
South Fork of the Little Red River - Slick Rock
Posted by:
ar_kayaker
N 35° 33.009 W 092° 42.225
15S E 526851 N 3934095
Quick Description: A scenic class II(III) trip through the Gulf Mountain Wildlife Managment Area.
Location: Arkansas, United States
Date Posted: 5/2/2007 6:36:28 PM
Waymark Code: WM1G7C
Views: 115
Long Description:Although there are several choices of put-ins and take-outs along this scenic river, this is by far the most enjoyable section for the average paddler. The areas upstream require a lot of rain to become runnable and are often choked by tree limbs and brush, especially near the areas being "thinned" by the USFS, while further downstream things become flatter and less scenic as you approach more civilized lands.
Although recent improvements in the road allow some passenger vehicles to make the trip (most recently accomplished the trip in a 2wd Subaru), a high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended, especially for the last mile before the put-in.
Minimum recommended water level for this section is 5.5 feet if you don't mind a bit of scraping. The least I personally recommend is 6 feet. Anything above 9 feet gets up into the trees and becomes hazardous, on top of washing out the more entertaining rapids.
Snag Rapid at N35 33.877 W92 41.390 is the only Class III rapid and is easily avoidable. At lower water levels (under 7 feet) I would consider it more Class II than III.
When you reach the low-water bridge at the take-out above the road, be wary of the culverts as they can trap a boat inside. At levels below 6 feet you can pass through them (WITH CARE!) and take out in the eddies on either side below the road. Scout these when you park your shuttle vehicle to decide if you want to try it.
USGS gauge 07075300 at Clinton, AR is the one water levels are based on.
Visit Instructions:Logging waymarks in this category requires a picture of your boat and your GPS at the given parking/launching coordinates,and a brief description of your canoe/kayak trip.
Additional photos and information and/or suggestions for future waymarkers will be appreciated, but is not necessary.