Are you feeling that pull? That need to get outside, to unplug, and to find a little adventure right here in The Natural State? There might be no better way to do that than by visiting the best paddleboarding spots in Arkansas.
Paddleboarding is a perfect adventure because it’s what you make it. You can go for a heart-pumping, core-burning journey. Or you can just float along, dipping your toes in the water and soaking up the sun. The best part? You don’t have to travel far to find incredible water.
Arkansas is packed with amazing lakes and rivers that are perfect for this sport. So, let’s dive in and explore some of the very best Paddleboarding Spots in Arkansas.
Why Arkansas is a Paddleboarding Paradise
You might think you need an ocean for a great paddle, but that’s just not true. Arkansas is a hidden gem for water lovers. We have crystal-clear lakes that look like postcard-perfect scenes. There are peaceful rivers that wind through beautiful forests. And countless hidden coves and little islands that are just waiting to be discovered.
Paddleboarding here gives you a whole new view of our state. You get to see the stunning bluffs from the water. You can glide past quiet shorelines and maybe even spot an eagle or a deer. It’s a peaceful experience, but it’s also an exciting one. So, let’s find your next favorite spot.
Best Paddleboarding Spots in Arkansas
Beaver Lake
Where to Go: SUP Outfitters, located right on the shoreline near the fun town of Eureka Springs.
If you want a spot that has everything, Beaver Lake is the place to start. The water here is famously clear, and the landscape is just stunning. You’ll be paddling past tall limestone bluffs and exploring quiet, hidden coves that you can’t see from the road. It feels like your own secret discovery.
The awesome folks at SUP Outfitters make this one of the top Paddleboarding Spots in Arkansas. They have everything you need. You can rent a board for a few hours or buy your own from them. But they offer so much more than just rentals.
Are you new to paddleboarding? They offer lessons for all skill levels, so you can feel confident and safe on the water. Want to try something different? They have guided eco-tours that teach you about the area, and they even offer paddleboard yoga classes.
Little Maumelle River
Where to Go: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, right at the river access near the Big Maumelle Pavilion.
Maybe you don’t have a whole day to spare. Or maybe you just want a quick, peaceful escape without a long drive. The Little Maumelle River at Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the perfect solution. This spot gives you a different vibe from a big lake. It’s calmer, more intimate, and incredibly scenic.
The convenience here is a huge plus whenever Watersports runs self-service rental kiosks. It means you can show up and rent a paddleboard easily, even if it’s a spontaneous trip. It’s a very straightforward process.
Additionally, the park recently installed a new kayak launch. This latest launch also makes it super easy to get your paddleboard into the water. As you paddle, you’ll have the majestic view of Pinnacle Mountain right in front of you. The river is slow-moving and sheltered, making it an ideal, stress-free spot for beginners.
Greers Ferry Lake
Where to Go: All around the lake, with a great starting point being the Sugar Loaf Mountain Nature Trail area.
Greers Ferry Lake is a massive, beautiful body of water known for its clear, blue water. It’s a popular spot for all kinds of boating, but it’s also a fantastic destination for paddleboarders who love to explore.
The water conditions here are generally calmer than on some other large lakes, which makes for an enjoyable paddling experience. You do need to be aware of other boat traffic, but there is plenty of space for everyone.
What really sets Greers Ferry apart and makes it one of the great Paddleboarding Spots in Arkansas is the opportunity for adventure beyond the water. A famous spot here is Sugar Loaf Mountain. This is actually an island in the middle of the lake!
You can paddle right up to it, beach your board, and then hike the nature trail to the top. From the summit, you are rewarded with an unbelievable 360-degree view of the entire lake.
Lake Ouachita
Where to Go: Within the Ouachita National Forest, near Hot Springs. Key access points are Brady Mountain, Turtle Cove, and Crystal Springs.
If you are looking for the ultimate, top-tier paddleboarding experience, you have to go to Lake Ouachita. This is not an exaggeration. It is one of the largest and clearest freshwater lakes in the entire country.
Located in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest, the scenery here is wild and pristine. Because the lake is surrounded by protected forest land, you won’t see houses and docks lining the shore. Instead, you see untouched, natural beauty.
The lake is famous for its more than 100 small, uninhabited islands. This makes it a paradise for exploration. You can spend a whole day just paddling from one island to the next. The lake also has many calm, sheltered coves that are perfect for paddleboarding.
For beginners, the Brady Mountain area offers easy access to the water. If you love watching wildlife, you must check out Turtle Cove. It’s a calm, sheltered bay where you’re likely to see turtles, fish, and all kinds of birds.
Furthermore, the Crystal Springs Recreation Area is a great launch point because it’s known for its super clear water and has helpful facilities nearby. With so many options, Lake Ouachita truly stands out as a must-visit destination on any list of Paddleboarding Spots in Arkansas.
Your Next Arkansas Water Adventure: Paddleboarding
So, there you have it. From the all-in-one fun of Beaver Lake to the peaceful calm of the Little Maumelle River, and from the explorable shores of Greers Ferry to the stunning clarity of Lake Ouachita, the options are endless.
Remember, adventure is often right in our own backyard, waiting on the water. All you need is a board and a little curiosity to explore these incredible Paddleboarding Spots in Arkansas.