The Mulberry River
The approximately 70-mile Mulberry River is one of the state’s wildest rivers during spring. From its beginnings deep in the Ozarks to its watersmeet with the Arkansas River, the Mulberry courses over ledges pierces through river willow, and whips around intense turns. These “wild” elements are what give the stream its class II/III ratings, and high marks from Mulberry River Rats.
During the dog days of Summer, it’s an amazing place to sink into a cool swim hole, wade, skip rocks, search for unique pieces of driftwood, find unique rocks, river glass, or fish. Adventurers who decide to explore the Mulberry River can expect exceptional Ozark Mountain scenery–narrow canyons, tree-lined bluffs, giant rock gardens, and dense woods. Explorers will find vibrant pollinators, flowing wildflowers along with wildlife in the immediate area, including one of our state’s largest concentrations of black bears. The stream itself is jewel-toned, clear, and cool.
The Mulberry River is a fine fishing stream. In late spring and early summer, the river is an excellent choice when angling for blue catfish, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock sunfish, spotted sunfish, bluegill sunfish, and warmouth.
The Mulberry flows in a west-southwesterly course. Access points are fairly common, particularly where the stream is within the Ozark National Forest. Primary points of access include Wolf Pen campground (off Ark. 215) Arkansas Highways 23, 103, and 215, Campbell Cemetery (off FR 1512), Mill Creek, Forest Roads 1501, and 1504, and U.S. 64. And while the Mulberry is located in some of the state’s wildest country, the stream is amazingly convenient; the Highway 23 (AKA The Pig Trail) crossing is less than a dozen miles north of Interstate 40. Outfitters are located on and near the river. Supplies, overnight accommodations, camping, and day passes can be found easily.