If you’re looking for rapids, the Ouachita River is not the place you want. This slow-moving river is better for laid back floating or a family-friendly tubing adventure. Though in its upper region the Ouachita River has some class I and class II rapids, which are hands down the easiest rapids, you’ll find the lower portion of the river is wide and slow, exactly the kind of place you’ll want to float lazily along.

You can find more information about floating the Ouachita River here.

The Ouachita River is just over 600 miles long. It begins at Mena and flows all the way to Louisiana.
Flickr/Robert Nunnally
The Ouachita is surrounded by the lovely Ouachita National Forest, and a float trip is probably the best way to see that forest.
Flickr/Robert Nunnally
Most of the river can be floated year round, and that’s especially true of the lower portion, as that wide, slow flow isn’t likely to dry up in the sun.
Flickr/Patrick Lewis
There are many good choices when it comes to which lazy, slow going portion of the river to float. One of the most popular choices is to put in at Oden and float to the Rocky Shoals Campground, which is a 10-mile trip.
Flickr/Patrick Lewis

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Your lazy float on the Ouachita really can be whatever you make of it. If you’re into camping, there are ample opportunities to camp on the shore.
Flickr/Patrick Lewis
The fishing is also delightful, of course. The Ouachita River is renowned for big bass, but there are all kinds of fish waiting to be pulled out of the water.
Flickr/Patrick Lewis
Though most of all, you’ll love the incredible views of the Ouachita National Forest.
Flickr/Robert Nunnally
There simply isn’t any summertime activity more relaxing than a float down the Natural State’s lazy river.
Flickr/Patrick Lewis

For more rivers to float, click here. You may also want to check out this underrated river.

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