Upper Illinois River Water Trail Opens in Benton County
Northwest Arkansas has become nationally known for its extensive hiking and mountain biking trail systems, but until now, one of the region’s most popular natural resources had not been officially connected to the outdoor recreation network, the Illinois River.
That changed on May 8, 2026, when the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the city of Siloam Springs, the Grand River Dam Authority, and several regional partners officially dedicated the Upper Illinois River Water Trail. The new paddling route is the first official water trail in Northwest Arkansas and one of 21 designated water trails in Arkansas.
The Upper Illinois River Water Trail stretches 15.5 miles from Chamber Springs Access east of Siloam Springs downstream to the WOKA Whitewater Park in Watts, Oklahoma. The route offers paddlers scenic Ozark landscapes, family-friendly floating opportunities, Class II+ rapids, fishing access, and multiple public access points.
A New Outdoor Recreation Destination for Northwest Arkansas
The Illinois River has long been a favorite destination for paddlers, anglers, and swimmers in Benton County, but the new water trail designation provides a more organized and accessible recreation experience for locals and visitors alike…