Zip Over to the Canopy Tours!
While the Upper Buffalo National River is presently too low for floating, you can still have a fabulous outdoor adventure on our Buffalo River Canopy Tour! More than a zip line, this nature excursion is 2 hours of non-stop, high-flying fun through the lofty treetops of Buffalo River country. It's an authentic wilderness adventure and the only zip line adventure of its kind in mid-America! Click below for more information, including video and our tour schedule!
The water level on the upper Buffalo National River is currently too low to float.
Got a spring break Buffalo National River trip on your mind? Our Buffalo River Floating page is a great place to start your spring break trip planning---get info on day float trips, overnight river trips, boat rental and more!
BOC VEHICLE SHUTTLE SERVICES AVAILABLE DURING SHUTDOWN: The BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER IS OPEN during the government shutdown for visitor enjoyment, including hiking, camping and river trip (water level permitting) activities. Vault toilets in campgrounds and at accesses will remain open; however, National Park Service visitor centers and flush-toilet facilities will be closed. For complete information, read the official NPS' Buffalo National River webpage regarding limited services available during the shutdown, including law enforcement.
Boxley
River Level
2.92 ft
Very Low
Flow Rate
123.00 cf/s
Last Updated: Jan. 22, 2019, 12:12 a.m.
Ponca
River Level
2.70 ft
Very Low
Flow Rate
56.90 cf/s
Last Updated: Jan. 22, 2019, 12:12 a.m.
Pruitt
River Level
5.04 ft
Moderate, Ample Water for Floating
Flow Rate
304.00 cf/s
Last Updated: Jan. 22, 2019, 12:12 a.m.
Carver
River Level
8.09 ft
Moderate, Ample Water for Floating
Last Updated: Jan. 22, 2019, 12:12 a.m.
St. Joe
River Level
6.35 ft
Moderate, Ample Water for Floating
Flow Rate
1610.00 cf/s
Last Updated: Jan. 22, 2019, 12:12 a.m.
Harriet
River Level
5.41 ft
Moderate, Ample Water for Floating
Flow Rate
2020.00 cf/s
Last Updated: Jan. 22, 2019, 12:12 a.m.
Keep That Canoe Upright!
New to canoeing? Build your paddling confidence with our short video of tips on how not to turn over!
Advance Canoe / Kayak / Raft Reservations
An advance reservation for a canoe, kayak or raft is always a good idea, as springtime float trips are very popular here on the upper Buffalo National River, especially on weekends. If you are planning to float on a weekend in April, May or June, we encourage you to reserve your boats now as last-minute rentals are usually hard to come by.
Floating With Kids
Check out our helpful "FLOATING SAFETY TIPS" page for some important things to consider before paddling the Buffalo National River with children. BE AWARE: ARKANSAS LAW REQUIRES that children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved PFD securely fastened to their persons at all times while on any vessel.
Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized within Buffalo National River to provide canoe, kayak and raft rentals and transportation services.