The White River is a 722-mile-long river that flows through the US states of Arkansas and Missouri.
The source of the White River is Beaver Lake in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas, the upper portions of the river are fast, cold, and clear and are internationally known for producing world-record trout. The river flows northwards from its source in northwest Arkansas, loops up through southwest Missouri near Branson and then travels back into Arkansas and on generally southeast to its mouth at the Mississippi River. Once the river enters the Mississippi River Delta region near Batesville, Arkansas the river becomes navigable to shallow-draft vessels and its speed decreases considerably.
A controversial plan to deepen the navigation channel of the river is under consideration though it is opposed by many Arkansans. The lower portion of the river contains a multitude of wildlife species including bear, turkey, alligator, songbirds, and over 160 species of fish. More mallard ducks winter on the lower White than any other place in the world. Many residents of Arkansas believe that deepening the navigation channel will adversely affect the wildlife which is a major source of tourism in the area.
The river forms the eastern boundry of Ozark National Forest, and SH 5 cuts through the forest beginning at the put in for this reach, then diverging into the forest until it again crosses the river at the take-out.
This reach of the river is more prone to flash flooding than other sections because of the added inflow from the Buffalo River, so watch for signs of changing flow rates when on the river.
This reach of the WhiteRiver retains most of the natural scenic grandeur of reaches above, though it does approach the end of the forests and the beginning of a flatter terrain as the river begins its run toward the Mighty Mississippi River on the Arkansas-Mississippi State Line.
The source of the WhiteRiver is in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas near Fayetteville.
The upper portions of the river are fast, cold, and clear and are internationally known for producing world-record trout.
Once the river enters the Mississipi River Delta region near Batesville, Arkansas the river becomes navigable to shallow-draft vessels and its speed decreases considerably.
Feeds |
Contact