An Overview of Arkansas Rivers and Lakes
Largest Water Features in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to several significant water bodies. The largest rivers include the Arkansas River, known for its importance in transportation and recreation, and the Mississippi River, which forms the eastern border of the state. Major lakes and reservoirs include Lake Ouachita, famous for its clear waters and recreational opportunities, and Greers Ferry Lake, popular for fishing and boating.
Sources of Water for Arkansas Rivers and Lakes
Many rivers and lakes in Arkansas are fed by local sources such as mountain snowmelt from the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains within the state. However, some, like the Arkansas River, also receive water from distant mountain ranges in other states through tributaries and runoff, ensuring a consistent flow throughout the year.
Types of Rivers in Arkansas
Arkansas features a variety of rivers. Major perennial rivers like the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers flow year-round. Exotic rivers such as the Buffalo National River offer scenic beauty and unique ecosystems. Tributary rivers like the White River feed into larger systems, while distributary rivers like the St. Francis River branch out into multiple channels. Man-made rivers like aqueducts and canals are also present, serving irrigation and transportation needs.
Types of Lakes in Arkansas
Arkansas boasts diverse lake types. Fluvial lakes like Lake Conway formed from river meandering, while tectonic lakes like Lake Ouachita resulted from geological faulting. Anthropogenic lakes such as Lake Hamilton were created for hydroelectric power and recreation. These lakes provide habitats for wildlife and recreational opportunities like fishing and boating.
Direction of Rivers in Arkansas
Rivers in Arkansas generally flow from north to south or east to west. Examples include the Arkansas River, which runs east to west across the state, and the Mississippi River, which flows south along the eastern border.
Nature of Lakes in Arkansas
Many lakes in Arkansas are man-made reservoirs, constructed primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Examples include Beaver Lake and Lake Ouachita, managed by state and federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Use of Rivers for Transportation in Arkansas
Rivers in Arkansas are used for transportation but are limited in cargo shipping compared to coastal regions. The Arkansas River supports barge traffic, primarily transporting bulk commodities like agricultural products and industrial materials.
Dams on Arkansas Rivers and Lakes
Arkansas has numerous dams serving various purposes. Dams on the Arkansas River and other waterways are used for irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. Examples include the Bull Shoals Dam on the White River and the Murray Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River.
Recreational Use of Arkansas Water Bodies
Arkansas lakes, reservoirs, and rivers are popular for recreational activities. Lake Ouachita and Greers Ferry Lake are renowned for fishing and boating. The Buffalo National River is a favorite for kayaking and canoeing, offering scenic beauty and challenging rapids.
Agricultural Use of Arkansas Water Resources
Several lakes and rivers in Arkansas support the state's agriculture industry. Irrigation from reservoirs like Lake Conway helps sustain crops, while rivers like the Arkansas River provide water for farming along their banks.
Arkansas Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Rivers & CreeksArkansas River, Sebastian Co — Regulated mainstem (navigation)
Arkansas River, Pulaski Co — Regulated mainstem
Arkansas River, Jefferson Co — Regulated mainstem
Arkansas River, Arkansas Co — Regulated mainstem
Arkansas River, Desha Co — Regulated mainstem
White River, Baxter Co — Tailwater (below Norfork/Bull Shoals)
White River, Marion Co — Tailwater
White River, Independence Co — Regulated mainstem
White River, Arkansas Co — Regulated mainstem
North Fork River (Norfork), Baxter Co — Tailwater (below Norfork Dam)
