Float the Black River: A Cabin-Guest River Escape from Pocahontas
Cabin Guests Only • 6 miles • 3–5 hours • Float back to your rental
By midmorning the river has warmed its skin to match the sun. From the cabin porch you can see a ribbon of dark water threading through hardwoods—bass shadows sliding, a kingfisher pistol-shot of blue. Staff arrive in a pickup to collect your group and gear, and the small upstream shuttle begins as a quiet promise: ride up, and then let the current write the rest of your afternoon. That’s the model at Blacksferry Floats, a custom service for cabin guests that turns a 6-mile stretch of the Black River into a slow, restorative trip back to your rental.
Trail Wisdom
Book as a cabin guest
This float is offered specifically for guests staying at partnered cabins—confirm pickup location and timing when you book.
Use a drybag
Phones, sandwiches, and layers should go in a sealed drybag; the river is shallow but unforgiving to electronics.
Wear river shoes
Choose footwear that grips when wet and protects against sharp rocks and snags at pullouts.
Plan for sun and shade
Bring sunscreen and a hat—reflected light off the water doubles exposure—even on overcast days.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Oxbow pullouts with shallow sandy beaches ideal for picnics
- •Quiet side channels edged with old cypress and driftwood perfect for short explorations
Wildlife
Great blue heron, River otter
Conservation Note
The river corridor supports sensitive shoreline habitats—minimize bank erosion by using established pullouts and pack out all trash.
The Black River shaped local commerce and settlement patterns; Pocahontas grew as a river town and county seat in the 19th century.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower viewing, Comfortable water temperatures, Migratory birds
Challenges: Higher flows after rain, Cool mornings
Spring is ideal—water levels are healthy, banks are green, and bird activity is pronounced; pack layers for cooler starts.
summer
Best for: Warm swims, Long daylight, Family outings
Challenges: Heat and sun exposure, Lower late-season flows in drought years
Summer offers warm water and long days—schedule floats earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat.
fall
Best for: Colorful foliage, Crisp air, Lower insect activity
Challenges: Shorter days, Cooler water temperatures
Fall brings color and a quieter river; mornings can be crisp so bring an extra layer for the shuttle.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Clear vistas, Brisk, quiet floats
Challenges: Cold water and air, Limited services
Winters are peaceful but cold—dress in insulating, quick-dry layers and be prepared for limited support services.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Drybag (20–30L)Essential
Keeps layers, phone, and food dry during pullouts and unexpected splashes
River shoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky banks and offers traction when launching or landing
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Reduces sun exposure from both direct and reflected light
Light insulated layer
Adds warmth for cooler mornings or a breezy late-afternoon paddle
Common Questions
Do I need to provide my own boat?
Blacksferry Floats supplies and matches craft to your group, but confirm rental options when you book or bring your own if preferred.
How do I get to the launch point?
Staff pick guests up at their cabins and shuttle them upstream to the Shanty; you do not need to drive to the launch.
Is the float safe for kids?
Yes—this is a low-difficulty float, but children should wear life jackets and be supervised; inform staff of ages when booking.
Are pets allowed?
Policies vary by cabin and operator—ask in advance; if allowed, bring a life jacket sized for your pet.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The operator monitors conditions and will reschedule or cancel in cases of severe weather or unsafe river flows.
Can I swim during the float?
Yes—there are gentle pullouts suitable for a swim, but always assess current strength and water temperature before entering.
What to Pack
Drybag for valuables, river shoes for rocky banks, sunscreen and hat for reflected sun, a light insulated layer for cool mornings
Did You Know
Pocahontas is the county seat of Randolph County, Arkansas, incorporated in the 1830s and historically tied to river transport.
Quick Travel Tips
Confirm pickup time with cabin staff, bring cash or card for local purchases, check weather and river conditions day-of, keep valuables in a drybag
Local Flavor
After your float, head into downtown Pocahontas for Southern comfort food—think catfish or barbecue—then stop by a local market or the county museum to connect the river to regional history.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Jonesboro (≈60 miles) or Memphis (≈120 miles); driving from Pocahontas town center to common cabin pickups is usually under 20 minutes; cell service is intermittent along the river—download directions and keep communications simple; no special permits required for the private cabin-guest float but confirm with your host.
Sustainability Note
This river corridor includes sensitive shoreline habitat—use established pullouts, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing nesting birds and riverbank vegetation.