This should tell you approximately how many hours it will take you to float any given section of river. You can click on diamond shaped icons that show water levels. Dixon Forge put in is located at the end of Forest Route 1463 (Dixon Ridge Road) north of Fallsville. Map it. Thomas Hart Benton painted many features along this stretch of the river. Kyles Landing put in is 24.2 miles from the Gateway City to the Buffalo River, Harrison, AR. These guys are like living creatures and are generally taken for granted except when they've swallowed alive your boat trailer or truck. Boat rentals must arrive at the takeout by 6:30PM the day of rental. All rights reserved. Flip-flops or slip-on water shoes can get pulled off of your feet and swept downstream if you capsize. You sure can! Leave a detailed itinerary and map of the area with a responsible person at home or work on whom you can rely to report you overdue in the event that you become delayed. Suite 136 Take the mileage between two points and divide by two. Many float Woolum to Tyler Bend for a 15.2 mile run. 72601, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. We will update you as soon as we can float again! Buffalo Outdoor Center is a proud recipient of the 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice award. Some are longer than others, some have more or less remote highway access, some are only navigable when water levels are adequate for floating. And speaking of safety, the operative phrase may actually be "run into" at certain times. Call Buffalo River Outfitters at 870-439-2200. For further information about floating the river call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502 or visit the park's, page for information on authorized concessioners and the. Hersey and South Maumee. The NPS can write you a ticket for violating the sound barrier, so pack some headphones if you plan to enjoy tunes while on the river between Steel Creek and Kyles! Search 'Buffalo River floating conditions' and look for the website: ar.water.usgs.gov>BuffaloRiver The water flows smooth and slow and is rarely deeper than a few feet deep. Visit our Life Jacket Loaner page to learn how you can borrow a life jacket during your next visit to the river. A major storm in the Upper Buffalo can cause serious problems in the Middle and Lower Districts without you ever hearing a clap of thunder or even seeing a cloud! Cotton is to be avoided, especially denim jeans. Thank you! Here are some of the most popular questions our Adventure Staff is currently receiving from paddlers. Species of note for backcountry travelers are black bears, feral hogs, elk, and raccoons. From. "River shoes" or old sneakers are a big help at times like this. Most visitors float the Buffalo River during the warmer weather and go river hiking when it is cooler. Add it on to floats westward of Tyler Bend or have another camp out at Maumee. Were so glad you asked! Especially if that trip is along the United States' first national river. View list of upper Buffalo National River emergency numbers that are essential to have readily at hand, whether its in your pack, dry bag or vehicle. For Upper District, call Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570. Put in for Maumee North is at the end of County Road 86. Any boat that arrives after 6:30PM will be charged for another rental day. Constant paddling does not always make for the most enjoyable trip; while planning your trip, don't forget to consider the time you wish to spend hiking along riverside trails, fishing, and swimming. Children 12 and under must wear a securely fastened life jacket while on board any vessel. 402 N. Walnut Street If you are approaching a narrow chute or bend and see the potential for congestion, slow down to avoid a collision that could result in anything from inconvenience to injury. They're the best!! Yes, you can! Water levels are best for floating November-May. NPS Photo The Buffalo River flows freely for 151 miles. You'll explore dramatic bluffs, caves, and hiking trails along the Buffalo River. Features from Ponca to Steel Creek include: Bee Bluff and Roark Bluff. Water level dictates our launch site, which is either the access at Ponca, Steel Creek or Pruitt. Located in Arkansas, the Buffalo National River is the first national river in the country and is abundant in wildlife and beautiful scenery. Pets are permitted on seven park trails, but all other trails are closed to pets. Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 So, take your time floating on the Buffalo National Riverthats what you came for anyway! Dogs must be on a leash in campgrounds and are not permitted on park trails. Use. Boxley Bridge put in is located on Hwy 21 in Boxley Valley. The Nars is a bucket list item easily accessible via day float from Mt. Together, these variables contribute to the success of your trip. Map it. River levels do affect the time it takes to float but a full day float is typically 8 miles or less. Once your paperwork and payment are complete, youll drive to the launch site and leave a set of car keys with our river staff. Take the mileage between two points and divide by two. Had to wait a few minutes on the bus ride. Trails blazed in yellow are hiker/horseback trails. Wear the right clothes. * The road down to the launch at Buffalo Point is . Backcountry camping is allowed on the river. What's a fun fall getaway destination in Arkansas? The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. Perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, definitely deserves a place on your fall foliage bucket list. There is a great website that has an interactive map that shows current water levels and float conditions. Approximately halfway between Pruitt and Hasty, the Little Buffalo River dumps into the "Big Buffalo" on river right; the river typically gains velocity from here. Harrison, When and where is the best place to float the Buffalo River? New to floating the upper Buffalo National River? Life Jackets (PFDs): Every vessel must have a life jacket (personal flotation device) for each person on board the vessel. The Buffalo River Americas first national river, flows through 135 miles of pristine wilderness in the Ozarks. The National Park Service states in its publication Currents that the Buffalo National River is viewed as a Class I river, which is generally accepted as the least difficult river rating. 663 Main St., Richmond; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; $13, $11 for kids (12 and under). A good spot halfway between today's two points would be near the Red Bluff. You can sit, stand, or yoga your . Reviewed July 26, 2020 via mobile. 8 am 5 pm | Nov Feb. Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River. Just watch our video of helpful tips that, if followed, should greatly improve your chances of staying upright! What are some other fall adventures to have along the Buffalo River? Just please be aware, however, that dogs are not permitted on trails within the national park and must be kept on a leash at all times when in campgrounds. PLEASE NOTE THAT ON HIGH-DEMAND SATURDAYS & MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, ALL OUTFITTERS CAN EXPERIENCE DELAYS IN MOVING VEHICLES. Buffalo Outdoor Center are permitted on only two trails in the park. Buffalo River Outfitters offers a complete Ozark adventure vacation. Whether youre a seasoned paddler or just getting started, here are some must-read paddling safety tips to know before you put a paddle in the water or someone in your boat. At times the river might be exceedingly low or stretches of it may flow underground. Buffalo River Outfitters offers a complete Ozark adventure vacation. moosemountainpark.com. The entire river is nearly 150 miles long, so there's plenty of options for multi-day float trips. Speaking of paddling safety, do you have any tips to offer? We then move cars in the order in which the keys have been handed to us (basically, a first-come/first-serve process). Most run Ponca to Kyles Landing (10 miles). Additional One-Day Floats. In the spring and late fall the middle and lower section of the river are seldom used. Any boat that arrives after 6:30PM will be charged for another rental day. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! New in 2016 is an NPS position of zero tolerance for music audibly played by radio or other device within a specified wilderness area. Ozark put in is about 18 miles from the Gateway City to the Buffalo River, Harrison, AR. Floating, hiking, camping. Need lodging for you and your 4-legged pal? We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our website. Just down river from The Nars is Skull Bluff, so named because, well, it looks like a skull. As with so many southern states, Arkansas experiences "peak fall colors" a bit later in the season, generally around the last week of October and in early November. Absolutely! (Life vests are provided with your rental.) It was almost too low then and the river level has dropped since. The length of a float trip can range from hours to days, from 1 mile to 130 miles (1.6 to 208 km). Tyler Bend put in is 33.6 miles from the Gateway City to the Buffalo River, Harrison, AR. Incidentally, quite possibly our favorite overnight float is Carver to Woolum, but that's another post. We digress. Average river flow is 2 miles per hour. Pruitt put in is 13 miles from the Gateway City to the Buffalo River, Harrison, AR. The Upper Buffalo, as described in this report, flows through Newton County from south of Boxley to Ponca, then east to Pruitt, along the only section where anything approaching whitewater on the Buffalo can be found. Maumee North put in is 45.4 miles from the Gateway City to the Buffalo River, Harrison, AR. AR Features on this run are Skull Bluff also known as the Bat House. More Most people float Carver to Woolum (15.4 miles). River levels update @ every 5 minutes. To avoid crowds in the spring, consider floating during the weekdays or floating on a lower section of river, such as Carver to Woolum. It notes the Buffalo typically flows at an average speed of 2 mph. If your boat becomes lodged, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO UNPIN IT! Put in is at the Ozark Campground off Highway 7 north of Jasper. by Flip Putthoff | December 28, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. River camping for one or several