Ponca Low-Water Bridge — Local services in Arkansas

Ending point for float trips from Boxley, or starting point for trips to Kyles Landing, Pruitt, or further downstream. To be clear, the main photo is of the Highway 74 high bridge, just downstream from the low water bridge.

The airspace under the (low water) bridge is a good indicator of floatability. 12 inches or less is excellent, 12-18 inches is good to OK, more than that is pretty low. The Park Service closes the river at zero inches (this makes a good trip from Boxley though), although I think you can put your own boat on. If so, make sure you know what you are doing--not for novices in high water.

There is also a gauge on the high water bridge, which has completely different guidelines for floatability. Buffaloriver dot com has a link to river levels at Ponca and other...

A beautiful section of the river that can only be floated when the water is up after a rain. We like to count the waterfalls (some are really small, we call any falling water a waterfall to get the count up--😁). There is a pit toilet at the put-in but no trash bins. Can park your car there while floating, but not overnight since flooding can happen any time of year. Sometimes people are parked at the side of the road at the entrance to view the elk which can be seen in the...

Great location to start a good float. I love this access because of being able to park just feet from the water. Also makes a great spot for a swim. Bathrooms are near in the parking area and a old cabin is within walking distance just up the hill. You can gain access to the BRT and the ORT from this location. My understanding is no over night parking due to possible floods. You can have one of the outfitters move your car for you if you plan on a multiple day...