Paddle Boxley to Ponca

As the most technical section of Buffalo National River, Boxley to Ponca is recommended only for highly-experienced whitewater paddlers. Water levels on this section tend to rise and fall rapidly, so paddlers must have a solid understanding of reading river gauges to properly time their float. Beneath the Boxley Bridge, the river rushes straight into a thick grove of willows. Paddlers must maneuver quickly to find their way safely through this narrow passage and the rapid left bend afterwards. From here, the river's course is generally bordered by the privately-owned agricultural fields of Boxley Valley Historic District on river left and an alternating viewshed of bluffs and pastures on river right. When possible along this stretch, paddlers should use gravel bars and eddies to scout out upcoming obstacles when they hear the looming roar of whitewater. Approaching the takeout, the river will bend left, and a long, straight stretch of tame water will guide paddlers to their destination at the Ponca low-water bridge. Shuttle time between Boxley and Ponca is approximately 10 minutes.