River Paddling is Best at Sunrise and Sunset

River Paddling is Best at Sunrise and Sunset
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Autumn is here and we are finally seeing some more rain here in Northeastern, Oklahoma!

This is my favorite season for river kayaking and lake paddling. Fall often ends quickly in Oklahoma, so now is the time to hit the rivers. The Illinois River around Tahlequah, Oklahoma and the Kiamichi River near Antlers, Oklahoma are both lovely in the Fall. They also require a bit of recent rainfall for the best float trips. Summer is the big paddling season, but you can bet on seeing much more wildlife and much fewer boats on any of Oklahoma's scenic rivers in the Fall, once the rains have begun.

Over in North Arkansas, The Ouachita River is flowing and there a many parts of The Buffalo National River at the optimal level for river kayaking or canoe trips.

In Southern Arkansas, I see the Caddo River above Degray Lake is up to around 6 feet deep. You can head to Glenwood, Arkansas, not too far from Hot Springs, and visit Caddo River Camping & Canoe Rental.

Starting November 1st they will be having their Big Annual Canoe & Kayak Sale. They sell off their fleet each year in the Fall, in order to provide new boats for floaters next season. The best level to float the Caddo River is from five and half to six and half foot deep, so check the Caddo River water level before planning a trip. Caddo River kayak outfitters and lodging providers.

My kayaks are starting to show their age, so I have been looking at some new kayak prices lately. The idea of being a used model sounds good, but I rarely see an outfitter using a model I like.

The Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers have another Broken Bow trip planned. If you haven't paddled the Lower Mt. Fork River yet, this is a great chance to kayak down the funest four miles in Oklahoma.

See you on the water!