That hint of color in the trees means it's time that most revered autumn tradition, the fall foliage float trip.
The curtain comes up in late October and early November on the show of autumn color in the Ozarks, so the window of viewing opportunity is short. A fall foliage float trip brings a double dose of scenery. You get colorful show on the drive to the river and as you drift downstream.
There are so many canoeing streams to pick from. We've counted at least eight that are within a two-hour drive for most of us in Northwest Arkansas. Here's our list: Buffalo, Kings, War Eagle, Illinois, Mulberry rivers and the White River below Beaver Dam. In Missouri there's Elk River and Indian Creek. Add two more Missouri streams if you count Big Sugar and Little Sugar creeks, which join at Pineville, Mo., to form the Elk River.
Fall brings some of the lowest water levels of the year on these streams. A trip may mean walking your boat over occasional shoals. Paddlers should find adequate flow on the Illinois, Kings and middle and lower sections of the Buffalo. There always seems to be enough water to float the Elk River.
The best choice may be the White River below Beaver Dam. It always has enough water, especially during electric power generation at the dam. The trip is ideal for people who've never been on a river before. The current is easy and gentle when the two generators at the dam are off. When they're running, the river level rises and the current is faster, but it's still an easy float trip that anyone can handle.
Paddlers can pick a short or long float. One option is a a three-mile float from Beaver Dam to Bertrand Access. The trip from the dam to Houseman Access is seven miles, with about a mile of slow water near the end. Or, float from Bertrand to Houseman for a trip of about five miles.
There's fall color to admire and trout to catch. Pack a handful of 1/32nd-ounce black jigs and get ready to catch fish.
Canoe and kayak rental are available on the White River and the other streams mentioned. It's good to double check. Some outfitters may be closed or open part time during fall. Hardly anyone floats after Labor Day, said Mike Reynolds at Big Elk Camp on the Elk River.
"It's like like someone flips a switch," Reynolds said last time we visited the Elk. The river is busy all summer, then bingo. After Labor Day you may not see another boat all day. Fall is when wise anglers get after those big Elk River smallmouth bass.
It's the same at Beaver Lake. Labor Day seems to be when most people to put their boats away for the year. Fall is a great time to be on the lake. The shoreline is gorgeous, the lake isn't busy and the temperature is mild.
Flowing water or still, a boat is a wonderful way to enjoy the Ozarks' fall color.
Flip Putthoff can be reached at fputthoff@nwadg.com or on Twitter @NWAFlip
Sports on 10/13/2015