Spring

This stretch is fed by Mammoth Spring near the Arkansas/Missouri border and therefore runs year-round. The peak season is the warm spring to fall months when the river can be crowded.

The river consists of mainly pools and small ledges of 1 to 3 feet in height. Saddler Falls at mile 5.0 is considered the most difficult at the summer levels as a the channel makes a sharp S turn as compared to most of the other rapids being straight-forward. At higher levels, the drop can be run straight over the ledge.

Most people opt for the 5 to 7.5 mile paddle from the dam below Mammoth Spring to one of the private outfitter access points below Saddler Falls. These include: Saddle Falls Canoe (mile 5), Spring River Oaks (mile 6), Many Island Camp (mile 7.5).

The river below here consists of longer pools but some taller ledges. The tallest being 'High Falls' of about 6 feet located just above the confluence with the South Fork at Hardy.

Put-in: Arkansas Game and Fish access on Hwy 342. Go South on Hwy 63 from Mammoth Spring, look for signs and turn to right (West) on Hwy 342 about 0.25 miles after the Hwy turns away from the river. Go 0.75 miles to the parking area and access below the dam.

Take-out: Town of Hardy near the junction of Hwy 62 and Hwy 63. Other access points are available at the private outfitters listed above. However, they are closed during the winter months, requiring one to paddle the entire 15 mile stretch or know a landowner.

Guide book: Ozark Whitewater by Tom Kennon.