Tips For Traveling

Planning ahead always makes a more enjoyable trip into nature.  It is even more important if you are less experienced.  We have some links to help insure a safe and happy trip. 

 www.nps.gov/buff   This link will show you camping opportunities within the park, guides for safe camping in the wild, which parts of the river to float in certain times of the year and what shuttle services are available, which trails allow dogs, some plants and animals you are likely to see on your visit to the Buffalo National River, and other suggestions to reap the most benefits in your visit to the Buffalo National River. 

Free ranger programs during your visit are available for more education about the Buffalo National River area.  Utilize these to learn more about our region.  https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

 Since there are well over a million visitors each year to the Buffalo National River, here are some tips on how to stay safe and how to leave behind what you have enjoyed so that others can who follow.  Leave No Trace employs principles on how to be a courteous and knowledgeable visitor and how to teacher your children to be.   www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/leave-no-trace.htm    and   www.lnt.org  .

Floating, hiking, or camping in mountainous regions can be tricky.  Weather upriver can determine flash floods or whether you have enough water for an enjoyable float without dragging your canoe or kayak through yards of shoals.  There are several river gauges that will help with planning your trip so that the water fits your ability and safety. 

Check our hiking tips to keep yourself safe and happy on the trails.

Watching the weather seems pretty common sensible when an outdoor trip is planned whether it is for camping, hiking, or paddling.However, if you are not familiar with mountainous regions and how quickly water levels can change that can float away your entire campsite, not knowing the weather can be life-threatening.Weather where you presently camp is not the only weather you need to consider.Rainfall in the upper regions of the Buffalo can impact the entire river when it may be dry and sunny in the lower regions.Please check the weather for all regions before and during your trip.Keep in mind that you will not always have satellite service from several areas of the Buffalo River because of the many bluffs.Take advantage of areas when satellite service is available to check weather sites or call friends and family who may be tracking for you. www.weather.gov/lzk

Finally, what do you need for a safe and legal Buffalo River Float trip? We have a page just for that here.

Enjoy!

Your friends at Buffalo National River Partners