Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is one of the few remaining unpolluted, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states offering both swift-running and placid stretches. The Buffalo National River encompasses 135 miles of the 150-mile long river. It begins as a trickle in the Boston Mountains 15 miles above the park boundary. Following what is likely an ancient riverbed, the Buffalo National River cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Ozarks and into the White River. The Buffalo National River has three designated wilderness areas within its boundaries.
Headquarters is located in Harrison, Arkansas, providing administrative services to the national river. The Tyler Bend Visitor Center, the main visitor center for the park, is located 18 miles south of Harrison, Arkansas. The park has two other visitor contact stations; the Pruitt Ranger Station, located ten miles south of Harrison, Arkansas on Highway 7, and Buffalo Point Ranger Station, located 17 miles south of Yellville, Arkansas, on Highway 14.
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Driving the Buffalo National River
You are invited to explore the Buffalo National River area by traveling the winding roads past beautiful scenery, historic locations, small shops, restaurants, and other hidden treasures of the Ozarks. Although the roads do not follow alongside the river itself, there is still much to appreciate.
As you enter, leave, and enter again the boundaries of the National River, you will see the connection between the river and the surrounding highlands; between the towering bluffs and deep "hollers;" and between the people who call this home and the special place set aside in their midst. Visit the Auto Tours page for more information.
Hiking the Buffalo National River
Ever thought of backpacking? The Buffalo National River is the perfect location! Explore the Buffalo National River in the same way the first Americans traveled - by foot. With over 100 miles of trails in the Buffalo National River, day hikers and backpackers alike can "discover" hidden waterfalls, breath-taking overlooks, or historical home sites.
Leave no trace of your stay - pack out whatever you pack in. Visit our Ozark Mountain hiking trails to find out more information. There are over 100 miles of maintained trails within the park. Depending upon location, construction, and designation, these trails are open to hikers and/or horseback riders.
Bicycles and pets are not permitted on any park trails. Some trails require river crossings, which may be impassable during high water. Stay on designated trails. Do not shortcut trails or switchbacks. This not only adds unnecessary impact, but it increases erosion.
For your safety, if you are hiking on a trail and meet up with horseback riders stand to the side of the trail and allow the horseback riders to pass. It is best to make your presence known with a friendly "hello" well before the horse is nearby. This lets the horse know of your presence and prevents it from becoming startled.
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> Map to Trailheads of the Upper Buffalo National River
Bird Watching
Over 200 species of birds use the Buffalo National River for some part of the year - many birds live there year round. Bird checklists are available at any ranger station, visitor center or a partial list can be found on our birding page.
Buffalo River is a biological crossroads, providing many different habitats supporting a large variety of our feathered friends. Bird watching is quite popular at the Buffalo National River. In December, the park is host to the Annual Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The event's conception was in protest of a traditional event called a "side hunt", where hunters would choose teams and compete to see who could shoot the most birds and animals.
On December 25, 1900, small groups of individuals began counting instead of shooting the wildlife. It is now the longest running ornithological database in the world, providing valuable insight into the past and present status of resident and migratory birds and the general health of the environment.
> Download Birds found in Arkansas PDF 194k
> Download Arkansas Birds Checklist PDF 68.8k
Canoeing
The very best way to see the Buffalo National River is by canoeing. You may bring your own canoe, kayak, raft, or john boat; or you can rent one from local authorized Concessionaires - no permit is required.
Motors must be less than 10 horsepower and properly registered in the state of Arkansas. Life jackets are required in all boats, and must be worn by children 12 and younger. No glass containers are permitted within 50 feet of the river or its tributaries.
Floating the Buffalo National River can be a wonderful experience, and you can keep it that way by following a few precautions. Always check river conditions before you float. River levels are posted at the access areas and can also be found on the internet or by calling any ranger station or visitor center.
The river in any area is rated in the following manner:
- Very Low - The river is dry in places
- Low But Floatable - The river moves slowly and many rocks are exposed
- Ample Water For Floating - The river moves at an average of two miles per hour, allowing canoes to float over most rocks
- Experienced Floaters Only - The river flows swiftly. Compromising situations may occur. Canoeing experience on swift moving rivers is necessary. All canoeists must possess good river canoeing skills and must be familiar with rescue procedures
- Flood Stage, River Closed - The river flows outside its normal banks. Flood waters move quickly and carry debris. River conditions are hazardous even for highly skilled canoeists.
Camping
Thirteen designated campgrounds are accessible by car and are open on a first-come, first-served basis except that Buffalo Point Campground offers some campsites by reservation through www.ReserveUSA.com or calling 1-877-444-6777.
Tyler Bend and Buffalo Point offer restrooms, showers, and trailer dump stations; camping fees are charged at both locations from April through October. Buffalo Point has water and electrical hookups. Buffalo Point Campground fills most weekend evenings from Memorial Day to mid-August.
The steep roads to Steel Creek and Kyles Landing and winding roads to Mt. Hersey are not recommended for large trailers, buses, or motorhomes.
For details about each camping area visit:
http://www.nps.gov/buff/pphtml/camping.html
Fishing
The Buffalo National River is a favorite with anglers. Long pools and shallow riffles provide excellent opportunities for fishing. The Buffalo National River and its tributaries comprise one of the Nation's richest areas in total number of fish species.
