National Wild And Scenic River Mulberry River, Arkansas
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Mulberry River in Arkansas is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River due to its outstanding natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
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Summary
The river is known for its clear, clean water, and scenic vistas, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
A few specific points of interest along the Mulberry River include the Turner Bend area, which is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and kayaking. The Ozark National Forest also offers numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and picnic areas. The Mulberry River is home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, rock bass, and channel catfish. Visitors can also observe a range of wildlife, such as deer, turkey, and bald eagles.
Interesting facts about the Mulberry River include that it flows for approximately 70 miles through the Ozark Mountains and is fed by numerous springs and tributaries. The river is also known for its scenic bluffs, rock formations, and waterfalls.
The best time of year to visit the Mulberry River depends on individual preferences. Summer is the most popular time for water-based activities, but the river can be crowded during peak season. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for hiking and camping. Winter is the least popular time to visit due to colder temperatures and the possibility of icy conditions.
Overall, the Mulberry River is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty and recreational opportunities in Arkansas.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Shores Lake Recreation Area
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Shores Lake
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White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
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Vine Prairie
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Lake Ft. Smith State Park
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River Ridge - Ozark Lake
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