Buffalo National River

Photo Credit: www.rd.com

Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas was the first river designated as a national river in 1972.  It starts in what’s known as the Boston Mountains within the Ozarks and flows through four counties before it merges with the White River.  It’s the largest river in the United States that doesn’t have a dam attached to it.

It’s contained mostly within the Buffalo River State Park, which means it’s managed by the National Park Service.  It runs about 150 miles, 135 of which is within the protected park area.  It received its protected status to stem efforts of using it to help generate energy for the state, which would have destroyed its pristine visage.

This is one of the most scenic areas you could ever visit.  The national park actually has log cabins which can be rented for those who enjoy camping.  If that’s not your style, you can stay in one of the many lodges that are near the river at different points.  There’s the traditional wildlife that you’ll see in many national parks such as bear, beavers, and even bobcats, and it contains the only elk in the state.  There’s also many different varieties of trees and other plant life.

This is the kind of place you visit when you want to get away from it all for some peace and relaxation; it’s certainly large enough to get lost in.  Many visitors love to go canoeing, rafting or kayaking, and there are even boat tours that can connect you to one of 20 access points along the river.  There’s fishing allowed in the river, with over 300 different species.

There are also some things that make this river and park unique.  There are bluffs where you can see the river for miles.  There are caves and sinkholes, something that’s unusual for rivers.  There’s even a waterfall, called the Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls.

You can also hike along the river and within the state parks area.  The best known trail is the Buffalo River Trail, which is around 37 miles long, and offers glimpses of life dating back to the Civil War.

And, when you’re ready to get back to regular life, you’re not all that far from either Little Rock or Branson, Missouri.  It just might be the perfect day or overnight trip to help you relax and get back to nature for awhile.  Just remember, don’t feed the bears.

See more:
Buffalo National River – U.S. National Park Service
Top Hotel Deals in Little Rock
Arkansas Lakes & Rivers