Game fish of choice are the smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass, catfish, Ozark bass, and a variety of panfish. Favored traditional methods of fishing are bank fishing and float fishing in flat-bottomed johnboats. Float fishing is most common on the lower (eastern) half of the river. The upper areas are fished by canoe or bank fishing.
State and National Park Service regulations govern fishing. An Arkansas fishing license is required. Catch and release of smallmouth bass is encouraged (with artificial lures, barbless hooks, and careful handling). Smallmouth bass kept must be at least 14 inches in length with a limit of two per day.
Horseback Riding
One of the many ways to enjoy the Buffalo National River is by horse. Designated trails for horseback riding are located in all districts of the national river. In the upper district, the Old River, Cecil Cove Loop, Center Point, and Sneed Creek Trails are horse routes. In the middle district, riders enjoy the Buffalo River Trail. In the lower district, the Cook Hollow/Cow Creek trail accessed at Hathaway Gap is the most-used area.
Two camping areas in the upper river are designated for visitors with horses - Steel Creek and Erbie. Steel Creek horse camp offers 14 sites, and Erbie horse camp offers 5 sites. Use is limited to 6 persons and 4 horses per site with a 7-day limit per stay, first-come, first-served. In the middle district, Woolum Campground is a designated horse camp. In the Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area, visitors may camp at Big Creek or Hathaway Gap trailheads.
Horses have a greater impact on trails than do hikers, so please keep horses off -trails marked with a white blaze and designated for hiking only. All trail users should make decisions and choose practices that will cause the least amount of damage and leave only short-term impacts on the environment.
Tips
- Horses may not be tied directly to trees. A "high picket line" rigged outside of your camp area or hitch racks, where provided, prevents unnecessary damage to trees.
- Traveling outside the established tread, to ride abreast or to avoid rocks or mud, breaks down the trail edge and widens the trail. It can also lead to the development of multiple trails.
- Riders are responsible for removing or scattering horse manure from camp areas, trailheads, and loading areas.
- Where available, camp in previously used sites on durable surfaces away from streams and trails.
- Tie horses off the trail and away from wet or boggy areas. Rocky ground that catches a breeze will discourage insects and allow horses to stand quieter.
- When you leave, there should be little or no evidence of your stay. "Pack it in, pack it out."
- Recommended group size no more than 10 horses.
There are no commercial horse outfitters operating at or in the Buffalo National River.
Hunting
An Arkansas hunting license is required, and state and National Park Service regulations apply. Respect the rights of private property owners who have homes and livestock within the park boundary. Rangers can provide current information on seasons and regulations.
Hunting Seasons
Non-developed sections of the park are open to hunting under Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations. Hunting, in one form or another, may occur from early September until mid-May. Hunting season for squirrel ends now in February. Turkey season runs through May.
Anyone going into the woods during hunting season should use caution and wear bright clothing. Hunter orange is recommended. This is especially important during gun deer season in November and during spring turkey season. Visit the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website for detailed hunting information.
Interpretive Programs
Attending a ranger-led interpretive program can increase your understanding and appreciation of Buffalo National River. Park rangers lead activities throughout the park free of charge.
Evening programs are offered throughout the summer on weekends at Ozark and Tyler Bend Campgrounds, and daily at Buffalo Point Campground. Additional programs may be offered, which can include children's programs, guided canoe floats, guided walks, and special talks and demonstrations.
Current program schedules and information are available at the contact stations and on bulletin boards around the park. Visit the link to the Buffalo National River's Interpretive Programs .
Wildlife Viewing
Plant and animal species of the Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast co-exist in the Ozarks. Armadillos, roadrunners, and tarantulas live with lichens characteristic of arctic tundra. Differences in elevation (from 375 to 2,385 feet), moisture, exposure, and soil types, allow more than 1,500 plant species to live here.
The river boasts 64 species of clear-water fish. Whitetail deer, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, mink, bear, and beaver are common. The ranger stations and the visitor center have checklists for mammals, plants, flowers, birds, and fish that may be found in the park.
We advise you to remember that the wild animals in the park are just that - wild. Don't feed or attempt to interact with any animals you might see. Remember, this is their home; we are just visiting.
> Download Birds found in Arkansas PDF 194k
> Download Arkansas Birds Checklist PDF 68.8k
> Download Arkansas Mammals Checklist PDF 150k
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Elk in Arkansas?
Eastern elk, a subspecies adapted to environmental conditions in the eastern hardwood forests, were native to the Buffalo National River. This subspecies had vanished from the Ozarks by the 1840s, and are now extinct everywhere. Between 1981 and 1985, a total of 112 Rocky Mountain elk were released at five sites in Newton County by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Over 450 elk presently live in or adjacent to Buffalo National River in Newton, Boone and Searcy Counties. Surveys indicate that the introduced elk are reproducing at a fast rate. However, elk deaths due to poaching, injuries and disease will likely cause any further increase in population to be slow. Resource managers monitor the elk herds to understand how these elk have adapted to Ozark habitats.
