Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 We regularly update our Buffalo River Level Report during canoe season, as well as other times of the year when the river level comes up high enough for floating. There are over 100 miles (160 km) of maintained trails within the park. are permitted on only two trails in the park. Do you have physical or mobility issues? Where is the Hemmed-In Hollow waterfall? Follow us on social media for updates on river levels and to see pictures of current conditions! If you are staying with us, this list should also be available in your Cabin Guidebook, which is typically located on your cabins coffeetable. VIDEOS A River Nestled in the Arkansas Ozarks How did this river escape impoundment, impairment, and massive change? Come to the BOC store to arrange for your shuttle. More What should I know about a river trip? Mount Hersey to Woolum, Buffalo National River Rates: Canoes starts at $60 Solo Kayaks start at $55 Floating FAQs | Buffalo Outdoor Center The water in the Buffalo National River is dependent on a consistent amount of rainfall throughout the year to provide ample water for floating. A wide array of places to get on and off the water means that you can plan a short two hour float, a multi-day adventure, or something in between. Wear the right clothes. For Upper District, call Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570. Best Float Trips in the Ozarks. Most of the Hailstone is runnable only during the coldest parts of the year, usually late in the fall through mid-April. Are you healthy enough for strenuous activity? We went from Bakers Ford to Gilbert and the river level was 4.2. Reservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov. The cabins are in a good location because they are a short drive to both Tyler Bend Visitor Center, where there are hiking trails and river access and to Grinder's Ferry, which is an easy place to access the river. Woolum put in is 32 miles from the Gateway City to the Buffalo River, Harrison, AR. If you are renting from us, this is included with your rental. These storms are sudden and can happen far away from where their affects are eventually felt. Friends recommended BBR for a float that wasn't too far from home. There is really no way to shorten the run except to camp midway but the water level can be tricky running high enough one day and not the next. 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! It notes the Buffalo typically flows at an average speed of 2 mph. Things To Do Paddling River Rules River Rules Paddling the river in the fall. Pets are permitted on seven park trails, but all other trails are closed to pets. Did you know you could plan a Buffalo River float for the fall? Features on this run are Skull Bluff also known as the Bat House. Search and rescue missions often result from visitors who get in over their head and quickly become overwhelmed by trip duration, trip difficulty, or environmental conditions (air and water temperatures). This helps promote a more peaceful, wilderness-like environment for all to enjoy. Kayakers might see a quicker run but are also subject to many of the same influences as canoeists. Just this one point-to-point float takes a weekend to complete, or longer if you want to explore shore side. September 3, 2019 Autumn is here, and soon one of the most beautiful times of the year to be in Buffalo River Country will begin. We digress. Since yesterday afternoon, 1.4 million people have watched ABC 7's live aerial footage of three dudes floating down the L.A. River in an enormous inflatable flamingo raft. For Upper District, call Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570. Take the mileage between two points and divide by two. Suite 136 Take the mileage between two points and divide by two. Pruitt put in is 13 miles from the Gateway City to the Buffalo River, Harrison, AR. Be aware of other floaters. The takeout at Hasty is a sandy beach on river right, directly across from Chimney Rock Bluff. We suggest a person be at least age six and able to swim, although there is no official age limit on the river. However, some trails are designed for foot traffic only and are marked with a white blaze. Water level dictates our launch site, which is either the access at Ponca, Steel Creek or Pruitt. The put-ins and take-outs are where you access the river. For shoes, wear something you dont mind getting wet and that also provides a sturdy footbed and straps securely to your foot. 72601, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. This, of course, also depends on such factors as water level, ones paddling skills, and how much extra-curricular activity (such as fishing or hiking) one does along the way. A putt above: 8 Maine mini golf courses that offer something more Frequently Asked Questions - Buffalo National River (U.S. National Park You may want to float on the lower part of the river. 