The water in the Buffalo National River is dependent on a consistent amount of rainfall throughout the year to provide ample water for floating. At times the river might be exceedingly low or stretches of it may flow underground.
River use along the Buffalo is not evenly distributed over the entire course of the river. Thirty percent of the river receives seventy percent of the canoe traffic. Three of the most used river segments are Ponca to Kyle's Landing, Maumee to Buffalo Point, and Highway 14 Bridge to Rush.
Peak river use begins in April and ends in August. The most intensive use occurs on the upper river from Ponca to Pruitt in April and May. On the middle and lower sections, river use peaks from June to July. To avoid crowds in the spring, consider floating during the weekdays or floating on a lower section of river, such as Carver to Woolum. To avoid summer crowds, consider a trip early in the morning or during the middle of the week. A quiet, early morning trip will offer cooler temperatures, far more opportunities to see wildlife along the river banks, and better fishing. In the early spring, late fall and winter the middle and lower sections of the river are seldom used.
Canoes and Johnboat rental concessionaires are permitted by the National Park Service to rent canoes and rafts and to provide shuttle services within Buffalo National River. Concessionaires provide canoes, paddles, life jackets, mesh litter bags, and shuttles. For an additional fee, some outfitters will shuttle vehicles to a take-out point. We encourage you to contact the concessionaires listed on the web site and shop for the services and rates you desire.
Concession operations are limited to specific districts of the river. Your choice of canoe and johnboat rentals depends largely upon which section of the river you desire to float or fish. Upper river concessionaires can provide services from Boxley to Carver. Middle river concessionaires can provide services between Carver and South Maumee. Concessionaires of the lower district serve visitors between North Maumee and Buffalo City.
If your float extends between two districts, you may select any outfitter within the two districts you will be floating. Any of the outfitters listed may provide services to all sections of the river if a four-day or longer trip is planned. Motors are allowed on vessels upriver to Erbie Boat Launch. Outboard motors are limited to 10 horsepower. Johnboats must yield to all other watercraft.
When planning a river float trip, the type of experience you have depends on several factors, including the length of your visit, the season, and the stretch of river you choose to float. Your decisions can be influenced by factors such as temperature, river gradient and water level, and an individual's paddling ability. Together, these variables contribute to the success of your trip. The length of a float trip can range from hours to days, from 1 mile to 130 miles (1.6 to 208 km). Most visitors choose distances of eight miles (12.8 km) or less. 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.