GLENWOOD — The Caddo River is a solid option for paddlers looking for an adventure in south Arkansas.
“The Caddo River is a great river for all levels of paddling experience,” said Gayla Claborn, owner of Caddo River Camping & Canoe in Glenwood. “This typical pool and drop river is gentle enough for novice paddlers to learn on yet with enough class I and II rapids along the way to keep it exciting.
“There are good places to stop to swim and fish along the available routes surrounded by the beautiful Ouachita mountains. And it is one of the most consistent floating rivers in Arkansas, allowing our season to span from March to September.”
A popular route of the river is a 7.5 mile section from Caddo Gap to Glenwood. It hosts a mix of both calm waters and rapids and the view is varied from houses to hillsides to rocky outcrops. There are also gravel bars on the river.
Prime water levels for this route occur usually from March through at least half of June, Claborn said. For tubing, the best months are May-August. She mentioned the popular months for everything river related, meaning canoes, kayaks, tubes, cabins and camping, is from May until school starts back up in August.
“No matter what the river level or the temperature is, this is when people will come,” she said.
When the river level drops below 5.2 feet, Claborn said they switch to their low-water route down the river.
“Glenwood is a great little town that has vacation cabins, restaurants, a golf course, shopping and markets too,” she said. “The Caddo River is convenient and a centrally located destination for visitors to plan to spend multiple days in the surrounding area. Near here is Crater of Diamonds State Park, Daisy State Park on Lake Greeson and Hot Springs is only 40 minutes away.”