Paddle the Buffalo National River: Ponca to Kyle's Landing

Put in at the Ponca Bridge, or Steel Creek if the water is too low, for the most scenic float in Arkansas. Paddle surrounded by 3-400 foot bluffs, and through slightly challenging water here and there. Great float for kids as there are plenty of swimming holes.

I've done this with my own elementary age kids and camped overnight in faster water, and in moderate water have taken an entire 4th grade class and rookie floating parents with no loss of limb (though there were some parents who ended up upside down). Plus there's an easy hike to the highest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians, Hemmed-in-Hollow, from the river.

In the spring, this can be much more challenging if water levels are up, and is an expert float, especially in a canoe.