Fall Color Float On the Scenic Buffalo River, Arkansas

The Trip

The National Park Service calls the Buffalo River "a wild, free-flowing and unpolluted river that passes towering bluffs, pioneer homesteads, and wilderness areas, dominated by a vast hardwood forest, verdant much of the visitor season." The Buffalo National River was created in 1972 “to conserve an area having unique scenery and scientific features and to preserve the Buffalo River as a free-flowing stream.” Thank goodness. The Buffalo River is over 135 miles long with everything from big pools to narrow channels to rare Class II rapids. There is a vast assortment of wildlife in this wilderness area. We may be able to view the elk herd at Ponca and may see deer along the river. It is easy to see fish in the clear water as well as waterfoul along our route. In her blog, Jennifer Errick adapted from National Geographic’s Ten Best of Everything National Parks this description of the Buffalo National River: “Beginning in October and peaking in November, the spectacle here can be breathtaking. Many species of oaks and hickories dominate the forest, with maples, sassafras, sweet gum, blackgum, beech, sumac, and dogwood adding to the fall spectrum.”

The leader has traveled the area in all seasons for decades and has guided a number of trips on the Buffalo over the years. We will have a leisurely float on the easier part of the river.  The river has predictable water levels in the fall but does react quickly to rainfall, so we will be able to adjust our trip to the water conditions at the time of the trip. With many places to put in and take out, we will be able to select the best section for our group at the time of the trip. There are enough river miles, bluffs, scenery, points of interest and side hikes for several trips. Our trip will probably cover over half of the river miles and end where the Buffalo River flows into the White River.

Weather and unforeseen factors can influence this or any trip. Participants should consider obtaining trip insurance to cover such things or the need for evacuation in case of medical emergency.  

Getting There

The nearest airports are Springfield-Branson, MO to the north or Little Rock, AR to the south, both of which are about two and a half hours and 125 miles from our outfitter. We will provide a roster so that participants can individually arrange to car pool if they wish. Sierra Club does not arrange, coordinate or assume responsibility for car pool arrangements. We will be able to leave our cars in our outfitter’s parking lot during the trip.

Accommodations and Food

The first meal of the trip will be brunch on Saturday. All meals are included through lunch the last Saturday, after which we will shuttle back to our outfitter where the trip will end.

We will be camping in established campsites when possible, and we will strive to "leave no trace" at all times. There will be no facilities at our wilderness riverside campsites. Plan to work together to make camp, prepare, and clean up meals. The trip leaders have guided many trips and really like to cook and to eat, so count on interesting, varied, and nutritious meals. There will be plenty of food. If participants wish, they can bring their own additional between-meal snacks. We will do our best to accommodate vegetarians and medical dietary restrictions. Those with challenging restrictions may be asked to bring or prepare some of their own food to supplement group food. Please contact the leader if you require accommodation.

Trip Difficulty

Physically this will be a moderately difficult canoe trip. We will be on flat water, including river portions of the trip. The current is generally not swift, and we will carry around any rapids or obstruction. The need for this is rare on the Buffalo. Participants should have some experience with both canoeing and camping. Other than possibly a fire ring, there will be no facilities where we camp. Participants must be able to manage a canoe in at least light wind and be able to steer. All of your gear and your share of group gear should fit into waterproof packs, bags or other containers. You will need a small day pack for items needed while in transit (e.g. raingear, water, etc.  We will spend about six hours most days in transit. This may vary depending on wind, weather, and other factors. The leaders will finalize and adjust the trip details based on conditions and the capabilities and experience of the group. 

Equipment and Clothing

Canoes, paddles, and PFDs are included in the trip cost. Cooking and water purification equipment and camp tarp(s) will be provided. We will have a group first-aid kit for emergencies. However, you will need a personal first-aid kit, prescription medications, and OTC items like Band-Aids, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. We plan to provide one bear canister per participant for group food, individual snacks, etc. Participants must bring their own water bottle/bladder, mug, bowl, spoon, tent, sleeping bag, and camping gear. Temperatures can range from 40 degrees F at night to the 70s in the daytime. A good two-piece waterproof rain suit is required. You will want quick-drying synthetic clothing that can be layered. Packable leather work gloves may be useful for making camp. 

Detailed equipment and gear lists will be provided to participants after they are accepted for the trip. With some advance planning, most gear can be rented on an individual basis. The leader has some gear that can be loaned. Please contact the trip leader if you have any questions.

References

http://www.travelworldmagazine.com/2016/12/two-national-parks-ozarks/

Conservation

While the Buffalo National River is protected, only 11 percent of the river’s watershed is in the park, so activities around the park have a big impact on the river. There have been a number of concentrated pig feeding operations established which affect the watershed. There have been related environmental lawsuits with varying results in recent years.  Sometimes there is direct runoff from the farms and sometimes the waste is spread over many acres. Either way, there is a need for constant vigilance. There have been allegations of failure to inform neighboring properties of applications for permits.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.