Harrison, Arkansas
Ozark Mountain Gateway to the Buffalo River - National Park Region

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.

River Access and Buffalo River Trail Head at Pruitt Ranger Station
  

Buffalo River National Park Headquarters are located in Harrison, Arkansas with the park visitor contact station; the Pruitt Ranger Station, located seven miles south of Harrison, Arkansas on Highway 7.

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.

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. 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.

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: 

1. Very Low - The river is dry in places
2. Low But Floatable - The river moves slowly and many rocks are exposed
3. Ample Water For Floating - The river moves at an average of two miles per hour, allowing canoes to float over most rocks
4. 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
5. 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.

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.