Buffalo National River, Ozark Mountains Travel Guide

Buffalo National River, America's first designated national river, established in 1972, protects a 135-mile stretch of the Buffalo River as it carves its way through the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. The river originates in the Boston Mountains and flows eastward, eventually joining the White River.The park encompasses over 94,000 acres, offering a diverse range of activities and landscapes. Visitors can explore historic homesteads, hike over 100 miles of trails, float the river, and camp under the stars. The river itself features both swift-running and placid stretches, inviting sand and gravel bars, and towering limestone bluffs.The area is rich in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back 10,000 years. The park strives to protect the historic structures, landscapes, and artifacts that tell the stories of the people who once called the area home.Today, Buffalo National River is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of campgrounds, ranging from primitive to developed, and numerous access points for paddling and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, including the state's only elk herd.