Arkansas river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Arkansas with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
For a more laid-back paddle, the Ouachita River is a great choice with its gentle Class I to II rapids and streamflow level of 200-400 cubic feet per second. This river meanders through the Ouachita National Forest, offering a peaceful and scenic journey for kayakers looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Arkansas. Safety is always a top priority when hitting the whitewater, so be sure to check streamflow levels before heading out, wear appropriate safety gear, and paddle with a partner whenever possible. With its diverse range of rivers and rapids, Arkansas is a premier destination for whitewater and kayaking enthusiasts looking for adventure and excitement on the water.
Arkansas river runs
Every paddleable section in Arkansas keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.
| River run | Streamflow | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Bwcaw Boundary To Confluence With Plouff Creek | 64 cfs | II-III |
| Confluence With Plouff Creek To Lake Superior In T59n, R4w | 200 cfs | II-III |
| The State Line To The Mouth Of The River Outh Of The River | 3 cfs | II-III |
| Pine Bluff To Tahlequah Water Supply Plant | 206 cfs | II-III |
| Headwaters In Sec 8, T1s, R31w To Nf Boundary At Acorn, Ar | 7 cfs | II-III |
| Nf Boundary At Pine Ridge, Ar To Highway 298 Bridge Near Sims, Ar | 10 cfs | II-III |
| Highway 298 Bridge Near Sims, Ar To Slackwater Of Lake Ouachita | 10 cfs | II-III |
| Headwaters Sec 2, T1n, R20w To Sec 7, T1n, R19w | · | II-III |
| Lake Winona Dam To Southern Line Of Sec 16, T2n, R17w | · | II-III |
| Sec 30, T3s, R27w To Sec 19, T4s, R24w | 5 cfs | II-III |
| Headwaters Sec 2, T2n, R18w To Forest Road 132c | · | · |
| Forest Road 132c To Forest Raod 179 | · | IV |
| Forest Road 179 To East Line Of Nw 1/4 Sec 22, T2n, R17w | · | · |
| East Line Of Nw 1/4, Sec 22, T2n, R17w To West Line Of Sec 26, T2n, R17w | · | · |
| North Fork Illinois Bayou To Headwaters Below Pedestal Rock | 0 cfs | II-III |
About Arkansas river runs
What does whitewater class mean?
The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.
Where does the Arkansas streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each Arkansas paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.
What's a runnable level?
Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Arkansas paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.
Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?
Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.
Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?
No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.