Buffalo National River

The Buffalo River is one of the few remaining unpolluted, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states offering both swift-running and placid stretches. The Buffalo National River encompasses 135 miles of the 150-mile long river. It begins as a trickle in the Boston Mountains 15 miles above the park boundary. Following what is likely an ancient riverbed, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Ozarks and into the White River. The national river has three designated wilderness areas within its boundaries.

Headquarters is located in Harrison, Arkansas, providing administrative services to the national river. The Tyler Bend Visitor Center, the main visitor center for the park, is located eleven miles north of Marshall, Arkansas. The park has two other visitor contact stations; the Pruitt Ranger Station, located five miles north of Jasper, Arkansas on Highway 7, and Buffalo Point Ranger Station, located 17 miles south of Yellville, Arkansas, on Highway 14.

402 N Walnut, Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601
(870) 439-2502 - Visitor Information
(870) 741-5443 - Headquarters
(870) 741-2884 - Headquarters
(870) 449-4311 - Visitor Information
(870) 446-5373 - Visitor Information

By Plane
airports in Harrison, AR, Springfield, MO, Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR.

By Car
Buffalo National River is a long, narrow park that is crossed by three main highways. Using Harrison as a starting point: To reach the Upper District, visitors travel south from Harrison on Highway 7, or Highway 43; To reach the Middle District, visitors travel 31 miles south of Harrison on Highway 65; To reach the Lower District, visitors take Highway 65 south from Harrison for five miles, then take Highway 62/412 to the east to Yellville, and Highway 14 south.

By Plane
no public transportation in the park

The winter months of December, January and February are the coldest with an average three and two-tenths inches of precipitation. It can snow in this area. Dress with warm layers. If canoeing during these months, a wet suit or other cold water protection is recommended. The months of March, April, and May are warmer and ususally are the rainiest time of year, so rain gear is suggested. The months of June, July and August bring hot and humid conditions. Dress in shorts and light clothing. Wear lots of sunblock and a protective covering for the head. Fall brings more seasonable weather.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Boating
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting
• Swimming
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling

Recommended Activities
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Contact stations are located in each district. The upper district visitor information station is located five miles north of Jasper, AR, on Highway 7, south. The main park visitor center is located in the middle district, at Tyler Bend, located eleven miles north of Marshall, AR, on Highway 65. The lower district visitor information stations are located 17 miles south of Yellville, AR, on Highway 14/268.

Trails, Roads:

There are over 100 miles of maintained trails in the park. Several trails are open both to horse and hiking use. For information on these trails, call park headquarters, or the district offices.

Programs/Activities:

Regularly scheduled programs and activities are offered by rangers, Memorial Day through Labor Day. These activities include guided hikes, float trips, junior ranger programs, music programs, and evening programs.