Rising in the Ouachita Mountains of Montgomery County in west central Arkansas flows the Caddo River, a Class I-II moderate whitewater river that runs close to or through Black Springs, Norman, Caddo Gap, Glenwood and Amity on its way to the backwaters of De Gray Lake, a distance of about 40 miles. It is a typical pool-and-drop river that is gentle enough for novice paddlers, yet with enough whitewater excitement to entertain those who prefer a bumpy ride over flatwater.
At high water levels the Caddo River is navigable above the Town of Norman, but the flow will be very fast and potentially dangerous for inexperienced paddlers. At normal water levels the river above Norman is generally not a place to go, as the flow will be insufficient for good trips. The most commonly used put-in is at the State Highway 27 crossing just west of Norman, usually ending 29 miles later at the State Highway 84 crossing northeast of Amity, though it is possible to paddle all the way to De Gray Lake another 11 miles downriver. Between Caddo Gap and Glenwood lies an 8-mile stretch with rock gardens that are fun in high water, but which will stop a boat when the water runs low. Along the west bank (river right), in the area known as Caddo Gap, hot springs bubble up into the river at or just below the surface. The thermal waters create a sensation uncommon on most rivers. Small rapids, long gravel bars, willow thickets and the Caddo Gap, a narrow opening where the river flows between ridges on either side, define the river approach to Glenwood.
From Glenwood to Amity the river has many similar characteristics, but the current slows as the rapids become tamer and the pools lengthen. The riverbed consists of gravel well rounded from the flow of the river over many years, and good gravel bars along the riverbanks make excellent primitive campsites for overnight trippers. As with most Arkansas streams, the Caddo River is seasonal, running best from March through June, very low and slow during the summer, and marginal the rest of the year except right after heavy local rainfall. Scenery along the river is excellent, with heavily forsted ridges, rock outcroppings, translucent green water, an abundance of native animal and plantlife, and excellent fishing.
Montgomery, Pike and Clark Counties in west central Arkansas on the southern edge of the Ouachita Mountains and just north of the Cossatot, Saline, Little Red and Little Rivers.
Hot Springs National Park 32 miles; Little Rock 90 miles; Texarkana 105 miles; Dallas 285 miles; Memphis 255 miles; Austin 475; San Antonio 555 miles; Houston 430 miles; Oklahoma City 215 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)
Excellent, clean, cold and clear, with a translucent green color as it comes out of the Ouachita Mountains. Flows are very low in summer months, marginal in fall and winter months and best in the March to August period. Adequate water for paddling may be found after heavy local rainfall.
March through August usually has plenty of water for paddle trips, but other times are not as good, depending upon how much rain is falling in the drainage basin. Winters will be very cold and summers will be warm, with low water in most cases.
There are no significant hazards at normal or low water levels. There are numerous Class I-II rock garden rapids that can become a hazard, particularly for inexperienced boaters, at high water levels. Most of the rapids will be found between Caddo Gap and Glenwood, in an 8-mile stretch.
SH 8 bridge immediately west of Norman at 0.0 miles; County road low-water bridge west of Caddo Gap at 7.0 miles; SH 240 bridge at about 8.5 miles; Glenwood City Park access on 3rd Street south of US Hwy. 70 at about miles; US 70 access off SH 8 South at about miles; Old low-water bridge on SH 182 north of Amity at 24.4 miles; SH 84 bridge northeast of Amity at 29.0 miles (last PRACTICAL take-out); De Gray Lake at about 40.0 miles.
Caddo River Camping & Canoe Rental (1-888-300-8452), located at 26 Highway 8 East and the Caddo River in Glenwood, Arkansas, offers tent and RV camping with a small camp store, hot and cold showers and other amenities, as well as a bunkhouse for rent, along the Caddo River. Campsites are available at the Crystal Recreation Area north of Norman off Forest Road 177 (off the river). There are abundant gravel bars along the riverbanks that offer excellent primitive campsites. All land along the Caddo River is privately owned, and landowners cherish their privacy, so avoid camping above the riverbanks unless you have first obtained permission. Camping, cabin rentals and other accommodations are also available from any of several commercial facilities on or near this reach of the Caddo River.
Caddo River Camping & Canoe Rental (1-888-300-8452), located at 26 Highway 8 East and the Caddo River in Glenwood, Arkansas, offers canoe and kayak rentals, shuttles and other services on the banks of the Caddo River. There are several other commercial outfitters offering rentals, shuttles and/or river information for this reach of the Caddo River.
The Caddo River is a frequently paddled destination of immense natural beauty, characterized by moderate water most of the time and a short to medium length season of about three to six months months when the flow is usually adequate for good trips. The area is largely undeveloped and the river cuts through the southern Ouachita Mountains of the Ozarks, where wildlife and plantlife are abundant. Fishing for walleye, white, spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, longear and other species of sunfish and channel, blue and flathead catfish is excellent. The water is great for swimming, though it will tend to be a little cold for many people. Hot springs feeding the river between Caddo Gap and Glenwood are an attraction seldom seen on rivers. The river flows just a few miles north of the famous Cossatot, Saline, Red and Little Red Rivers, and is close enough for a side trip (by car, of course) to Hot Springs National Park.
