The Ozark Mountains are one of the most scenic places in the world to kayak and you have many choices as to which rivers you want to kayak using Table Rock Villas as your home base.
- Buffalo River. This is our favorite river to kayak, but it is also the furthest from Table Rock Villas. It is nearly a 2-Hour meandering drive through the Ozark Mountains to reach the Buffalo River, but the drive there is half the fun! Truly gorgeous scenery along the drive there and back. You have a few choices as to where to put in on the Buffalo River. You can head down Hwy 7 out of Harrison, AR which takes you on a breathless scenic trip through the Ozark Mountains and into Ponca, AR. Here you can put in with Buffalo Outfitters and kayak, canoe, or raft the river all the way to Kyle's Landing. You can also put in along Hwy 65 just South of St. Joe and float the East side of the Buffalo River but the drive to get there is not as wonderous as Hwy 7 and Ponca. The Buffalo River is faster than the others below, especially in the Spring after the rains. There are a few whitewater places to get your excitement up, but nothing too hard that kids can't do it. Many sandy beaches along the way from Ponca. Wherever you put in on the Buffalo River you will enjoy the wildlife and nature of your Journey.
- James River. This is the closest river to Table Rock Villas. You can be on the James River in less than 30 minutes. The James is a gentle float with a few small whitewater patches along the way. A great place for the entire Family to spend 3-4 hours together with no cell phones, no interruptions, just you and the kids in nature for a few hours together. The James is safe for all ages and a wonderful way to spend time with the Family.
- Float Eureka White River. Another beautiful drive to reach Eureka Springs, AR along Hwy 23. Takes about an hour to get there and Eureka Springs is a town you can spend hours walking through window shopping while you are there. Very Artisian town you will see things hand crafted that you have never seen before in your life in Eureka Springs. The float trip is about 3-hours and you will want to save at least 2-hours to slowly meander through the town while you are there. This is a great Daytrip from Table Rock Villas.
- Lake Taneycomo: This is the coldest water of all the kayak trips. The temperature of the water coming out of the Table Rock Lake Dam into Lake Taneycomo is only 42 degrees which keeps average lake temperature about 48 degrees. If you tip your canoe or kayak here you will certainly feel it! Lake Taneycomo is a wide river with very calm & peaceful water. There is a small current which will take you down river but for the most part you will need to paddle to keep moving at a reasonable speed. Great trip for those who want a little exercise, beautiful scenery, and BEST to do in the summer when the cool water is a wonderful relief to the 90-degree temperatures.
- Bull Shoals Lake: White River State Park is a wonderful place to explore Bull Shoals Lake from. This lake is an extension of Table Rock Lake but much more like a river than Table Rock Lake is. Bull Shoals is much narrower and uninhabited than Table Rock Lake is. Lots of birds and wildlife and you will rarely see anyone other than your group during your trip.
- Table Rock Lake: Lots of places to canoe & kayak on Table Rock Lake. Your best bet is right out your front door of Table Rock Villas. The Resort offers FREE Kayaks on C-Dock. Just walk, ride or job over to C-Dock and grab yourself a kayak and the lake is yours.