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In March, the Buffalo River celebrated 50 years as a recognized national river, the first of its kind in the National Park system. Each fall, the Buffalo River is celebrated as the colors along its shores explode in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Visitors enjoy the cool and quiet waters meandering for 135 miles in the summer. Spring and winter are a little more silent as the more confident hikers, wall climbers, and campers enjoy quiet months along the banks. It’s a year-round experience for adventure seekers, scientists, and historians.
Neil Compton is often called the Guardian of the Buffalo River. He organized the efforts to save the river when the Corp of Engineers began discussing building a hydroelectric dam. Compton was a doctor of obstetrics in Bentonville but loved to hike, climb and paddle throughout the Ozarks.
Compton co-founded The Ozark Society “to preserve wild and scenic rivers, wilderness, and unique natural areas in the Ozark region. Through the campaign to “Save the Buffalo,” Compton served as the organization’s president and led the group through the National Park Service designation process. Because of their efforts, the Buffalo National River is one of the very few undammed rivers in the lower 48 states.
The purpose of the Buffalo National River is to preserve a free-flowing river and to conserve and interpret the combination of natural, scenic, cultural, and scientific features characterized by deep valleys, towering bluffs, wilderness, and landscapes of the Ozark Mountains.
Being visited by more than 1 million visitors each year, the Buffalo River is one of the main attractions people recognize in Arkansas outside the region. And responsible recreation is always recommended. But, did you know these fun facts about the Buffalo National River?
- More than 59 species of fish fill the waters of the Buffalo National River
- At least 500 caves have been discovered, mainly developed through limestone walls
- The river is continuously moving
- Three endangered bat species live in the caves near the river
- Buffalo River is home to Arkansas’ longest Cave, Fitton Cave
- Rocks in the area are considered to be built over a 300-million-year period in the ancient marine basin
- Hemmed-in Hollow has a 200-foot waterfall, the highest in the region between the Rocky Mountains to Applacians
- Temperature records span -13F to 107F
- Limestone sediment in the water can cause the water to look a turquoise color
Special Projects on the Buffalo River
- Water Quality exploration and protecting Mussels
- Small-mouthed Bass and Climate Change
- Fossil record of the Buffalo tells an aging story
- Streaks on bluffs are mineral stains
- Algae and Nutrient Sourcing
- Dragonflies as Metal Detectors
- Cycling Wastewater to prevent Fecal Contamination
- Arkansas Canoe Club conservation and clean-up program
- Scientists work on cave mapping and conservation
How can you interact with the Buffalo River and celebrate its 50 years?
- Buffalo Outdoor Center | Ponca – the hub of adventure in the Buffalo valley
- Compton Gardens | Bentonville – an oasis in the middle of downtown Bentonville dedicated to the conservation efforts of Dr. Neil Compton. Many of the grounds include transplants of native Ozark plants from Dr. Compton’s garden.
- Neil Compton home | Bentonville – an arboretum inside the Compton Gardens shares the story of Dr. Compton’s fight for the Buffalo
- Shiloh Museum | Springdale – Ken Smith’s Buffalo River Country photo exhibit shares the beauty of the Buffalo River and the preservation advocates
- The River Remains | Little Rock – exhibit sharing stories of the Buffalo River in the Arkansas State Capitol
- Boone County Library | Harrison – works from local artists and the Buffalo National River artists in residence program share the story of art in the park dating back to the late 19th century when Hudson River School artists painted the river for the first time
- Listen to the historical 11-part Ozark Highland Series
- Listen to the Buffalo National River stories from KUAF | Ozarks at Large podcast
Ways to explore the Buffalo National River NPS grounds
- Tyler Bend Visitor Center | St. Joe – primary National Park Visitor Center
- Boxley Valley | Ponca – premier elk viewing area in spring and fall
- The Parker-Hickman Farmstead | Jasper – self-guided tour of 100-year-old Ozark farm, considered the oldest home in the Buffalo River region
- Rush Historic District and Hicks Property | Yellville – WWI era zinc mining community
- Paddling – kayaking the Buffalo is the main activity visitors come to enjoy
- Lost Valley – easy walk to a waterfall, passing Indian bluffs and scenic views
- Hemmed in Hollow – strenuous trail to an over 200-foot waterfall
- Hiking in the Upper District – more popular route and sites
- Hiking trails in the Lower District, including Dillard’s Ferry, Buffalo Point, and Indian Rock house
- 50-mile challenge – log 50 miles of physical activity on the Buffalo in 2022 and receive a commemorative patch
General Park Information
- Buffalo River National Park website
- 870-439-2502
- Tyler Bend Visitor Center | 2322 Tyler Bend Rd | Marshall, AR
- Instagram – @buffalorivernps
- Facebook – Buffalo National River
- Twitter – @BuffaloNPS
More information and beautiful photos of the Buffalo National River can be found on Smithsonian Magazine.
All images in this article are used with permission from Arkansas Parks and Tourism.
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[…] An unforgettable experience inside a cave in the Ozark mountains. A luxury weekend with accommodations for honeymooners and families. Or, drop in on the private helipad among the walls of the Buffalo National River. […]
[…] National River | Jasper – Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the nation’s first National River might be the perfect outing this fall. The Buffalo […]
[…] Stargazing – with a 2024 eclipse on the horizon and a national Dark Sky ranking for the Buffalo River, the wide-open skies of Arkansas are perfect for studying the […]
[…] Harrison’s Scenic Byway is a perfect location for the “Always take the scenic route” mural. Additionally, 13 murals around town greet visitors, including notions of the Arkansas gar, Native American heritage and the Buffalo National River. […]