Arkansas whitewater, Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork Pope county, Smyrna to Bayou Bluff section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     12 miles   The beautiful scenery of Arkansas and the cool fresh water attract people from near and far. The put-in is not too far from Harrison, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. The Smyrna to Bayou Bluff section of Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork in Arkansas is 12 miles long and is a class II-III section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. Great exercise and spending some quality time in nature are     sure to keep you coming back for more. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. This section has enough mileage for an overnight trip, so go ahead and pack your camping stuff. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, around here you'll find a large number of good rivers. Whitewater rafting and kayaking spots in Arkansas are easier than the national norm, so if you're not from around here don't forget that quite a few of the sections in this state are pretty easy. The river winds through the Boston Mountains and you get great scenery. The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, but do book a room before   you come because it is a very popular destination. There are so many sections to paddle in this river system, the Smyrna to Bayou Bluff section is just one of many. Briefly about the general area: Sugartree Hollow is near Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork and is a great spot, and you can have a tremendous hiking adventure along the Cowan Hollow Trail. All year is a tremendous time in the Boston Mountains if you adore the outdoors. Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork is not far at all from Hector, and while you're here you can take a hike along the Boyd Trail. This river is always fun. Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork, Smyrna to Bayou Bluff road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork.   Whitewater Near Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork: Illinois Bayou, Pope County, 4 miles away       Class II - 8 miles long (Bayou Bluff to Hector) Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork, Pope County, 4 miles away       Class II-III - 12 miles long (Smyrna to Bayou Bluff) Illinois Bayou, Pope County, 6 miles away       Class I-II - 10 miles long (Hector to Scottsville) Illinois Bayou - North Fork, Pope County, 6 miles away       Class II-III - 14 miles long (CR1000 to FS181) Falling Water Creek, Pope/Searcy County, 7 miles away       Class II-IV - 7 miles long (Falling Water Falls to Richland Campground) Bobtail Creek, Searcy County, 11 miles away       Class III-IV+ - 2.75 miles long (FS 1219A to Richland Creek) Richland Creek, Newton/Searcy County, 11 miles away       Class III-IV+ - 6.2 miles long (Moore to Richland Creek Campground) Left Hand Prong, Pope County, 12 miles away       Class II-IV - 8.5 miles long (Headwaters to Victor Road) Richland Creek, Searcy County, 12 miles away       Class II-III(IV) - 8.5 miles long (Richland Creek Campground to NFR 1201) Long Devil's Fork, Newton County, 13 miles away       Class III-IV(V) - 5 miles long (Hike in from CR 32 to Richland Creek Campground)   Hotels Near Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork: Quality Inn Russellville, Russellville , 21 miles away Comfort Inn & Suites, Russellville , 21 miles away La Quinta Inn & Suites Russellville, Russellville , 21 miles away Holiday Inn Express & Suites RUSSELLVILLE, Russellville , 21 miles away Best Western Inn, Russellville , 21 miles away   Campgrounds Near Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork: Bayou Bluff, Hector, 4 miles away East Fork Wilderness, Tilly, 6 miles away Moccasin Gap Horse Camp, Pelsor, 10 miles away   Trails Near Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork: Cowan Hollow Trail, Pope , 7 miles away Boyd Trail, Pope , 8 miles away Mail Trail, Pope , 9 miles away Sulphur Trail, Pope , 9 miles away Pedestal Rocks Trail, Pope , 9 miles away   Public Lands Near Illinois Bayou - Middle Fork: Buffalo National River, Harrison - AR , 39 miles away Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs - AR , 62 miles away Lake Dardanelle State Park, Arkansas , 25 miles away Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas , 26 miles away Ozark National Forest, Arkansas , 27 miles away