BUFFALO RIVER OVERNIGHT TRIP
April 13-14, 2024 Meet at Steel Creek Access, 9AM Sat

Buffalo National River, Ponca, Arkansas 

Trip Leader: Dave Hassig     314-304-7970     [email protected]

We will paddle 2 days April 13 and 14th. We will meet at 9:00 AM at Steel Creek on the 13th. Both days will be day trips and camping at a campsite. There is camping at Steel Creek with reservations on www.recreation.gov  there also camping first come at Kyle's Landing.  

Day one we will paddle from Steel Creek to Kyles Landing. Day 2 we will paddle from Kyle's Landing to Erbie depending on levels.

 This river is known for class II rapids and requires precise boat handling skills.  This trip is not for beginner or novice paddlers.
 
The Buffalo River became the Buffalo National River by Act of Congress on March 1, 1972, as was the first river ever designated as a "national river", a designation that protects natural rivers from dams, impoundments and other obstructions that change the character of the river and disrupt the natural land and water life that flourishes there. The Upper section has most of the whitewater rapids to be found along the river, but also features some very beautiful topography among which are sink holes and caves, springs and waterfalls, 500-700-foot-tall bluffs overlooking the river and many interesting rock formations that captivate the attention of those into rock structures and the stories they tell. Beginning as the Hailstone River in the Boston Mountains of Newton County, the Buffalo National River forms at the confluence of Reeves Fork and Big Buffalo Creek just northeast of Fallsville, then flows north through Boxley to Ponca, where it begins a west-to-east trek across northern Arkansas to its confluence with the White River on the Marion-Baxter County Line just south of Bull Shoals Lake. 

The entire Buffalo River is about 144.2 miles in length, of which 130 miles sit within the boundries of the National Park Service. Just below Ponca and "S" Turn Rapid, at Hemmed-in-Hollow, is a path to a spectacular sight that is a must-see for many people - the highest waterfall in middle America, where a box canyon ends and a 200 foot high waterfall plunges to the canyon floor below. The canyon is about 1 mile off the river, and makes a great side trip for those wanting to see more than just the river. Because the Buffalo National River sits within US Forestry Service land camping along the river can be done anywhere there is a suitable spot available. Numerous improved camping areas have been developed along the Buffalo River for the benefit of those paddling the river (most are not all that hospitable to access via cars.) You will camp among many species of trees, wildflowers, towering multi-colored cliffs and bluffs and a beautiful river. Fishing for smallmouth, largemouth, spotted and rock bass, sunfish, perch, catfish and about 50 other species is excellent in the cool, clear waters of the Buffalo. Be sure you have a valid Arkansas fishing license if you plan on wetting a line!


Click Here for National Park Service Page on the Buffalo National River.
Buffalo National River (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Click below for Steel Creek Campground Map
Map of Steel Creek Campground in Buffalo National River (nps.gov)

Click below for an official map of the Buffalo National River
Maps - Buffalo National River (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

  • Use this option if you are a club member in good standing.

  • Use this option if you are not a club member or you are a club member without ACA membership.

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