miles; Oklahoma City 345 miles; Kansas City 486 miles; Dallas 256 miles; Austin 451 miles; San Antonio 530 miles; Houston 364 miles; Albuquerque 921 miles; Phoenix 1,258 miles; Denver 1,004 miles; Salt Lake City 1,198 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point at the river and route taken.)
Water quality is usually very good to excellent, flowing clean, clear and cool from Remmel Dam at Lake Catherine. Flows are almost always adequate for great paddling, increasing during hot months because of additional releases for hydroelectric generation at the dam.
June through September offer the best months for higher flows, though the river is a year-round stream, weather permitting, with cooler temperatures in spring and fall months. Winter paddling will necessitate wearing coldwater apparel to prevent hypothermia.
There are no major hazards to navigation on this reach of the Ouachita River, which flows as a Class I flatwater stream between Arkadelphia and SH 128. Almost any able-bodied paddler can enjoy this run.
SH 26 crossing east of Arkadelphia at 0.0 miles; Unnamed Dallas County road, from SH 8 at Dalark, at about 5.5 miles; Unnamed Dallas County road, from SH 7 south of Dalark, at about 14.0 miles; SH 128 bridge, between Sparkman and Gurdon, at about 25.0 miles. There may be other public access points for this reach of the Ouachita River.
There are no known campgrounds located along this reach of the Ouachita River. Hotel and motel accommodations can be found in Arkadelphia, or nearby to the northeast in Malvern and Hot Springs. Abundant natural campsites can be found all along the river, but some may be on private property where advance permission will be necessary before making camp.
There are no known outfitters or river-related services available along this reach of the Ouachita River. Rentals, shuttles and information may be available from outfitters in the Malvern area. It is recommended that you bring everything you need for a trip, then run your own shuttles due to the time and cost factors that would probably apply for utilizing services away from this reach of the river.
The Ouachita River is a very scenic place to paddle, and because of hydroelectric generation at Remmel Dam above this reach the river usually has a good, steady current to help you get downstream without a lot of extra paddling. The surrounding area is quite scenic, and intermediate access points allow for trips of various lengths in close proximity to Arkadelphia and Malvern, with Hot Springs and Little Rock located just a little further away. Summers will have higher flows because of electricity demands in the area, though boating can usually be done year-round, weather permitting. The area will be hot and humid in summer, cool to warm in spring and fall months, and occasionally very cold in winter, so dress accordingly. The Ouachita River is a super paddling stream for those who enjoy remote flatwater paddling. Be sure to bring your camera.
