Buffalo National River
North Arkansas's Buffalo River was the country's first national river, is roughly 150 miles long, and includes nearly 95,000 acres of public land along its corridor. It has been the topic of a full-length book, the subject of a National Geographic feature article, and the cornerstone for the state's environmental movement. Describing the Buffalo in 1,000 to 1,200 words won't be easy, but here goes. Read More »
Buffalo National River Highlights
- This destination, run by the National Park Service, is laced with equestrian trails. The eastern half of the refuge has the Buffalo River Trail, which winds along the hills and hollows adjacent to the river from Gilbert to Woolum. The Lower Buffalo Wilderness has a network of unmaintained paths that trace old settler roads. Your first trip in this wilderness should be guided.
- The western half of the park has the Old River Trail, extending from Boxley to Pruitt. It repeatedly fords the river so be apprised of water levels and consider doing this trail in summer or fall for lowest water.
- The Cecil Cove Trail makes for a great seven-mile loop into forgotten valleys stretching from the river. Extend your trip to over 20 miles by adding the Bench, Sneeds Creek, and Old River trails.
- A loop of ten-plus miles uses the Old River Trail in combination with the Center Point Trail and the Chimney Rock Trail.
- The park offers two auto-accessible equestrian campgrounds. Steel Creek has 14 campsites, while Erbie has five sites. These first-come, first-served campsites are limited to six campers and four horses per site. Stay limit is seven days. Fees are charged from mid-March through mid-November, otherwise the stay is free.
-
Buffalo National River Travel Q&A
-
What's your favorite hike? Where's the best campsite? Join the conversation! Ask Your Question
What You Can Do in Buffalo National River
Articles & Advice on Buffalo National River
-
- Buffalo National River
- Paddling in Arkansas & Missouri
- Biking Buffalo River
- Miles of Double-Track along an Arkansas Wild River!
- Top Ten Kid-Tested Rivers
- Buffalo River, Arkansas
- Top Ten National Parks for Fall Foliage
- Great destinations for traveling leaf-peepers
- Buffalo River
- Northern Half Map
Where are you going?
What do you want to do?
advertisement
Parks Near Buffalo National River
- Richland Creek Wilderness, AR (12 mi.)
- Mulberry River, AR (19 mi.)
- Buffalo National River Wilderness, AR (23 mi.)
GEARZILLA: The Gorp Gear Blog
advertisement
