Buffalo River, Arkansas
| Price |
 What's this? |
| Class of Rapids |
II-III |
| Trip Miles |
132 miles |
| Trip Duration |
1 to 2 days |
| Season |
March-June |
| Raft Type |
Paddle Raft, Oar Raft, Inflatable Kayak, Canoe |
| River Sections |
Upper: Boxley to Carver; Middle: Carver to South Maumee; Lower: North Maumee to Buffalo City |
| Nearby Towns |
Boxley (AR), Ponca (AR), Harriet (AR) |
| Driving Times |
Little Rock (AR): 3 hours |
| Recommended For |
Canoeing |
Arkansas's Buffalo River was the country's first national river, is roughly 150 miles long, and includes nearly 95,000 acres of public land along its corridor. Like the Mulberry River and Big Piney Creek, the Buffalo originates in the rugged Boston Mountains division of the Ozarks. Unlike the other two streams, which eventually head south to meet the Arkansas River, the Buffalo goes east where, ultimately, it joins the White River. Along the way it descends nearly 2,000 feet through layers of sandstone, limestone, and chert. One immediately obvious result is bluffs and more bluffs—the highest in all the Ozarks. Other geological wonders are hidden away: springs, caves, waterfalls, natural bridges, and box-like canyons. The 24-mile stretch downstream from Ponca to Pruitt is the star section on the Buffalo, with the ten-mile stretch from Ponca to Kyle’s Landing being ideal for daytripping beginners and families.
* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (
= $50-$100/day;
= $100-$250/day;
= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.
