Jacks Fork River.
The Jacks Fork is the Current River’s spring-fed sister stream, and the other half of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. It is tighter and more intimate than the Current - clear water threading narrow, bluff-lined canyons, fed by Blue Spring, Alley Spring and others.
It really is two rivers. The upper Jacks Fork, from The Prongs down to the Hwy 17 bridge (Buck Hollow), is a spring-runoff classic: spectacular, but shallow and reliably floatable mainly in spring or after rain. The lower river, from Buck Hollow down through Alley Spring and Eminence to the Two Rivers confluence with the Current, holds water far longer and is the busier, more dependable float.
As part of the Riverways it is managed by the National Park Service, with NPS-authorized outfitters around Eminence and Alley Spring, developed campgrounds, and free gravel-bar camping. The same NPS rules apply: one PFD per person (kids 7 and under must wear one), no tying vessels together, and no glass or styrofoam.
Floating the Jacks Fork from Eminence, Alley Spring & Mountain View.
The river runs through Shannon County, with Eminence as the central hub and Mountain View serving the upper launches.
- From Eminence (~5 min). The central Riverways hub - outfitters, lodging, stores and the Hwys 19/106 junction.
- From Alley Spring (~10 min). A general store, the historic Alley Mill and the most popular campground on the Jacks Fork, ~6 miles west of Eminence.
- From Mountain View (~25 min). The town nearest the upper Hwy 17 (Buck Hollow) launch for the spring-runoff upper river.
- From NWA (~3.75h). A destination float - plan an overnight or multi-day, and pair it with the Current.
The Jacks Fork shares the Current’s well-developed NPS infrastructure - authorized outfitters, developed campgrounds and gravel-bar camping. Time the upper river for spring water; the lower river is the reliable bet the rest of the season.
Where to put in.
The National Park Service maintains designated accesses down the river, listed downstream. The upper river (above Hwy 17 / Buck Hollow) is shallow and best in higher spring water; the lower river floats much of the season.
The Prongs to Hwy 17 (Buck Hollow) Upper · spring only
The spectacular upper river - ~7 miles of narrow, bluff-lined canyon that is reliably floatable mainly in spring or after rain. Shallow and committing; for higher-water windows.
Alley Spring to Eminence Day float
A popular ~6-mile lower-river run from the historic Alley Mill and spring to Eminence - clear water, bluffs and the most reliable, family-friendly stretch.
Eminence to Two Rivers Day float
The final ~7 miles to the Two Rivers confluence with the Current - an easy, scenic finish that connects the two Riverways streams.
NPS-authorized Jacks Fork outfitters (from the official NPS list, verified 2026): Harvey’s Alley Spring Canoe Rental (Alley Spring/Eminence - the oldest float outfitter on the Jacks Fork), Two Rivers Canoe Rental (at the Current confluence near Eminence) and Windy’s Canoe Rental (Eminence). Several upper-Current outfitters also run shuttles - confirm Jacks Fork service by phone.
Where to camp.
The NPS’s most popular campground on the Jacks Fork, by the historic Alley Mill and spring. Showers, with a camp store nearby. Reservation-only via Recreation.gov.
NPS campground at the Two Rivers confluence near Eminence - becomes a backcountry campground in winter. Reservation-only in season via Recreation.gov.
Free, no-reservation gravel-bar camping is allowed for floaters under NPS rules - the classic Jacks Fork overnight. Pack everything out and follow the Superintendent’s Compendium.
Cabins, lodges and rooms nearby.
The central hub has cabins, motels and rentals, plus outfitter-run lodging.
Harvey’s and other outfitters offer or partner with local lodging packaged with floats and shuttles.
Motels and services near the upper Hwy 17 launch.
More lodging on the lower Current near NPS headquarters.
Where to base from, where to eat.
Eminence Hub
The central Riverways town - cafes, stores and outfitters; the natural base for food and supplies.
Alley Spring On river
The Alley Spring General Store handles supplies near the campground and mill.
