
Buffalo National River
The first US National River — 135 miles of undammed Ozark water below 500-ft limestone bluffs.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Buffalo National River, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Arkansas, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Ozark plateau river (100–300 m)
- Best season
- March – May
- Trip length
- 2 – 7 days (three river sections)
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Rafting
- Hunting
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Ozark plateau river (100–300 m)
- Best season: March – May
- Trip length: 2 – 7 days (three river sections)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
The first US National River — 135 miles of undammed Ozark water below 500-ft limestone bluffs.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: March – May
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Ozark plateau river (100–300 m)
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Plan with verified data
Buffalo National River trip tools
Popular pursuits at Buffalo National River
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Rafting
Whitewater sections and the flows that make them run.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
Animals around Buffalo National River
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishLargemouth BassMicropterus nigricans
Wildlife guideWild turkeyMeleagris gallopavo
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
GamefishRed DrumSciaenops ocellatus
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSpotted SeatroutCynoscion nebulosus


