Little Missouri River Overview

From its headwaters south of the Big Fork community to the backwaters of Lake Greeson, the Little Missouri River descends some 1,035 feet. For the 29-mile journey, that's an average drop of 35 feet per mile, and that means one thing—whitewater.

The Little Missouri River can also be floated below Lake Greeson, and is popular with trout fishermen for the first half-dozen miles below the dam.

But the stream offers more than excitement, although it has plenty of that. It also provides a solid introduction to the Ouachita Mountain country of southwest Arkansas. Pine-covered ridges tower hundreds of feet above the rocky channel. In several places, the Little Missouri has cut through the twisted rock layers that are the very essence of the Ouachitas. It is, in short, an interesting stream.

Starting at Albert Pike, visitors can canoe a distance of 20 miles over challenging rapids. Paddling through spectacular scenery to the bridge on U.S. Little Missouri can be a challenge. Massive bluffs and tree-covered banks along the first section create a sense of complete isolation. The float ends in a pleasant pastoral flatland as the Ouachita Mountains are left behind. The river offers fishing for trout, bream and smallmouth bass.

Typically, the floats are divided into two sections—Albert Pike Highway 84 bridge, a distance of 8.5 miles, and Highway 84 bridge to Highway 70 bridge, covering 11.5 miles.

This float, with twisting drops and rapids up to Class IV (very difficult) on the first section, and large, standing waves on the second section, is for experienced paddlers. Floating conditions depend on suitable amounts of rainfall.

Recreation Area: Nestled in the forested splendor of the rugged Ouachita Mountains, this recreation area is located in the southern portion of the national forest. Visitors are invited to swim and fish in the refreshing cool stream, picnic in the shade of towering trees, camp in a secluded spot near the water's edge, hike the nature trail or experience the excitement of a canoe trip on the Little Missouri River.

Directions: From Hot Springs take Highway 70 west 36 miles through Glenwood to Salem. Turn west on Highway 84 and go 13 miles to Langley. At Langley turn north on Highway 369 and go 6 miles to the recreation area.

Open Schedule: Part or all of these facilities are open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are welcome to stay in the campground as long as 14 consecutive days. Current fees are posted at the self-service pay stations, with instructions on how to pay.

Section Description & Characteristics

Length: Headwaters area to Lake Greeson, a total of 29 miles

From the Source to the Albert Pike Campground: The stream's first section is not one for floating. This upper stretch has its merits, however. A chief attraction is the Little Missouri Falls area, which has been developed for day-use activities (i.e., no camping) by the Ouachita National Forest. While there are no developed facilities between the falls and Albert Pike, the river corridor offers possibilities for all kinds of outdoor pursuits—swimming in deep pools, hiking along the stream bank, and wildlife photography, just to name a few.

The Albert Pike Campground to Arkansas 84 Run: This run is one of the best in the state. It begins on national forest property near the junction of Forest Roads 73 and 106, and continues for about 8.5 rough-and-tumble miles. This stretch of the river heads downhill at a good clip—25 feet per mile. The rapids are exciting (up to Class IV in high water), with many featuring standing waves at their bases. Along the way floaters will pass the mouth of Greasy Creek, near which Albert Pike—the famed pioneer lawyer, general, and poet—once lived in a well-appointed cabin. More noticeable will be Winding Stair Rapid, a series of drops that may well put water into one's boat. The rapid—which is approximately three miles below the put-in—can, and should be scouted from the left (east) bank; heavy flows can put it in the Class IV level. The remainder of the float features numerous rapids in the Class I-Class III categories, including a diagonally-running ledge about a quarter mile below Winding Stair that can be tricky.

Arkansas 84 to Lake Greeson: While this section doesn't require the technical paddling skills of the upper section, it, too offers gunnel-grabbing excitement. Its claim to fame is standing waves—some of the biggest in the state when the water is up. The floating distance is 10-11 miles.

Maps
Map of Little Missouri River

Seasons
The Little Missouri River is among the most seasonal of Arkansas streams, primarily because of its small watershed. It's "floatable" only after periods of considerable rainfall, and even then the stream may not stay navigable for long. The wet months of spring offer the best chances for catching it at a good level. An old low-water bridge just below the Arkansas 84 bridge offers a primitive but acceptable gauging system: one to two feet of water over the slab means that conditions are desirable.

Access Points
The stream's major access points are: the Albert Pike Campground area at Forest Road 106 north of Langley; the Arkansas 84 bridge west of Langley; and the U.S. 70 bridge at the Star of the West area on Lake Greeson. All roads are paved with the exception of those in the Ouachita National Forest.

Fishing
Like many of Arkansas's other mountain streams, the Little Missouri harbors smallmouth bass, spotted bass, green sunfish and longears which may be taken year-round. White bass are also present in the headwaters of Lake Greeson during the spring spawning run. Thousands of rainbow trout are stocked in the stream both above and below Lake Greeson, as well, providing exciting sport for trout enthusiasts.

Until very recently, the lower Little Missouri (below Narrows Dam) was a winter month trout fishery only. But a summer catch-and-release program implemented by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission increased the need for tailwater stocking. They're now stocking up to 60,000 fish per year, and have stretched the stocking season from mid-October into late June. The Lil' Mo' tailwaters are now known as Arkansas' southern most year-round Rainbow Trout fishery. The first catch-and-release season was very successful, yielding fish from 12 to 20 inches.

Services Available
In addition to the public campsites (Albert Pike) there's a privately operated campground just across the river (east side). This operation also features rental cabins, a grocery store/snack bar, and gasoline. Other services are available at the nearby towns of Langley, Kirby, and Daisy. Several public campgrounds can be found on Lake Greeson, including one—Star of the West—at the take-out point for the lower float.