Buffalo National River, Park Site in St. Joe, Arkansas
Park Site

Buffalo National River

St. Joe · Arkansas

Overview

About Buffalo National River.

Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River.

CampingBackcountry CampingCavingFishingFreshwater FishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursHikingBackcountry HikingOff-Trail Permitted Hiking

Weather

Summer in the Ozarks can be very hot and humid. Please check the weather forecast prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. The weather the rest of the year has the potential to be wet and cool or dry and warm. Please pay special attention to river levels and the rain forecast when planning a trip on the river. River levels can rise dramatically in a short period of time so please be aware of conditions.

Key Facts

TypePark Site
DesignationNational River

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Buffalo National River.

6 images

Things to do

Discover Buffalo National River.

A hiker at the bottom of Hemmed-In Hollow Falls

Hemmed-in Hollow Falls

4-12 Hours

Hemmed-In Hollow Falls

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path through forest

Hike Shine Eye to Gilbert

4 Hours

Trail is along the bluffs of the river from Hwy 65 to Gilbert.

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Beaver Jim's Cabin in Starlight

Hike the Beaver Jim Villines Homestead Trail

15-60 Minutes

This short interpretive loop begins at the Ponca Access of the Buffalo River near the intersection of Hwy. 43 and 74. Walk across the low-water bridge (when passable) and follow signs up the hill. This easy trail passes the old homestead and farm buildings of "Beaver" Jim Villines, an early fur trapper and trader in Boxley Valley.

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A trail meanders through a forest.

Hike the Buffalo Point Campground Trails

1-4 Hours

The Buffalo Point Campground Trails give campers, day hikers, and leashed dogs a chance to stretch their legs between the campground and the historic cabin area at Buffalo Point. Hike through a mix of a pine and oak trees, a cedar glade, and past a sinkhole as you explore. Wildflowers dot the trail system throughout the spring and summer. Finally, the view from the Overlook Trail is one that you do not want to miss!

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Buffalo River Trail at Steel Creek

Hike the Buffalo River Trail - Boxley to Pruitt

The Buffalo River Trail (BRT) winds along the bluffs and ridgelines on the south side of the river, traversing the Ponca Wilderness past scenic overlooks, old home sites, and cascading creeks. This portion of the BRT is 37 miles long and is a popular thru-hiking destination for backpackers. Day hikers can access the BRT in several locations for shorter out-and-back or point-to-point hikes.

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A map indicating the length, elevation, and route of part of the Buffalo River Trail.

Hike the Buffalo River Trail - Woolum to Dillards Ferry

24-48 Hours

A long and difficult hike, the Buffalo River Trail between Woolum and Dillards Ferry stretches a majority of the middle district of Buffalo National River.

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view of river from above with green trees along both sides of the water

Hike the Buffalo River Trail - Woolum to Tyler Bend

12 Hours

The Buffalo River Trail follows along the south side of the river from Woolum to Tyler Bend for a little more than 11 miles.

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Thunder Canyon Falls, located in a canyon near the Cecil Cove Loop

Hike the Cecil Cove Loop

5-8 Hours

This 7-mile loop winds through the wooded valley following Cecil Creek. The trail crosses Cecil Creek 5 times in the first 2 miles, so it may not be passable during rainy season due to high water. The Cecil Cove Loop passes old home sites, historic cemeteries, and provides beautiful scenic views during leaf-off. CAUTION: Starting in 2021 the Cecil Cove Trail experienced and continues to experience landslides. Proceed on the trail at your own risk and use extreme caution.

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A fifty foot bluff shelter frames the green forest as rays of sunlight shine into the bluff shelter.

Hike the Indian Rockhouse Trail

3-5 Hours

A hike on the Indian Rockhouse reveals geologic formations commonly found on a limestone landscape and gives hikers an opportunity to explore locations where ancient peoples sought shelter.

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