Illinois Bayou

Shortly after the swimming hole near the hwy there is currently a 3 way split (35°30'45.3'N 92°58'01.9'W). Doesn't appear any are great options. Both left and right have large trees blocking the path. Middle has the least amount of water. Short portage may be necessary.

Floated Memorial Day 2021. Water level was right (7.6') and weather was suitable enough. Did a little bit of fishing and my 13 year old managed one nice smallmouth bass. Probably one of my favorite floats in Arkansas, if you like less traffic.

Made it alright 9/3/20 with a sit on top. Water ~8 feet @ Scottsville. You can head North at the middle fork bridge just past Bayou Bluff campground and the reasonably maintained dirt road closely parallels the Bayou. Lots of launch points and its easy to monitor the water and rapids. I only went about 1/4 mile. Was dragging every rapid on the middle fork. Wouldn't launch on middle fork less than 8'.

Paddled on 5/25/20 at 7.6 ft. River was above zero, but low. Another group on river with sit-on-tops & SUP, having fun. Fun class I & II rapids, frequent enough to keep one interested. HOWEVER, about 1/4 mile before takeout at Rt. 27 bridge (near Hector) there is a challenging Class III rapid. It was a read-and-run for us. On approach, notice louder than usual whitewater sounds, and distinct horizon line across river. Starts with a 2 or 3 ft. drop with grabby bottom. There are 'soft spots' in horizon line so you can avoid a straight drop into boil. This is followed by about 75 yards of very busy Class III-ish whitewater to negotiate. What a fun rapid to finish off an otherwise leisure trip. (A couple of the sit-on-top paddlers took a beating.) Scott Gravatt

Near Bayou Bluff

Near Bayou Bluff