Two paddlers in a kayak passing by a rocky and vegetated bluff.
4-6 HoursFee applies

Paddling Dillards Ferry to Rush Landing

Buffalo National River

This 9-mile paddling trip offers some great fishing holes between Buffalo Point and Rush, where the pools get long and the current typically slows in the summer time. You have the option at stopping at Buffalo Point, which is 1.5 miles from Dillards Ferry to admire Painted Bluff and Ludlow Bluff further downstream, which is actually the tallest bluff on the river (sorry, Big Bluff).

This 9-mile paddling trip offers some great fishing holes between Buffalo Point and Rush, where the pools get long and the current typically slows in the summer time. You have the option at stopping at Buffalo Point, which is 1.5 miles from Dillards Ferry to admire Painted Bluff and Ludlow Bluff further downstream, which is actually the tallest bluff on the river (sorry, Big Bluff). You will want to be sure that you don't miss the Rush Landing access point because the next access point isn't for another 25 miles at Buffalo City. Once you arrive at Rush you may want to spend some time exploring the historic ghost town. There is also a primitive campground available just upstream (no safe river access, but easy vehicle access) from the landing at Rush. Shuttle time between Dillards Ferry and Rush is 15 minutes (9 miles).

Tags

PaddlingRiver and RiparianRock Landscapes and FeaturesScenic ViewsWatershedslower district paddlingBuffalo National Riverdillards ferryrushRush Historic DistrictkayakingCanoeingboating

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Details

Duration

4-6 Hours

Duration Details

At a moderate river level and in a watercraft propelled by a paddle, this 9-mile paddling trip takes an average of 5 hours to complete.

Fees

There is no fee to paddle the Buffalo River in your own boat. However, if you need a vehicle shuttle or a rental boat, authorized concessionaires offer these services for a fee. See https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm for more information.

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility

This activity is accessible to those who can get in and out of a kayak or canoe and maneuver the kayak or canoe in moving water with sharp bends and occasional obstacles.

Pets

Yes — Leashed pets are permitted on gravel bars up to 100' from the water's edge. Pets may not be left unattended. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively. Pet excrement must be collected by pet owners, and disposed of in trash receptacles.

Reservations

No — Reservations are not required to paddle the Buffalo River in your own boat. However, if you need to rent a boat, authorized concessionaires encourage reservations. See https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm for more information.

Location

Dillards Ferry

View on NPS.govBack to Buffalo

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