Great Outfitters for Summer River Adventures in North Arkansas

We go to Arkansas every year at least twice, and sometimes more often than that. The main reason we love these trips is because we can get out on some frisky rivers and have a ball canoeing or kayaking with a crew of people. We escape the heat of the summer and get to take some dips along the way. Another day we get our fishing gear out and canoe slowly while hunting for the best spots to catch those bass or rainbows. We have always stayed at the same place, the Riverview Motel just north of Hardy, because we know it and it's very reasonable. Lots of fly fishermen use this as their number one lodging choice for the whole area. There are excellent outfitters all over northern Arkansas, which supply everything needed for a full or half day of great canoeing, fishing, kayaking, or just tubing.

3 Rivers Outfitters
Jct. of Hwys. 63/62 & 412
Hardy, AR 72542
(870) 856-4945
Three Rivers Outfitters is a group I've used many times. They're professional and have been operating for years, with the best service you could ask for. Prices around Hardy, AR are pretty competitive for renting canoes, equipment and services, so price shopping is really somewhat a waste of time. Be aware that mid-summer rentals may be higher because of the flood of college students from Memphis and Little Rock who have adopted this little town. They sell hunting and fishing licenses and have a store right where the outfitters take out. The nice thing about 3 Rivers is that they're right near Old Hardy, where you can get a wonderful restaurant meal or eat some ribs after a long day. They're just around 20 miles from the Riverview, but there are many motels and other places to stay for a long weekend of fishing or boating. 3 Rivers rents rafts, canoes, kayaks and tubes. An 8-hr. trip will cost $41, and the shortest 2-3-hr. trip will cost $27 per canoe with two documents.

http://www.manyislands.com/
Many Islands Canoe Rentals is one I've used quite a few times. They're very good about being prompt for put-in and take-out, with experienced staff. They charge $40 for a canoe rental for two with a ten-mile float from Damn 3 to Many Islands. This is a good trip with some high Class II and even one Class III on this stretch of the Spring River. Raft rentals are more, but if split between several people, that may be the way to go. They will rent boats for just $15/day for fishing. There's a $15 shuttle fee for pick up and transport. This service is located more than 20 miles north of Hardy. Many Islands also has camping spots to rent for those with tents.

Now for my favorite: http://www.arkansascanoe.com/ . The Riverside Resort rents cabins for two for $89.50 with $15 for each additional person. These are well-equipped cabins with fully furnished kitchens, dining areas, and covered porches with picnic tables and grills for all those fresh fish you'll be catching. Campers' cabins are considerably cheaper and a bit smaller but linens aren't included. Their Canoes rent for the same as the other outfitters. They're $40 per canoe and $35 per kayak. "All float trips include: Life Preservers, Paddles, and Shuttle ride. Prices are subject to change - No checks accepted." Mammoth Springs is a delightful little river town with some wonderful restaurants with decks where guests can eat outside in the cool of the evening.