* * * * * *

Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Allowed to remain as Mother Nature intended, the Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas provides a beautiful space for hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, caving, fishing, wildlife watching and much, much more. Primarily to keep it from being dammed, the Buffalo River was designated by Congress as America's first national river 40 years ago.

Along the Buffalo, the National Park Service oversees 95,730 acres. There are three designated wilderness areas within that acreage. Tall limestone bluffs in earthy hues of gray, tan and brown are defining features of the Buffalo. Rushing whitewater is interspersed among sections of calmer water as the river winds its way 135 miles through the lush green valley that is home to elk, deer, black bear and other woodland creatures. It is a prime example of one of the last free-flowing streams of the Ozark region.

Over the years, millions of people have taken advantage of this landscape that is still free, wild, and natural.

While spring is usually the most popular floating season, sections of the river can be floated year round. The upper Buffalo is best floated in the spring when its rapids are the most enjoyable. The lower Buffalo is a lazier float for the summer when water in the upper portions is too low. The middle section is great for canoeing in late spring. With the right gear, winter is also a nice time to be on the river.

Hiking in Buffalo River country is a popular activity year round.  Late fall and winter are preferred by most hikers because leafless trees allow for better views and ticks are less of a worry. Of course, trails in the area are open all year. Some offer views from the top of the limestone bluffs. Other treks snake through the woods past remnants of old homesteads and down old logging roads.

To rock climbers, Sam's Throne is probably the most well-known chunk of rock in the Ozarks. Another hot place to climb in Buffalo River country is on private land owned by Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, where you can pay to climb. Plenty of rock in the area is suitable for "bouldering." Bouldering refers to the activity of climbing smaller rocks without the use of a rope because climbers are only six to 10 feet off of the ground.

Another activity that's easy for the whole family to enjoy is wildlife watching, particularly the elk. One hundred and twelve Rocky Mountain elk were introduced to the area in between 1981 and 1985 and the herd has grown to around 450. While not confined to the park, the herd is predominately found around the upper Buffalo. The large beasts prefer open areas for grazing with nearby wooded areas for resting. Drivers often stop their cars along roads in and around Boxley Valley to view elk in the fields. Morning and evening are the best times to watch them.

Fishermen will find a wild fish population of over 60 species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, Ozark bass and goggle-eye rock perch. Horseback riding is another popular activity. The Buffalo also has over 100 miles of hiker and horse trails. Horseback riding concessions are available, many of which are associated with lodging. While concessionaires aren't allowed to ride on the river, they have plenty of their own scenic trails in the river country.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Buffalo National River.  For more information, call the Buffalo National River office of the National Park Service at (870) 741-5443 or check out the website at http://www.arkansas.com/places-to-go/lakes-rivers/river.aspx?id=2.

####

Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606

E-mail: info@arkansas.com

May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:

"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"