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Description
- Although the Spring River begins somewhere up in Missouri, it doesn't get serious until it reaches the state line and enters Arkansas. That's where Mammoth Spring flows into it, adding about nine million gallons of water every hour to the stream flow. Instantly the river is transformed into a racing stream, just right for fishing and floating. The nearby towns of Mammoth Spring and Hardy can supply the needs of most any visitor. Private resorts, campsites, motels, and canoe outposts are readily available in the area.
Recreation - There's no getting around the fact that Spring River is chilly. After all, nine million gallons of 58° water every hour is hard to ignore. But it is this volume of cool water that: makes the Spring River a year-round float stream, and allows the river to be regularly stocked with rainbow trout.
Most Spring River canoe trips take place in the 17 mile stretch between Mammoth Spring State Park and Hardy, a historic town in northern Sharp County. This section is recommended for beginning to intermediate canoeists, and is very popular for family outings. The cool waters of the Spring River provide ideal conditions for stocking trout. Rainbow trout are by far the most abundant and popular species,
but recent stockings of brown trout have also proven successful. The best fishing spots for trout are immediately below the falls where the falling water hits, creating a frothing white mass. Back under the ledges is where the rainbows lie, waiting to nip out and grab food coming over the falls. Climate - Arkansas has a temperate climate with the coldest temperatures near freezing during December, January and February. Daytime highs for these months usually reach 55 degrees F. Spring and fall temperatures are very mild with lows dipping to 44 degrees F and highs reaching 70 degrees F. July and August are the hottest months of the year with average temperatures reaching 90 degrees F. June and September average temperatures usually reach into the mid-eighties. Spring and winter months are the wettest of the year. Location -
The Spring River is found in northern Arkansas. The river originates, however, in southern Missouri and crosses the state line at Mammoth Spring. The Spring River is one of Arkansas's more accessible streams, with U.S. Highway 63 paralleling much of its length. Major public access points include Cold Springs and Dam #3 off U.S. 63 between Hardy and Mammoth Spring, Bayou Access off Arkansas Hwy. 289, Hardy Beach, the Wilford Launch Area off Arkansas Hwy. 58, two put-in/take-out points at Ravenden, and a final launch site at Imboden.
LAT: 36.4956181
LONG: -91.5406968
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