For our second trip on Spring River we decided to head down to the South Fork of Spring River in Hardy, AR. Some of our family members have a lot right on the river near High Falls (see map #1). South Fork originates northwest of Saddle, AR and flows into the Spring River at High Falls. Our goals for the day were to check out High Falls, V Falls, Hardy Beach Access and to paddle a good ways up South Fork with whatever energy we had left.

Once we put it on South Fork we headed downstream to High Falls. This is one of our favorite spots to chill out for a while. The scenery is beautiful, the sound of the falls blends everything into the background and the water here, which originates at Mammoth Spring State Park, is noticeably cooler than the water on South Fork. There is a small cove to the left of High Falls which has easy access for portage over the falls. You can also head all the way to the right of the falls for portage. I prefer using the cove on the left, because there are ample places to stick your kayak while you swim and play around for a while. Daniel likes to collect shells in the cove and try to hang on to the rocks just above the falls as the strong current flows over him; activities which kept my siblings and I busy for hours every Summer of our childhood. It’s awesome to be able to share this exact same experience with my son years later.

Now that you are above the falls, you can join the crowd of people who are escaping the heat by soaking in the swift, cold waters or head out to the edge of the falls to watch people go over the falls. It is guaranteed to be entertaining. At the height of Summer, about every third canoe that goes over tends to flip; often followed by the familiar sound of “ohhhh, my beeeeer”. If you decide to try your luck on High Falls, aim just to the right of the small gathering of rocks and trees in the middle of the falls. There is a deep, gradual grade here versus the quick drop-off across the rest of the falls. There are normally people hanging out around the falls that will point you to the exact right spot. Crystal, Hershel (Crystal’s father) and I have all successfully gone over in kayaks several times.

If you head upstream from here, you will soon reach V Falls, named after the split that occurs here. Directly in front of you, you’ll find a small line of falls (see map #6) with portage to the right over a rocky shoal which leads up to the edge of V Falls (see map #7), an excellent spot to hang out and swim. From here (if you want to head back downstream as we did), you can either head back over the small falls and back to High Falls or you can put in below V Falls and follow the fork back down to the main river. Both routes lead you to another small set of falls about 500 feet downstream (see map #2, #3). Here you will need to decide if you would like to go left or right. To the right is a bit steeper drop and you will have to contend with a group of people who think they own this portion of the river and won’t hesitate to yell at you for “going down the wrong side”. You’ll also notice a large white sign with an arrow to the left that says “canoes and kayaks”. This is the route we took. The current speeds up a bit as you go over this section. Crystal and Hershel sped right on through. Daniel got turned about at first after hitting a rock, but straightened back up and glided right through. DJ & I, however, went a bit too far to the left and got hung on some rocks. After a little pushing with my oar, we were able to get free, but then proceeded to go down backwards. While a little hairy for DJ and I, it was very entertaining for the family hanging out on the small shoal to the right of this area. Hey, I’m always up to the task of providing smiles for any on-lookers.

For the rest of the trip it’s flat, smooth sailing. Several bridges and a small set of falls (see map #4) later, you’ll come around a small bend to land at Hardy Beach Access (see map #5). The park here doesn’t provide much shade and the picnic tables that are available are usually taken. We were ready to cool off, so we headed back to our family’s lot for some lunch and a quick swim before we continue exploring South Fork. The trip from High Falls, up to V falls and back down to Hardy Beach is around three miles and took us about 2.5 hours with several stops for swimming.

After lunch and some relaxing in the shade, we put back in at the lot and headed upstream for some exploring of South Fork. Not far upstream there is a large gravel island with a small set of falls to the right (see map #8). If the water had been a bit deeper, I think we might have been able to paddle right over them. The island provides easy portage around the falls. This is the last obstruction for a good while and the current isn’t very strong at all. At times, you can easily forget that you are paddling upstream.

The evidence of a recent flood which caused the waters to rise around 10 feet is still very easy to see. We saw several docks, fishing boats and even a pontoon boat washed up on the banks amongst the trees. It’s amazing to think how much water passed through the area. Even more amazing are the number of homes which are right on the banks of the river. Over a year later, you can see some homeowners are still working on repairing the damage to their properties.

After about a mile or so, we decided it was now too hot to continue on. We turned back for the lot and once again dove in for a refreshing swim before loading up for the day.

All in all, it was an awesome day. I’ve been coming to South Fork and High Falls since I was in diapers and they’ve never disappointed. It was awesome to experience the same area in a kayak versus an inner tube or inflatable raft. A kayak affords you the ability to explore the river at leisure and you are able to move along quietly so that you can observe the river wildlife including several species of snakes, River Cooters, Soft Shells, Blue Herons, Cooper’s Hawks, swallows, squirrels and the occasional fish leaping into the air.

Daniel and I highly suggest everyone plan a visit to South Fork and Spring River whenever you can.

If you’re in the mood for a multiple day trip on South Fork, among the many places to put in on South Fork is an access Saddle, AR. This trip consists of just over 18 miles of remote river which winds and curves through the Ozark foothills. This is on our list of trips once the temperatures deep a little in the Fall.

Until next weekend, keep paddling and stay safe!

Kayaking Arkansas Trip Map

Arkansas Tourism Spring River Info & Float Map

Hershel pulls Daniel over a set of small falls (see map #8).

Crystal & DJ on their way to Hardy Beach Access (see map #5).

Hershel & DJ at High Falls (see map #1)

Hershel & Daniel at the mouth of a small stream & cove which runs just to the west of High Falls (see map #1).

Steven about to head over a small set of falls (see map #6) which is just to the west of V Falls (see map #7).

Daniel and Hershel playing at V Falls (see map #7).