The Mulberry River is one of two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arkansas. That designation exists because the river is exactly what it sounds like: wild, undeveloped, clear, and worth protecting. This guide is for anyone planning a float trip, paddling trip, or river visit to the Mulberry — what to expect, how to do it, where to go, and where to stay.

The Cass House sits 100 yards from the Mulberry River, between Redding Recreation Area (~2 miles) and Turner Bend (~3 miles) — the heart of the most-floated stretch of river.

River Character

The Mulberry is an honest Ozark river. The water runs clear over a gravel-and-rock bottom through a valley of hardwood forest and sandstone bluffs. There are long, calm stretches perfect for beginners. There are rapids that will flip an unprepared boat when the water is up. There are gravel bars the size of small beaches where you’ll want to stop for an hour.

The Mulberry flows from east to west through the Ozark National Forest, mostly bounded by national forest on both sides — you paddle through one of the more remote-feeling river corridors in the mid-South without ever being far from a road. The floatable section runs roughly 40+ miles. Gradient is moderate — enough to generate whitewater at higher water, calm enough at low water for casual floating.

Difficulty Ratings

The Mulberry is rated Class I–III depending on current water conditions. The same river can be dramatically different in March versus August.

Water Level	Overall Difficulty	Best For
Low (late summer/fall)	Class I	Beginners, families, swimming, wading
Moderate	Class I–II	Most recreational paddlers, casual floaters
High (spring/after rain)	Class II–III	Experienced paddlers, whitewater enthusiasts
Flood Stage	Class III+	Advanced only; outfitters typically cancel rentals

Key rapids: The river has several named rapids that become significant at higher water. Outfitters can brief you on current conditions before you put in — don’t skip that conversation.

Float Trip Options

Put-In & Take-Out Spots

• Redding Recreation Area (~2 miles from Cass House) — developed Forest Service campground and access point; good parking, restrooms, manageable put-in
• Turner Bend (Hwy 23 junction) (~3 miles) — the classic access point; managed river access for over a century; great for multi-segment trips
• Campbell Cemetery, High Bank, Indian Creek — Forest Service access points farther downstream, maintained with support from Turner Bend Outfitters

Practical note: Outfitters handle shuttle logistics — they’ll drop your vehicles downstream so you don’t have to double back. Use them. It makes the whole thing easier.

Rental Outfitters

Swimming Holes

The Mulberry is excellent for swimming. The water is clear, cold, and clean — fed by Ozark springs through a forest watershed.

• Gravel bars: Long, shallow approaches to deeper pools — perfect for kids who want to wade in gradually
• Below rapids: Natural pools form below most significant drops — great swimming at moderate water levels
• Bluff base pools: Where sandstone bluffs meet the river, the water is deeper and the shade makes a perfect hot-day swim

From the Cass House: River access is a 100-yard walk. In the evenings after a long day, the river is there. You don’t have to plan it — just walk down.

What to Bring on the River

Best Times of Year

Season	River Conditions	Best For
March–May	High to moderate water, best whitewater	Experienced paddlers, whitewater trips
June–July	Moderate, warm	Family floats, beginners, swimming
August–September	Low water, very clear	Swimming, wading, casual floats
October–November	Variable; beautiful fall foliage	Scenic floats, uncrowded
December–February	Cold, sometimes unfloatable	Not recommended for most visitors