About
Mulberry River, Arkansas — 1992 Wild and Scenic, Ozark NF. From Wolf Pen to Turner Bend, the Mulberry River drops through 10 miles of Class II-III water that forms the backbone of Arkansas whitewater paddling. Flowing 56 miles through Franklin and Crawford counties within the Ozark National Forest, the Mulberry averages 680 CFS but handles everything from 400 to 3,000 CFS depending on rainfall. The Wolf Pen to Turner Bend section draws the most traffic for its consistent rapids and reliable shuttle access through Turner Bend Outfitter. Downstream, the Turner Bend to Campbell Cemetery stretch mellows to Class II over 12 miles, while the upper Redding to Wolf Pen run offers 15 miles of Class I-II water for developing paddlers. The lower 19 miles from Campbell Cemetery to Mulberry town flow through broader valley terrain. A National Wild & Scenic candidate, the Mulberry holds its gradient well into summer when other Ozark rivers fade, making it a go-to option when the Buffalo and other classics drop too low to run.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.