Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River

October 7th, 2009 |

An Arkansas Destination Worth Visiting

Looking for an Arkansas destination? If you are, Buffalo River is a tourist attraction that should be included in your itinerary. Considered as America’s first national river, there are a lot of things that makes a visit to this 132-mile stretch worthwhile.

A journey to the Buffalo River would take you down to the White River in the wilderness of upper Ponca as well as towards the most remote and rugged counties in the Ozarks. However, this stretch of water is not ideal for floating, provides minimal access, and can only be reached by the dedicated hiker.

Situated in Northern Arkansas, the Buffalo River is the first national river in the United States. Stretching over 150 miles long, the lower portion of the river, covering 135 miles, is operated by the National Park Service. The whole stretch of river passes through four counties namely Newton, Searcy, Baxter, and Marion. It starts from the highest section of the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks, then descends down to the Springfield Plateau, crossing the Salem Plateau before merging with the White River.

The Buffalo River National Park boasts of being the home of Arkansas’ only elk herd. The upper part of the River located in the Ozark National Forest is run by the U.S. Forest Service and is considered as a national scenic and wild river.

On March 1, 1972, an Act of Congress paved the way for the establishment of the Buffalo National River. The enactment of this Act officially ended the plans of the United States Army Corps of Engineers to build more than one dam on the river.

Boxley Valley as well as Ponca are top destinations for elk watching. Serving as access point is Ponca and Steel Creek, which is an ideal spot for primitive camping. Lost Valley and Goat Trail are perfect spots to go hiking. Going down the river, there are several camping sites at Kyle’s Landing, Carver, Pruitt, and Ozark. Kyle’s and Ozark provide opportunities for hiking.

Majority of the areas in the Buffalo National River are ideal for family getaways. A canoe ride can be an exciting venture for the children as well as pets. Along the way, one would be treated to a sight of turtles sunning on a log, blooming wild azaleas floating in the river, or taking a dip in the river’s blue-green waters.

Since the restocking program that brought a total of 112 elks to the state from Colorado and Nebraska in the early part of the 1980s, approximately 450 elks have made the river their home. Spring is usually the time when calves are born and by the middle of May, the sight of newborn elks following their parents is a sight to behold. In the fall, the shrill cries of mating bulls can be heard from the bluffs.

The Buffalo National River also boasts of being the home of black bear although these creatures are rarely seen. However, there is a chance that you might see a mother bear cuddling her cubs as you make your way round the bend.

The trip would also provide an opportunity for spotting different varieties of herons. A glimpse of the Great Blue can be as elusive as the black bears although the green herons will play hopscotch with you. Woodpeckers can be heard from the distance although they would not be seen. Along the way, you will hear the sounds of songbirds such as mockingbids, finches, cardinals, among others.

Buffalo National River is an Arkansas destination that gives you an opportunity to experience nature and make your trip truly exciting.

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