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Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River
courtesy of the National Park Service

Contact Information:
Buffalo National River
402 N Walnut
Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601

870-439-2502 -- Tyler Bend Visitor Center Information
870-449-4311 -- Buffalo Point Ranger Station Information
870-446-5373 -- Pruitt Ranger Station Information
http://www.nps.gov/buff/

Size: 94,293 acres

Location: The Buffalo National River is located in northern Arkansas. Headquarters is located in Harrison, providing administrative services to the national river. The main visitor center for the park (Tyler Bend) is located 11 miles north of Marshall. The park has two other visitor contact stations: the Pruitt Ranger Station, located 5 miles north of Jasper on Hwy. 7, and Buffalo Point Ranger Station, located 17 miles south of Yellville on Hwy. 14. 

Description: Offering both swift-running and placid stretches, the Buffalo is one of the few remaining unpolluted, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states. Following what is likely an ancient riverbed, it cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Ozarks and into the White River. The National Park Service protects 135 miles of the 150-mile-long river. 

Buffalo National River
courtesy of the National Park Service

Activities: 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. 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.

History: Buffalo National River was authorized on March 1, 1972. Wilderness designated on November 10, 1978. 

See other National Rivers
See other Arkansas National Parks

 

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