nights is the ideal way to experience the Buffalo National River. Bring sturdy footwear. Woolum put in is 32 miles from the Gateway City to the Buffalo River, Harrison, AR. Wild Bills Outfitter is located on the lower section of the Buffalo River near Buffalo Point and Dillard's Ferry (Hwy 14 Bridge). All canoe and kayak rental fees include paddles and PFDs. More water makes this section attractive for visitors seeking a higher level of challenge with whitewater kayaking. Experience is the best practice, avoidance is the best caution. Roasted marshmallows, fireside snuggles, and spectacular stargazing will make this trip memorable. Map it. Most folks think of the Buffalo being a summer destination, but a trip later in the year certainly has its perks. A little advance homework goes a long way toward enjoying a happy, hassle-free float trip on the upper Buffalo National River. However, our section can move into the Class II rating in times of high water. In cases where the river levels are seriously low, your trip plans should be altered to avoid getting into a potentially dangerous, not to mention unpleasant, situation of hauling for mile after mile to the next available take out. The Ponca to Pruitt in the Upper Buffalo is one of the most popular. The park recommends that ALL persons, even those age 13 and up, wear a life jacket while on the river. For shoes, wear something you dont mind getting wet and that also provides a sturdy footbed and straps securely to your foot. We arrived at the location and were advised that the drop off point was down the road. It is situated in Newton, Searcy, Marion and Baxter Counties. The water in the Buffalo National River is dependent on a consistent amount of rainfall throughout the year to provide ample water for floating. Click here more to learn more aboutcanoeing with kids, as well as other paddling safety tips. Typically, the paddle season begins on the upper Buffalo in the spring. Glass containers are prohibited on the Buffalo National River. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. A quiet, early morning trip will offer cooler temperatures, far more opportunities to see wildfile along the river banks, and better fishing. Waterproof outer garments are also highly recommended. When and where is the best place to float the Buffalo River? Come to the BOC store to arrange for your shuttle. Depending upon the month, launch times may vary somewhat. Map it. For Lower District, call Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station at 870-449-4311. For Upper District, call Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570. Made reservations couple days before. The takeout at Hasty is a sandy beach on river right, directly across from Chimney Rock Bluff. View more information about canoeing / floating with kids, as well as other safety tips. Need lodging for you and your 4-legged pal? There are over 20 access points along the Buffalo River. In addition to the above autumnal Buffalo River float, you'll discover some downright lovely hikes in this region of the Natural State -- especially in the height of fall foliage. Either way, they can cause a canoe or kayak to capsize and require extra care to avoid. Whatever you choose to do or whenever you choose to goENJOY!! Happy Paddling! Photograph wild elk grazing in the valley from your car or explore endless trails with breathtaking waterfalls and historical significance. And please only rent from the local of locals in PoncaLost Valley Canoe & Campgrounds. Download our park brochure map to see river landmarks and mileages in context NPS Photo As you're planning your paddle or float the Buffalo River, please remember the Rules of the River that are intended to keep you safe and the river clean. The 17.5-mile float from Tyler Bend to South Maumee has some of the best foliage along the river. Spring Creek to Dillards Ferry 4.6 miles, Dillards Ferry to Buffalo Point 1.5 miles, Buffalo Point to Rush Landing 7.4 miles. You'll explore dramatic bluffs, caves, and hiking trails along the Buffalo River. Paddle and float times vary depending on breaks, if you are paddling or not, and the river level. The information provided here is based on our 35+ years of experience and what we observe as being the typical experiences of our river trip guests. Nestled in the Arkansas Ozarks, Eureka Springs is as pretty as a postcard in the fall, when the landscape shines in golds and oranges, which pop against the bold blue of the beautiful Buffalo National River. Some are considered nuisances and not hazards, and are part of the river experience. (Water levels based on USGS data), Buffalo Outdoor Center For Saturdays and the days of Memorial Day weekend, you will definitely want to reserve your canoes and/or kayaks in advance. Foam Coolers: The possession of polystyrene coolers (commonly known as Styrofoam) is prohibited while floating or camping along the Buffalo River, except in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, landings, roads, and parking lots. Very popular float Features include Cliff Hollow, Big Bluff, Jackies Big Hollow, and Hemmed in Hollow landing. Sandals made for river wear or even tennis shoes are better than flip