Little Red River, Cleburne Co — Tailwater (below Greers Ferry Dam)
Little Red River, White Co — Tailwater/Regulated
Buffalo National River, Newton Co — Freestone (wild & scenic)
Buffalo National River, Searcy Co — Freestone
Buffalo National River, Marion Co — Freestone
Kings River, Madison Co — Freestone
Kings River, Carroll Co — Freestone
War Eagle Creek, Madison Co — Freestone
War Eagle Creek, Benton Co — Freestone
Mulberry River, Johnson Co — Freestone (scenic)
Mulberry River, Franklin Co — Freestone
Big Piney Creek, Pope Co — Freestone
Big Piney Creek, Johnson Co — Freestone
Lee Creek, Crawford Co — Freestone
Lee Creek, Washington Co — Freestone
Illinois River, Washington Co — Freestone
Illinois River, Benton Co — Freestone
Fourche La Fave River, Yell Co — Tailwater (below Nimrod)
Fourche La Fave River, Perry Co — Regulated mainstem
Cadron Creek, Faulkner Co — Freestone
Cadron Creek, Conway Co — Freestone
Saline River, Saline Co — Freestone (upper forks)
Saline River, Bradley Co — Alluvial mainstem
Saline River, Drew Co — Alluvial mainstem
Ouachita River, Montgomery Co — Regulated mainstem
Ouachita River, Garland Co — Tailwater (below Blakely/Remmel)
Ouachita River, Ouachita Co — Regulated mainstem
Ouachita River, Union Co — Regulated/Backwater (Felsenthal)
Caddo River, Montgomery Co — Freestone
Caddo River, Clark Co — Freestone
Little Missouri River, Pike Co — Tailwater (below Lake Greeson)
Little Missouri River, Hempstead Co — Regulated mainstem
Black River, Randolph Co — Perennial mainstem
Black River, Lawrence Co — Perennial mainstem
Black River, Independence Co — Perennial mainstem
Spring River, Fulton Co — Spring-fed (Mammoth Spring)
Spring River, Sharp Co — Spring-fed
Spring River, Randolph Co — Spring-fed
Current River, Randolph Co — Spring-fed
Eleven Point River, Randolph Co — Spring-fed
Strawberry River, Izard Co — Freestone
Strawberry River, Lawrence Co — Freestone
Cache River, Craighead Co — Alluvial bayou (perennial)
Cache River, Woodruff Co — Alluvial bayou
Cache River, Monroe Co — Alluvial bayou
Bayou DeView, Woodruff Co — Alluvial bayou
Bayou Meto, Pulaski Co — Alluvial bayou
Bayou Meto, Arkansas Co — Alluvial bayou
L’Anguille River, Cross Co — Alluvial mainstem
L’Anguille River, Lee Co — Alluvial mainstem
St. Francis River, Greene Co — Regulated/Channelized
St. Francis River, St. Francis Co — Regulated/Channelized
Mississippi River, Mississippi Co — Regulated mainstem
Mississippi River, Phillips Co — Regulated mainstem
Mississippi River, Chicot Co — Regulated mainstem
Lakes & Reservoirs
Beaver Lake, Benton Co — Reservoir
Beaver Lake, Washington Co — Reservoir
Table Rock Lake, Carroll Co — Reservoir
Bull Shoals Lake, Baxter Co — Reservoir
Bull Shoals Lake, Marion Co — Reservoir
Norfork Lake, Baxter Co — Reservoir
Greers Ferry Lake, Cleburne Co — Reservoir
Greers Ferry Lake, Van Buren Co — Reservoir
Lake Dardanelle, Pope Co — Reservoir
Lake Dardanelle, Yell Co — Reservoir
Ozark Lake, Franklin Co — Reservoir
Blue Mountain Lake, Logan Co — Reservoir
Nimrod Lake, Yell Co — Reservoir
Nimrod Lake, Perry Co — Reservoir
Lake Ouachita, Garland Co — Reservoir
Lake Ouachita, Montgomery Co — Reservoir
Lake Hamilton, Garland Co — Reservoir
Lake Catherine, Hot Spring Co — Reservoir
DeGray Lake, Clark Co — Reservoir
DeGray Lake, Hot Spring Co — Reservoir
Lake Greeson, Pike Co — Reservoir
Gillham Lake, Sevier Co — Reservoir
Dierks Lake, Howard Co — Reservoir
DeQueen Lake, Sevier Co — Reservoir
Millwood Lake, Little River Co — Reservoir
Millwood Lake, Hempstead Co — Reservoir
Felsenthal Reservoir, Union Co — Reservoir
Felsenthal Reservoir, Ashley Co — Reservoir
Lake Chicot, Chicot Co — Oxbow lake
Horseshoe Lake, Crittenden Co — Oxbow lake
Lake Charles, Lawrence Co — Reservoir
Lake Poinsett, Poinsett Co — Reservoir
Lake Maumelle, Pulaski Co — Reservoir
Lake Conway, Faulkner Co — Reservoir
Brewer Lake (Lake Brewer), Faulkner Co — Reservoir
Harris Brake Lake, Perry Co — Reservoir
Lake Atkins, Pope Co — Reservoir
Lake Fort Smith, Crawford Co — Reservoir
Lake Sequoyah, Washington Co — Reservoir
Lake Fayetteville, Washington Co — Reservoir
Lake Monticello, Drew Co — Reservoir
Wapanocca Lake, Crittenden Co — Oxbow lake