Picture yourself alone with nature, floating down calm, cool waters, with nothing but towering limestone bluffs beside you. The Buffalo National River, the United States' first national river, is roughly 150 miles long, and packed with beautiful scenery and historical roots.
The Buffalo originates in the rugged Boston Mountains division of the Ozarks near Fallsville. Beginning as just a trickle, The Buffalo River runs down the Boston Mountains and empties into the White River. The ideal way to see the Buffalo River is from the water. Whether you are planning a day float, or looking forward to a several day float, we invite you to explore the many hiking trails and fishing that the Buffalo River has to offer.
There are numerous float trips available depending on distance you want to travel. The river is broken down into three parts, the upper, middle and lower. The upper part of the Buffalo River is located in Boxley and ending in Carver, the middle from Carver to S. Maumee, and the lower runs from N.Maumee to Buffalo City.
A very popular float is from Ponca to Pruitt. This 25 mile section of the river has something for the amateur floater to the more experience floater, with class I and class II rapids. This float also features wonderful scenery from Hemmed-In-Hollow, the highest waterfall in Mid America to the 11,300 acres of the Ponca Wilderness.
There are several outfitters located on each part of the river to accommodate your floating needs. The National Park Service limits the number of rental boats that can be launched on any given day; therefore most outfitters suggest reserving your boats in advance. It is especially wise to book boats in advance on holiday weekends. Most also recommend that small children be at least 4 years of age and be able to swim before floating the Buffalo.
Outfitters offer different services from canoe rental, car shuttles, horseback riding, and lodging. Listed below is contact information for outfitters in our area.
Address: #1 Frost St. - Gilbert, Arkansas 72636
Phone: 870-439-2888
Web site: www.gilbertstore.com
Address: P.O. Box 1 - Ponca, Arkansas 72670
Phone: 870-861-5514
Web site: www.buffaloriver.com
Address: 9964 North Hwy. 65 - St. Joe , Arkansas 72675
Phone: 870-439-2244
Web site: www.buffaloriveroutfitters.com
Address: 538 Hwy. 268 East - Yellville, Arkansas 72687
Phone: 800-537-2850
Web site: www.dirstcanoes.com
Address: 23 Hwy. 268 East #1 - Yellville, Arkansas 72687
Phone: 870-449-6235
Web site: www.ozark-float.com