Dogs and pets are not permitted on park trails.

Backpacking

• Buffalo River Trail, From Boxley Valley to Pruitt, the Buffalo River Trail (BRT) winds through scenic overlooks, old homesites, and rugged wild areas that best characterize the park. Hiking is most strenuous between Boxley Valley and Erbie, where steep gradients and switchbacks lead to spectacular views of the river. The terrain gradually gives way to a nicer river corridor and terrain which is more forgiving to hikers. The trail is presently 37 miles long. Unlike the old river road trail, which follows the river more closely, the BRT does not have river crossings. Also unlike the old river road trail, use on the BRT is limited to hikers only. Trailheads to Buffalo River Trail are located at the south end of Boxley Valley, Ponca Low Water Bridge, Steel Creek, Kyles Landing, Erbie, Ozark, and Pruitt Ranger Station. All trailheads but Ponca Low Water Bridge have overnight parking areas available. The newest addition to the BRT is the 18-mile section from Woolum to Highway 65, near Tyler Bend, then ending up at Gilbert. Trail maps and guides are available for sale through the Eastern National Bookstore, park headquarters and at all visitor contact station locations.

 • Ozark Highlands Trail, The 165-mile long Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) extends from Lake Ft. Smith State Park to Richland Valley at Woolum. If you plan on hiking a section of the OHT, which begins or ends at Woolum, realize that both the Richland Creek crossing and the Woolum river crossing can be swift and deep in winter and spring. Because of the inherent danger of these fords, we recommend selecting an alternative route during these times. Trail maps and guides are available for sale through the Eastern National Bookstore, park headquarters, and at all visitor contact station locations.

Hiking

 • Lost Valley Trail, 2.1 miles round trip, This trail begins at Lost Valley Campground. Features along the trail include waterfalls, towering cliffs, a large bluff shelter, a natural bridge, a cave and spring wildflowers. The cave is about 200 feet long and ends in a large room with a 35 foot waterfall. If you intend on entering the cave, make certain each person in your group is equipped with a flashlight.

 • Ozark to Pruitt Trail, at Pruitt, 2.6 miles, Many wildflowers are in bloom along this trail from March through June.

 • Mill Creek Trail, at Pruitt, 2.1 mile loop, This level trail follows Mill Creek through a lowland hardwood forest and features a pioneer homesite. This trail begins at the east end of the Pruitt river access. This level trail follows Mill Creek through a lowland hardwood forest and features a pioneer homesite. This trail is best hiked before summer grasses take over the trail. Additional information is available at the Pruitt Ranger Station or Park Headquarters.

 • River Overlook Trail at Tyler Bend, 1.1 mile loop, The Collier Homestead provides one of the many glimpses into the past that is visible up hollows, atop ridges, and along the river corridor. This trail begins at the Collier Homestead parking area at Tyler Bend. The loop trail leads you to the historic Collier homestead and to river overlooks. The trail is accessible to wheelchairs for one-half mile, including the homestead and first overlook. The Buffalo River Trail can be reached from the Collier Homestead parking area.

 • Indian Rockhouse Trail, at Buffalo Point, 3.5 mile loop, Begin your journey to the Rockhouse, a large bluff shelter once inhabited by Indians, at the trailhead located between the ranger station and restaurant. The return trail is a strenuous uphill climb.

 • Overlook Trail, at Buffalo Point, 0.6 mile, This easy hike will lead you to a beautiful overlook of the Buffalo River. Begin at the trailhead located between the ranger station and restaurant.

 • Campground Trail, at Buffalo Point, 1.3 miles, This connector trail links the campground with the ranger station, the concession cabins, and all other Buffalo Point trails.

 • Forest Trail, at Buffalo Point, 0.7 miles, The trail leads from the group camps sites to the canoe launch area.

 • Morning Star Loop Trail, at Rush, 0.3 mile loop, This path passes the ruins of the Morning Star Mine buildings, including the remains of a blacksmith shop, livery barn, and smelter built in 1886. Begin at the Morning Star Trailhead. DO NOT ENTER MINES.

 • Rush Hiking Trail, at Rush, 2.2 mile, Begin your hike at either the Morning Star Trailhead or Rush landing. The trail is completed to Clabber Creek.

Boating

The very best way to see Buffalo River is by canoeing. You may bring your own canoe, kayak, raft, or john boat; but your best bet may be ton rent one from local authorized concessionaires no permit is required. Motors must be less than 10 horsepower and properly registered in the state of Arkansas. Life jackets are required in all boats, and must be worn by children 12 and younger. No glass containers are permitted within 50 feet of the river or its tributaries. Floating the Buffalo can be a wonderful experience, and you can keep it that way by following a few precautions. Always check river conditions before you float. River levels are posted at the access areas and can also be found on the internet [2] or by calling any ranger station or visitor center.

Fishing

The Buffalo River is a favorite with anglers. Long pools and shallow riffles provide excellent opportunities for fishing. The Buffalo and its tributaries comprise one of the Nation's richest areas in total number of fish species. Game fish of choice are the small mouth, largemouth and spotted bass, catfish, Ozark bass, and a variety of panfish. Favored traditional methods of fishing are bank fishing and float fishing in flat-bottomed johnboats. Float fishing is most common on the lower (eastern) half of the river. State and National Park Service regulations govern fishing. An Arkansas fishing license is required. Catch and release of smallmouth bass is encouraged (with artificial lures, barbless hooks, and careful handling). Smallmouth bass kept must be at least 14 inches in length with a limit of two per day.

Swimming

The river is great for swimming, but never swim alone or during high water. There are no life-guarded swimming areas. Diving is extremely dangerous because of unseen rocks and logs beneath the water's surface. Glass containers are prohibited on the river, on trails, within 50 feet of any stream or river bank, and in caves.

Bird Watching

Over 200 species of birds use Buffalo National River for some part of the year and many birds live here year round. Bird checklists are available at any ranger station or visitor center. Buffalo River is a biological crossroads, providing many different habitats supporting a large variety of our feathered friends. Bird watching is quite popular at Buffalo River. In December the park is host to the Annual Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The event's conception was in protest of a traditional event called a "side hunt", where hunters would choose teams and compete to see who could shoot the most birds and animals. On December 25, 1900, small groups of individuals began counting instead of shooting the wildlife. It is now the longest running ornithological database in the world, providing valuable insight into the past and present status of resident and migratory birds and the general health of the environment. If you are interested in participating, we invite you to contact our park headquarters or Buffalo Point Ranger Station for more information.

Horseback Riding

One of the many ways to enjoy the Buffalo River is by horse. Designated trails for horseback riding are located in all districts of the national river. In the upper district, the Old River, Cecil Cove Loop, Center Point, and Sneed Creek Trails are horse routes. In the middle district, riders enjoy the Buffalo River Trail. In the lower district, the Cook Hollow/Cow Creek trail accessed at Hathaway Gap is the most-used area. Two camping areas in the upper river are designated for visitors with horses - Steel Creek and Erbie. Steel Creek horse camp offers 14 sites, and Erbie horse camp offers 5 sites. Use is limited to 6 persons and 4 horses per site with a 7-day limit per stay, first-come, first-served. In the middle district, Woolum Campground is a designated horse camp. In the Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area, visitors may camp at Big Creek or Hathaway Gap trailheads. There are no commercial horse outfitters operating at Buffalo National River.