From Yellow Banks Park, after 3 miles, the river begins to bend about every mile.  There are 6 mile long bends in the river (which also mark the border between Polk County and Warren County) that lead to the remains of  old Hartford access point.  The narrows approaching Hartford have high banks and some of the deepest water along the river.  The run to Hartford is about 10 miles.  Another 2 miles brings you to Hartford Access (watch for duck hunters) then under the bridges of Hwy. 316 near Runnells.  The river banks are very low to the water, and the river is frequently spread out over several miles on either side.  Another 6 miles brings you to Bennington Bridge boat ramp and some very scenic bluffs.

From Bennington, the river winds through wetlands bursting with herons and egrets.  It's about 10 miles through this wilderness to the Boxcar Bend area, where boxcars have been sunk as fishing reefs.  The marsh area adjacent to the Boxcars is home to hundreds of egrets and herons.  It is about 26 miles from Yellow Banks to Boxcar Bend.

The Boxcars are the launch point for the trek down Lake Red Rock.  Don't try this trip in low water.  The river looks wide and deep, but it is only a foot  deep in most places.  There is a sand island about a half mile from Boxcars, and there is usually enough water to pass around the island and set out for the mile long bridge, about 9 miles to the south and west shore.  I was in awe of the red cliffs, the trees in the water, the wind and waves, and the vastness of the lake.  Once you go under the bridge, you can stop at the Elk Rock ramp or continue on to the South Access, 9 miles further south and west.

For more options as to paddling routes from Boxcars to the numerous  access points on Red Rock, see the Red Rock Water Trail Map, https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Portals/48/docs/Recreation/ODR/121102-A-NN408-010.pdf