Buffalo National River

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Buffalo National River |
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The Buffalo River
Beginning as just a trickle, The Buffalo National River runs down the Boston Mountains, flows north and then east through the Ozark Mountains, and 150 miles later it empties into the White River at Buffalo City.
The upper Buffalo displays unparalleled scenic beauty. Thissection of river winds past colorful and towering bluffs, waterfalls. The river also provides glimpses of wildlife such as beaver, mink, otter, deer, and eagles. The upper Buffalo National River wilderness is a remote, unspoiled location and one of the mid-America’s finest outdoor destination.
The river is such a special place that in 1972, Congress designated it as America’s first national river.This unique status protects the Buffalo from commercial or residential development, and prevents other destructive operations such as damming and gravel mining, thus preserving its scenic and natural beauty forever.
Floating Season

Floating season on the upper Buffalo is March through June, with early July floating a possibility on occasion. The Buffalo is primarily dependent upon rainfall forits water level, so once the rains of spring and early summer have passed, so has the chance to float the upper section. Most floating during this time happens between Ponca and Pruitt. Hiking and trail riding, however, are great year-round!
SPECIAL NOTE: As a river preservation measure, The National Park Service limits the number of rental boats that can be launched on any given day. Therefore,if you are planning a weekend float, it is wise to reserve your boat(s) in advance. It is never too early to book a boat for a May weekend, the upper Buffalo’s most popular floating month.

River Levels & Safety
The Buffalo is rated Class I & II, meaning that it is typically suitable for paddlers of most any age and skill level (see Young Children note below). Floating is generally donein canoes, with rafting and kayaking possible when the water level is high enough. In the event of flooding, the National Park Service will close the river to boating.
RIVER SAFETY & YOUNG CHILDREN:
Children should be at least age 4 and able to swim before floating the Buffalo. Until they are old enough to float, we recommend taking little tykes to one of the pretty local swimming holes(any local will be glad to give directions). Small ones love playing in the sand and splashing about in the calm water’s edge rather than taking a long, uncertain canoe ride. If you need help determining if a float trip is right for a child or anyone else in your group, just call a local river outfitter
Float Trip Options
DAY TRIPS
The most popular and scenic float is from Ponca to Kyle’sLanding. This 10-mile float usually takes between four and six hours to complete. When the water from Ponca to Kyle’s is too low to float, the day-trip launch site is moved downriver to the Pruitt access where you float seven miles to Hasty. Check the First River Outfitter website for current river levels and launching points.
MULTI-DAY TRIPS
The most popular multi-day trip is Ponca to Pruitt, a25-mile float that takes a minimum of two days to complete. However, with 150 miles of River to explore, their are many ways to enjoy a multi-day trip. Call First River Outfitter for expert assistance with planning an overnight float trip.
River Mileage
This reference chart shows the most popular float trips. Please note that the “Time Required” to complete a trip can vary due to water level,weather conditions, and the speed and skill with which you paddle.
River Trip | # of Miles | Time Required |
Ponca to Kyle’s Landing | 10 miles | 4 to 6 hours |
Steel Creek to Kyle’s | 8 miles | 4 to 5 hours |
Ponca to Pruitt | 25 miles | 2 days (min) |
Pruitt to Hasty | 7 miles | 4 to 5 hours |
Pruitt to Carver | 11 miles | 6 to 7 hours |
Pruitt to Woolum | 26 miles | 2 days (min.) |...