Buffalo National River
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America's First National River
Undamed, untamed and full of wilderness.
One of the last free-flowing rivers in the country, the Buffalo National River winds 135 miles through towering limestone bluffs, forested hollows and crystal-clear pools, drawing outdoor lovers to explore the wild heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. Designated as America's first national river in 1972, the Buffalo spans more than 95,000 acres of protected land — including three wilderness areas — where elk, deer, and black bear roam.
The river is legendary for floating, and the most popular season is spring, when rainfall swells the upper sections into exciting whitewater. Some sections are typically floatable year-round. Dozens of outfitters service the river and know the best stretches to float for the conditions at any given time of year.
Anglers will find more than 60 fish species in the Buffalo's waters, including smallmouth bass, Ozark bass and goggle-eye.
Beyond the river, more than 100 miles of maintained trails let hikers and mountain bikers immerse themselves in the landscape. Trails snake past old homesteads, along bluff tops and through quiet woods. Over 75 miles are open to horseback riders. Rock climbers know Sam's Throne as one of the premier climbing spots in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas.
From Hemmed-In Hollow, the highest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians, to the ghost town of Rush, the Buffalo National River is full of surprises.
When the sun goes down, the river earns its designation as an International Dark Sky Park. The Milky Way is often visible arching right over the river corridor. Spend the night in one of the rustic CCC-built cabins at Buffalo Point, camp at an NPS campground or backpack into the wilderness for a more remote experience.
Trip Ideas
Retreat to Buffalo River Outfitters
Have the full Buffalo River County experience when you plan your trip with Buffalo River Outfitters. From canoe, raft and kayak rentals to an overnight stay in a log cabin that is close to all your favorite outdoor and urban destinations, Buffalo River Outfitters has everything you need for an unforgettable Arkansas vacation.
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