The Spring River forms in Howell County of southcentral Missouri just a few miles south of the Eleven Point River and near the Mark Twain National Forest, then flows southward into Arkansas at Mammoth Springs in Fulton County. It then flows down through Fulton County, across the northeast tip of Sharp County and into Randolph County to its confluence with the Eleven Point River. The Eleven Point River then flows a few miles south to its confluence with the Current River, also flowing down from Missouri. Generally, the Spring River is a year-round paddling stream, assuming you are able to withstand the rigors of the Missouri Ozarks winter, which can be quite cold.
Below Hardy Beach the Spring River is primarily a flatwater stream with a few small Class I to I+ rapids that just about anybody can enjoy. The river retains its scenic charm, and fishing is excellent. Because of the near continuous flow this section is very popular with local paddlers, as well as visitors who venture here to enjoy this wonderful river. It is an opportunity to take in some of Mother Nature's glory. The surrounding area is quite remote, though several very small towns are not that far away. You can experience the changing of all seasons on the Spring River, depending upon the times of year you choose to paddle here.
The spring-fed stream is generally cold, even in summertime, maintaining a constant 58° F temperature. You don't have to wear water-repelling garments in the dead of summer, but they are recommended in fall, winter and spring months. You can almost drag beverages behind you in the river and keep them cold enough to enjoy, but they would probably get caught on rocks or be taken as bait by a fish. Bring your camera, because this area of northcentral Arkansas offers ample photographic opportunities.
This section of the Spring River is located in Sharp and Randolph Counties of northeastern Arkansas. It flows north to south from Hardy down to Ravenden at the lower end of this run.
Little Rock 140 miles; Fort Smith 300 miles; Dallas 465 miles; Austin 655 miles; San Antonio 735 miles; Houston 711 miles; Oklahoma City 484 miles; Kansas City 563 miles; Memphis 150 miles; Denver 1,081 miles; Salt Lake City 1,245 miles; Phoenix 1,465 miles; Albuquerque 1,021 miles (all distance are approximate, and depend upon starting point, put-in destination at the river and route taken.)
Water quality is excellent, but not drinkable without purification. The Flow is C3 - clear, cold and continuous is how to best describe it. At nearly 10 million gallons per hour, the spring pumps plenty of water into the river to keep it continually flowing, so you can paddle here anytime you are outfitted for the weather and climate conditions.
Anytime is a great time to paddle the Spring River, with the possible exception of during a winter blizzard. The flow is always more than adequate and the few small rapids on this section are only moderately challenging. A wetsuit or drysuit with a base layer might also be appropriate on this river in fall, winter and early spring months due to the cold air and water temperatures.
The greatest hazards on this section of the Spring River are the cold air (in fall, winter and early spring) and water temperatures. There are no major rapids of significance that could cause problems for most boaters. Watch out for low-water bridges, and portage them when and if necessary to avoid pinning or wrapping.
Hardy Beach public access off SH 175 at 0.0 miles; US Highway 62/63 bridge southeast of Ravenden at 15.0 miles. There are no other access points along this section of the Spring River.
There are no campgrounds located along this section of the Spring River. There are many natural campsites available along the river. Three state parks are located near the Current River confluence, and offer excellent campground facilities. There are cocmmercial campgrounds available on the Upper Spring River.
At least one commercial outfitter, located on the reach above this one, offers rentals, shuttles and/or river information along the Spring River. Plan on setting up and running your own shuttles and providing your own boats and gear if not contracting with a local outfitter.
While offering little to no whitewater adventures, this section of the Spring River is still a beautiful and exciting place to paddle. Its generally remote nature, surrounded by spectacular scenery, wildlife, birds and fish life makes paddling here a true pleasure. Best of all, its year-round nature allows paddlers to enjoy this stream almost anytime they are capable of handling whatever Mother Nature throws at them. The water is cold, and preparations should be made for that, especially if there is the chance of an unplanned swim. A camera would be very appropriate for trips on this section, as well as the rest of the Spring River. It's a little off the beaten path, but that keeps it from being a county fair atmosphere. There will still be plenty of other paddlers joining you most of the time on trips here.
