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Discover the beauty of Arkansas’ lakes and rivers

By Zoie Clift

Head out on the waters of The Natural State's finest lakes and rivers to find great fishing, beautiful views and great opportunities for recreation.

Buffalo National River
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Arkansas’s lakes and rivers are a beautiful beacon for those who enjoy the outdoors. Whether one is into fishing, paddling, boating, or other water adventures, the waters of The Natural State are a stunning sight to behold.

In the Ozarks, Bull Shoals Lake and the White River below its dam, are internationally famous for the fishing found there. Other famous lakes in this region include Greers Ferry, Norfork, Beaver, Dardanelle and other smaller lakes.

The Ouachitas are home to lakes like DeGray, Greeson, Hamilton, Catherine, and Ouachita, collectively known as the Diamond Lakes. In south Arkansas, you can find popular options like Millwood and White Oak lakes.

Located in the flat Delta lands of southeastern Arkansas, Lake Chicot is a natural wonder. A 20-mile (32km) former main channel of the Mississippi River, it has the distinction of being the biggest oxbow lake in North America and Arkansas’s largest natural lake. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway travels some of its shoreline.

Arkansas borders the Mississippi River and beautiful and awe-inspiring rivers can be found across the state, including the cliff-lined Buffalo National River and the scenic Cossatot River, which passes through the Cossatot River State Park Natural Area.