flops or slide-on sandals. With average river conditions, you can generally factor a speed of about 2mph, which equals around 4 to 6 hours of paddling time for the typical 8- to 10.7-mile float trip. If your boat becomes pinned or washed away, you must be able to hike out - have study footwear with you just in case. We provide canoes, kayaks, rafts and shuttle service for floating the Buffalo National River, and have clean and cozy lodging options that are unmatched in the area. All persons floating or paddling the Buffalo River are required to have a personal floatation device (PFD) in their boat. Harrison, If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Plan and prepare for exhilarating water. Depending on the location and time of year, conditions may be very congested in the parking area and on the river bank. Some trails will accommodate hiker and horse use. This is an easy, family friendly float that takes about 3-1/2 hours. Remember, cell phone service is unreliable in the park. We are here to help! To avoid crowds in the spring, consider floating during the weekdays or floating on a lower section of river, such as Carver to Woolum. more information on current conditions Download our park brochure map to see river landmarks and mileages in context. Come paddle the river between Mt. Visit the lower end of the river for year-round paddling opportunities. If you happen to get a rain out you can always hike one of the countless trails, road trip & look at all of the amazing views, or find one or more of over 200+ waterfalls. According to the Park Service website, each reach has its own beauty and challenges. Remember, "It won't work if you don't wear it." On the middle and lower sections, river use peaks from June to July. Check the weather forecast and river gauges. The Superintendent's Compendium is the official source for rules and regulations at Buffalo National River. If you do go, DON'T forget water shoes. Fortunately, they are periodically renewed by flood events, keeping them fresh for the next season of visitors. You may want to consider taking out at Dillards Ferry, which is 1.5 miles upstream from Buffalo Point. At any time it is possible that the load your craft is carrying and the depth of the river at certain points will require you to get out and haul over a gravel bar. . The river outfitters have a water level meter so you can see if the river is high enough to float or to low. Open beverages must be placed in a floatable holder, such as a can koozie (available for purchase in our store). Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 The 2.8-mile loop is mildly strenuous, but the cool weather will keep you from breaking a sweat on this fall trek in Arkansas. Canoe season for the upper Buffalo National River is usually March through June, although we sometimes have canoeing water into July. Still have questions? River levels update @ every 5 minutes. There are many floating options in the Island Park area. Some trails will accommodate hiker and horse use. It's during this time when the trees begin changing, which means soon the lush landscape of the Natural State will look like a colorful work of art! Ice chests must have the lids secured so that contents stay put in the event of an overturned boat. Primitive camping is permitted anyway along the Buffalo as long as its 1/2-mile from any park maintained areas. Let our FAQ help fast-forward your paddling plans! More For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser. Wear your life jacket. Buffalo River This is our favorite float in the Island Park Area. What rules and regulations should I be aware of? For your convenience, we shuttle your vehicle to a pre-determined take-out access while you enjoy your float trip. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. For an additional fee, some outfitters will shuttle vehicles to a take-out point. Rates: Canoes starts at $60 Solo Kayaks start at $55 360122 N 932147 W Arkansas certainly lives up to its name of "The Natural State.". The "reach" is a term used to describe a section of the river between access points. You must have a mesh trash bag on board (1 per boat). Yes, but please be advised that dogs are not permitted on trails within the national park and must be kept on a leash at all times when in campgrounds. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 402 N. Walnut Street Grinder's Ferry to Gilbert - 4.2 Miles - Average float time: 1-2 hours. BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER FALL COLOR segments will differ in length between gauges. The upper Buffalo National River is rainfall dependent, so water level influences our launch site on a day-by-day basis, which is either the access at Ponca, nearby Steel Creek, or down river about 24 miles at Pruitt. The scenery is not as spectacular but this is the gentler part of the Buffalo River running along the Springfield Plateau. In the meantime, take advantage of the many other activities and wonders that Buffalo River Country has to offer! Pets are allowed in all campgrounds, on the river, and on the gravel bars, but must be under physical control at all times.
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