The approximately 55-mile Mulberry River is definitely one of the state's wildest rivers during spring. From its beginnings deep in the Ozarks to its confluence with the Arkansas River, the Mulberry pours over ledges, shoots through willow thickets, and whips around sharp turns. These "wild" characteristics are what give the stream its class II/III rating, and high marks from the floating public. In drier times, it's a good place to swim, wade, skip rocks, and fish. Visitors to the Mulberry can expect prime Ozark Mountain scenery--narrow canyons, tree-lined bluffs, and dense woods. A good assortment of wildlife is found in the immediate area, including one of the state's largest concentrations of black bears. The stream itself is clear and cool. In 1985, the General Assembly declared the Mulberry to be "a scenic river of the State of Arkansas" and in 1992 it was named a National Wild and Scenic River.
Fishing: The Mulberry River is a fine fishing stream. In late spring and early summer, the river is an excellent choice when angling for smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass and green and longear sunfish. The potholes can be fished during drier months but getting to them may require some hiking up or down a slippery streambed.