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 "reach" is a term used to describe a section of the river between access points. It was almost too low then and the river level has dropped since. We will update you as soon as we can float again! So, take your time on the riverthats what you came for anyway! Where can I take my pet in the park? Rollin' on the River: 6 Family-Friendly Float Trips in Arkansas Still have questions? Download our park brochure map to see river landmarks and mileages in context To avoid crowds in the spring, consider floating during the weekdays or floating on a lower section of river, such as Carver to Woolum. There is a great website that has an interactive map that shows current water levels and float conditions. Buffalo River Outfitters offers a complete Ozark adventure vacation. Upper Buffalo National River, Arkansas - Southwest Paddler BOC offers terrificpet-friendly cabinsfor your Buffalo River adventures! Whether its just a day trip or a long overdue getaway, below is some information to help you decide the perfect time to come see us. segments will differ in length between gauges. Map it. . Theres no doubt that the Buffalo River float will be your favorite fall trip you take this year in Arkansas! Actually, not in the park, but just outside, from park-contracted canoe concessioners. The Natural State is home to unrivaled scenic beauty; in the autumn, the Ozarks are ablaze in a veritable kaleidoscope of color. Boxley Bridge put in is located on Hwy 21 in Boxley Valley. Map it. All children ages 12 and under are required to WEAR their PFDs at all times while in the boat. Obviously, you can overnight float any section of the river that has enough water. Contact Us, 8 am 6 pm | Mar Oct Suite 136 To avoid crowds in the spring, consider floating during the weekdays or floating on a lower section of river, such as Carver to Woolum. Put in is the Tyler Bend boat landing off Highway 65. Search 'Buffalo River floating conditions' and look for the website: ar.water.usgs.gov>BuffaloRiver Visit our Life Jacket Loaner page to learn how you can borrow a life jacket during your next visit to the river. 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. Visitor use along the Buffalo is not evenly distributed over the entire course of the river. Features from Ponca to Steel Creek include: Bee Bluff and Roark Bluff. You do not have to leash your dog while it is riding in a canoe. Please note that on high-demand Saturdays and Memorial Day weekend, all outfitters can experience delays in moving vehicles. Always check river levels before putting on the river. Is there any wildlife that I should be prepared for in the backcountry? Remember that river travel is not strictly a miles-per-hour undertaking since different reaches have different flows and impediments. If you do go, DON'T forget water shoes. Zero to 15 inches of air space under the Ponca low water bridge is best. The park recommends that ALL persons, even those age 13 and up, wear a life jacket while on the river. Paddle boards our a fun way to float the river or lake. And please only rent from the local of locals in PoncaLost Valley Canoe & Campgrounds. No permit required. It's important to understand that the National Park Service manages for multiple interests, placing limitations or prohibitions only where absolutely necessary to preserve the resources and insure visitor safety and satisfaction. Secure your gear. Each of the three park districts has a Lost & Found located at its respective visitor contact station. Buffalo River Tubing Is The Longest Float Trip In Arkansas The season moves downstream with the months, varying from month to month with rainfall. All canoe and kayak rental fees include paddles and PFDs. In dry years, the paddling season is short and quickly moves down into the Middle and Lower Districts. Often these are found on the outer side of bends where the river is fastest, or in fast-moving and narrow chutes. As each vehicle and river trip is different, please call us at 1-870-861-5514 to discuss arrangements for shuttles involving special types of vehicles. Some are longer than others, some have more or less remote highway access, some are only navigable when water levels are adequate for floating. Remember that river travel is not strictly a miles-per-hour undertaking since different reaches have different flows and impediments. Peak river use begins in April and ends in August. Very popular float Features include Cliff Hollow, Big Bluff, Jackies Big Hollow, and Hemmed in Hollow landing. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 72601, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. You may run into people with expectations of quiet and solitude. Check out our Gallery for scenic views of the Buffalo River. The Middle Buffalo flows from Pruitt to about Gilbert. Do you possess basic survival skills, such as lighting a fire, and can you perform those skills while soaking wet and shivering? We are here to help! If your boat becomes lodged, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO UNPIN IT! Please note that on high-demand Saturdays and Memorial Day weekend, all outfitters can experience delays in moving vehicles. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Trails blazed in yellow are hiker/horseback trails. 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. More Be sure to place all of your equipment in sturdy waterproof bags and tie everything down in your boat to prevent it from washing away if you capsize. Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 Most float Ozark to Carver for 13 miles or Pruitt to Hasty for 6.8 miles. 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. The TripThe National Park Service calls the Buffalo River "a wild, free-flowing and unpolluted river that passes towering bluffs, pioneer homesteads, and wilderness areas, dominated by a vast hardwood forest, verdant much of the visitor season." The Buffalo National River was created in 1972 "to conserve an area having unique scenery and scientific features and to preserve the Buffalo River .