📘 Park Overview
Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River.
🌤 Weather Information
Summer in the Ozarks can be very hot and humid. Please check the weather forecast prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. The weather the rest of the year has the potential to be wet and cool or dry and warm. Please pay special attention to river levels and the rain forecast when planning a trip on the river. River levels can rise dramatically in a short period of time so please be aware of conditions.
🚗 Directions
Buffalo National River is a long, narrow park that is crossed by three main highways. Highways 7, 43, and 62/65 are the main roads out of Harrison, Arkansas that will take you to the Buffalo River, depending on which part of the park you wish to visit. GPS systems are not reliable in this area so please call ahead for directions or pick up a map of the area beforehand.
Images
Every year thousands of people hike to the Indian Rockhouse to admire this large bluff shelter.
Credit: NPS Photo
A peaceful day on the Buffalo River as kayakers approach Skull Rock and Buffalo Point.
Credit: NPS Photo/Ryan Stokes
Camping along the Buffalo River is a wonderful way to enjoy the park.
Credit: NPS Photo/Terra Fondriest
Canoeing and kayaking the river is a wonderful way to spend a day at the Buffalo.
Credit: NPS Photo/Terra Fondriest
Many historic structures are scattered along the Buffalo River reminding us of the hardworking settlers that once called this river valley home.
Credit: NPS Photo
Fishing for smallmouth bass is a popular activity on the Buffalo River.
Credit: NPS Photo/Ryan Stokes
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Saturday, Apr 4
Heavy rain
High: 62.2°F | Low: 46°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 12.1 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 0.7
Sunrise: 06:53 AM
Sunset: 07:37 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (96%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 54.7°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Apr 5
Sunny
High: 64.6°F | Low: 37.9°F
Humidity: 62%
Wind: 12.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.9
Sunrise: 06:52 AM
Sunset: 07:37 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (92%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 43.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Apr 6
Sunny
High: 72.1°F | Low: 40.6°F
Humidity: 56%
Wind: 5.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.8
Sunrise: 06:51 AM
Sunset: 07:38 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (86%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 48.1°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Whittling Demonstration
Join us this Saturday as we demonstrate the craft of whittling inside Tyler Bend Visitor Center at Buffalo National River! Volunteer Ricky Hoyt will be showcasing and creating art shaped with steady, determined hands. Gain a better understanding on local folk art through understanding his technique, advice and thought process!
Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
New Years' Hike
Welcome the new year in with a guided hike on Lost Valley Trail in the Upper District of Buffalo National River. Park staff will lead a hike out from the Lost Valley Trailhead to the Natural Bridge, providing insight into the trail through the seasons and the various wildlife that call it home!
It's recommended that you bring your own water and trekking poles if personally needed. Closed toe shoes are necessary. This trail involves a creek crossing at the beginning. Staff will hike about 3/4 of a mile of the mile long hike.
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Whittling Demonstration
Join us this Saturday as we demonstrate the craft of whittling inside Tyler Bend Visitor Center at Buffalo National River! Volunteer Ricky Hoyt will be showcasing and creating art shaped with steady, determined hands. Gain a better understanding on local folk art through understanding his technique, advice and thought process!
Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Whittling Demonstration
Join us this Saturday as we demonstrate the craft of whittling inside Tyler Bend Visitor Center at Buffalo National River! Volunteer Ricky Hoyt will be showcasing and creating art shaped with steady, determined hands. Gain a better understanding on local folk art through understanding his technique, advice and thought process!
Date: Feb 21, 2026 12:00am to Feb 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Redbud Walk & Talk
Looking for a calm, peaceful stroll on a beginner friendly trail?
Take a walk down the Lost Valley trail and catch a ranger observing and recording the return of spring through the return of the park's redbuds. Learn about redbud trees and the importance of observing and recording data through citizen science!
Lost Valley trail is a 1 mile long trail that requires at least 1 creek crossing. This trail is not dog friendly. Event subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sod Collier Homestead Tour
Join our park guide in learning about the history of the homesteaders of Tyler Bend at Buffalo National River. Gain instead on the lives of the Colliers and their neighbors and how they built a life in the wooden home that is Collier Homestead.
Sod Collier Homestead trail (0.5 miles one way) is a flat, dirt trail nearby Tyler Bend Visitor Center at Buffalo National River. There's a small parking lot directly next to the trailhead where park staff will be waiting the day of the event. This trail can get muddy and it's recommended that visitors spray themselves with insect spray prior to embarking on trail.
Event subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather or staffing concerns.
Date: Mar 8, 2026 12:00am to Mar 8, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
What's Lost - Guided Hike
Join us for a short hike on the Lost Valley Trail! Learn about the trail's history through time from early beginnings to where we stand today.
This hike will take individuals to the Natural Bridge on the Lost Valley trail (around 0.75 miles in, requires one creek crossing). Individuals are responsible for hiking themselves out. This hike will start at 12pm on the dot at Lost Valley Trailhead (past the parking lot, by the picnic pavilion and restrooms).
Event subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather or staffing concerns.
Date: Mar 22, 2026 12:00am to Mar 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
What's Lost - Guided Hike
Join us for a short hike on the Lost Valley Trail! Learn about the trail's history through time from early beginnings to where we stand today.
This hike will take individuals to the Natural Bridge on the Lost Valley trail (around 0.75 miles in, requires one creek crossing). Individuals are responsible for hiking themselves out. This hike will start at 12pm on the dot at Lost Valley Trailhead (past the parking lot, by the picnic pavilion and restrooms).
Event subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather or staffing concerns.
Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
170 Ranger Road
St. Joe, AR 72675
🏤 Mailing Address:
402 N. Walnut Street
Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601
📞 Voice Phone: 8704392502
✉️ Email: buff_information@nps.gov