ICOET Extracurricular Events |
Buffalo River Float TripCome float the scenic reaches of the upper stretch of the Buffalo National River! The float trip will begin early Saturday, May 19th, at 8:30 a.m. from the Steel Creek launch site (*water levels permitting) near Ponca, Arkansas. Ponca is a minimum three-hour drive from Little Rock, so participants will either want to plan for an extremely early departure from Little Rock, or secure lodging for the evening of May 18 in the town of Harrison, Arkansas, or in the many nearby small towns surrounding the upper Buffalo River. Camping near the launch and/or takeout sites will also be an option to consider for the true outdoor enthusiasts of the bunch. Daytime temperatures in May are in the mid to low 80's F (26 C) with cool nighttime temperatures and water warm enough to swim in during the day. The first stretch of the trip would end after 8 miles (4-5 hours) at Kyle's landing takeout. Floaters will have the option to continue for an overnight two-day float on down to the Pruitt takeout (total of 24 miles and requires two full days of floating). Water conditions will be determined by rainfall, but usually consist of class I and II rapids with a few willow strainers along the way. This is perfect for beginning and intermediate paddlers. Camping for the overnight trip would be alongside the river and anyone opting for the two-day float should bring proper gear and supplies. The river is surrounded by National Park Service land, and scenery on the float will be some of the best Arkansas has to offer. Vistas include towering scenic bluffs, wildlife such as elk, deer and black bear, and the 225-ft. Hemmed In Hollow Falls is a short 0.5 mile hike from the river and is the tallest waterfall between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains! Canoe price for one day is $54.50 (including tax) and $109 for two days (tax included). That price is static for up to three people per canoe, so teaming up with a partner can save money. The shuttle service from Steel Creek to Kyle's Landing is $26.16 (including tax) and from Steel Creek to Pruitt it is $32.70 (including tax). Again, you can save money by consolidating vehicles and traveling in groups. To guarantee a spot on the river and for logistical purposes, reservations will need to be confirmed by March 31, 2007. Reservations attempted after that date may or may not be possible and will be subject to availability. Anyone who may be interested in attending the day or overnight float trip can contact Mitch Wine via email at mitch_wine@fws.gov or by phone at (501) 513-4488, and he will assist you in making reservations and/or teaming up with other interested participants. An email is preferred and please leave all personal contact information along with your trip preference(s). * If water levels are too low in the upper reaches, there will be alternative day and overnight floats with launch and takeout points lower in the watershed. A map of the Buffalo National River showing the trip as described can be viewed at:
Walk or Bike the Arkansas River TrailAccessible just steps from the Peabody Hotel, the completed sections of the Arkansas River Trail are a destination for some 1,500 residents on most weekend days. Quickly approaching completion, this unique project is the result of many years of planning and coordination between public and private agencies, landholders, and concerned citizens. When completed, the Arkansas River Trail will reach from downtown Little Rock to Pinnacle Mountain State Park on the southern shore, and from downtown North Little Rock to Cook's Landing on the northern shore. A fourteen-mile loop will be created by a pedestrian bridge across Murray Lock and Dam and a renovated railroad bridge near the Presidential Library Center and Park. Altogether this project will offer approximately 24 miles of trail in Central Arkansas. This trail will also connect to the 225-mile Ouachita Wilderness Trail in Pinnacle Mountain State Park adding an additional 17 miles to this nationally recognized trail. Connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock is the Pulaski County Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, better known as the Big Dam Bridge. It is the newest bridge to span the Arkansas River at Little Rock, Arkansas, over the Murray Lock and Dam, and is open only to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. At 3,463 linear feet in length, the bridge is the longest pedestrian-only bridge built for that purpose in North America. With a 14-mile loop and extensions, which create a total of 24 miles, the Arkansas River Trail will provide residents with an ideal opportunity for commuting from east to west Little Rock, and to and from destinations in Little Rock and North Little Rock free from the congestion created by automobiles. If you a birder, a photographer, or someone who enjoys being in the outdoors then the Arkansas River Trail is the place for you. The trail winds through some great wildlife habitat that offers many viewing opportunities. More information on the trail can be found at: |