SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) officially dedicated the Upper Illinois River Water Trail in Siloam Springs last Friday — the first Arkansas Water Trail in Northwest Arkansas and the first in the state’s program to cross state lines.
The trail runs 15.5 miles from Chamber Springs Access near Pedro through the Siloam Springs Kayak Park, ending at WOKA Whitewater Park in Oklahoma. Friday’s dedication took place near the trail’s midpoint at the kayak park, according to AGFC.
Despite two whitewater sections, AGFC Watchable Wildlife Program coordinator Kirsten Bartlow said the trail is approachable for most paddlers.
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“You can easily carry your canoe or kayak around the Siloam Springs Kayak Park, and you can take out before you get to the whitewater park in Oklahoma,” Bartlow said. “With those two exceptions, it’s a fairly gentle Ozark stream with pools and riffles.”…