4 Best Places to Float in Eureka Springs
Summer is the perfect time to embark on water adventures, and kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and tubing offer an incredible blend of excitement and relaxation. Picture yourself gliding along crystal-clear rivers and serene lakes, the warm sun kissing your skin as you navigate through nature's breathtaking beauty. Whether you choose the ease of kayaking, the teamwork of canoeing, the exciting challenge of paddleboarding, or the leisurely pace of tubing, these invigorating activities guarantee endless fun and unforgettable memories under the summer sun. At Float Eureka we’re here to help you make those memories and here are some of our favorite spots to get out on the water without venturing too far from town!
The White River
The White River is the closest river to Eureka Springs (only 15 minutes away), and is a dam-fed river so it is floatable year-round! This is a great float, with clear water, beautiful scenery, lots of wildlife, and terrific trout fishing. The White River is an easy float and is suitable for any skill level of paddler, including both children and adults. This stretch is perfect for kayaking, tandem kayaking, or canoeing!
Kayaks on the White River!
Hogscald Hollow on Beaver Lake
Hogscald Hollow is a beautiful cove located on Beaver Lake outside of Eureka Springs. Visitors have been coming here for thousands of years to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Hogscald Hollow is a great place to swim and has gorgeous bluffs, water-dependent waterfalls including Lover’s Leap waterfall, and an abundance of natural scenery. Note that getting to this beautiful spot requires navigating some tough terrain and loss of cell phone service, so we only recommend it for our guests that feel confident they’re up to getting off the beaten path.
The view from the top: Overlooking bluffs at Hogscald Hollow.
The view from the water: Explore the exquisite bluffs of Beaver Lake.
Beaver Dam Site Park
Beaver Lake is a clear, deep lake located 15 minutes from Eureka Springs and is a great place to swim and hang out for the day. Beaver Dam Site Park has picnic sites which make a great home base to explore the beautiful shoreline from a kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, or tube rental from Float Eureka. Some of the best places to paddleboard on Beaver Lake are around Beaver Dam Site Park and the surrounding coves. The paddleboards really allow you to explore all the neat nooks and crannies of the lake’s shoreline.
Beaver Dam Site Park is the perfect spot to hang out for a day and paddle around the lake.
Lake Leatherwood
Lake Leatherwood, Eureka’s largest city park, features more than 1,600 acres, 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and an 85-acre spring-fed lake. Lake Leatherwood is a top recommendation - it’s very close to town, but feels like it’s miles away. Launch your stand up paddleboard or kayak at the boat ramp and paddle left to the limestone dam for a short, scenic little voyage. With abundant fishing and hiking opportunities, Lake Leatherwood is large enough to easily spend a half or a full day paddling, hiking, biking, and exploring the area. This spot is perfect for beginner paddleboarders because there are no motorized boats allowed on the lake, thus little wake! This is often the most serene spot to get out on the water and the closest to town.
Lake Leatherwood offers a close but scenic ecape from the bustle of town.