Little Red, Middle Fork

This reach -- referred to as the Upper Middle Fork of the Little Red River is a wonderful Class II run that meanders through the heart of the Ozarks.  Although traversing a seemingly wilderness frontier a rough and rugged road -- and old railroad bed -- parallels the stream along its southern edge (river right) nearly the entire distance allowing the reach to be split into smaller segments.  However this reach of 17+ miles can be easily covered in a long afternoon (5-7 hours) when conditions are optimal -- and at less than optimal levels paddlers really should look for another river as many of the shoals will leave a paddler parked high and dry among the willows at lower levels.

This reach takes paddlers into three separate counties (Van Buren, Searcy and Stone) during which they will lose count of the many Class I-II rapids they will descend.  High wave trains and gnarly holes abound at optimal water levels -- most of which can be skirted to one side or another.  There are two rapids that are bone fide Class III rapids but they are relatively straight shots that don't require scouting or portaging.  Several fords cross the stream but only one, a metal grate at Elba, offers an obstacle to navigation.  The ford at Elba is best portaged from river right -- any attempt to run it (not advised) should be pursued on river left.  There is also a low water bridge at the take-out that should be avoided -- if not taking out you can portage from either bank with re-entry easier on river left.

Mileposts:

0.0 Miles:  Put-in.  Access is easily achieved by putting in upstream of the Highway 65 bridge on Peyton Creek.  There is a pull out on NW corner of bridge -- this is private property.  You can park without permission on the old road bed just upstream from the bridge; otherwise, you can park further upstream by a small lake and dam to gain easier access but please get permission from landowner before leaving vehicle.  NOTE:  You can also put in closer to Le

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