Mountain View Upper
The nearest town to the upper Hwy 17 launch for fuel and a meal.
Other things to do
- Alley Spring & the historic Alley Mill. A turquoise spring and a photogenic 1894 grist mill - the icon of the Jacks Fork.
- Two Rivers confluence. Where the Jacks Fork meets the Current - a beautiful spot to camp or finish a float.
- Round Spring & the Current River. The Jacks Fork’s famous sister stream is minutes away for a multi-day Riverways trip.
Plan a safe trip.
Seasons
- Spring. Prime - the only reliable window for the spectacular upper river, and high, lively water on the lower river.
- Summer. The lower river (Alley Spring down) stays floatable and busy; the upper river is usually too low.
- Fall. Quiet, colorful and clear on the lower river - a lovely, uncrowded season.
- Winter. Cold and low; for experienced, well-equipped paddlers on the lower river only.
Hazards & safety
- Upper river is low-water dependent. The Prongs-to-Hwy 17 stretch is shallow and reliably floatable mainly in spring or after rain - check levels and do not attempt it bony.
- Cold spring water. The Jacks Fork is spring-fed (Blue Spring, Alley Spring) and cold year-round - hypothermia risk after a capsize even in summer. Wear a PFD.
- Flooding closes the river. The NPS closes the river to non-motorized vessels when levels reach about 2 ft above normal; flash floods are possible any time. Never drive flooded roads.
- NPS rules enforced. No tying vessels/tubes together, no glass or styrofoam, kids 7 and under must wear a PFD, and federal drug/alcohol laws apply.
- Little to no cell signal. Self-rescue is the rule - help can be hours away. Arrange shuttles ahead and leave a float plan.
Frequently asked.
Can I navigate the Jacks Fork River with no cell signal?
Yes. Most of the Jacks Fork River corridor has little or no cell service, so set up before you launch. While you still have wifi or signal, open Float Mode and it saves the Jacks Fork River map to your phone. On the water it runs fully offline, using your phone's GPS to show your live position on the river, the distance to your next take-out, and how far along your float you are. It is free, runs in your browser, and needs no app-store download or account.
When can I float the upper Jacks Fork?
Mainly in spring or after rain. The upper river from The Prongs to the Hwy 17 bridge (Buck Hollow) is shallow and reliably floatable only in higher water. The lower river, from Alley Spring down through Eminence to Two Rivers, holds water far longer and floats much of the season.
What’s the best beginner float?
Alley Spring to Eminence (~6 miles) is the classic, family-friendly lower-river run - clear water, bluffs, and the historic Alley Mill at the put-in. Eminence to Two Rivers is another easy, scenic stretch.
Who are the outfitters?
NPS-authorized Jacks Fork outfitters include Harvey’s Alley Spring Canoe Rental (the oldest on the river), Two Rivers Canoe Rental (at the Current confluence) and Windy’s Canoe Rental (Eminence). Some upper-Current liveries also shuttle the Jacks Fork - confirm by phone.
Can I camp on gravel bars?
Yes - free, no-reservation gravel-bar camping is allowed for floaters under NPS rules. There are also reservation-only NPS campgrounds at Alley Spring and Two Rivers. Pack everything out and follow the NPS Superintendent’s Compendium.
How far is the Jacks Fork from NWA?
About 3.75 hours from Fayetteville/Bentonville to the Eminence/Alley Spring area. It is a destination float - plan an overnight or multi-day, and pair it with the Current River for the full Ozark National Scenic Riverways experience.
Float the Jacks Fork River with live GPS, even with no signal.
Most of the Jacks Fork River corridor has little or no cell service. Float Mode uses your phone's GPS to show your live position moving down the river, how far to your next take-out, and your trip progress · even with zero bars.
Before you launch (while you still have signal or wifi), save the Jacks Fork River map to your phone. On the water it loads fully offline: pick your put-in and take-out for an estimated distance and a live percent-complete as you float. It is free, runs in your browser, and needs no app store download or account. Open Float Mode for the Jacks Fork River →