• Canoeing on the Buffalo

    Buffalo

    National River Arkansas

  • Fire Restrictions

    Due to the extreme dry weather event and in concert with county burn bans, Buffalo National River is issuing restrictions on the use of fires and smoking within the park. Fires are permitted in fire grates and grills only.

Pets

Picture of yellow labrador retriever with harness indicating working status.

NPS Photo

Working service dog.

Pets are allowed in the park, but must be under physical control at all times. Documented Service animals are an exception to most pet restrictions and are allowed on trails and in public buildings. Service animals must be kept under physical restraint at all times.

* Pets are not allowed in any government buildings, caves or on most park trails. 
* Pets are not allowed within designated wilderness areas with the exception of the Ponca Wilderness gravel bars. 
* Leashed pets are permitted on gravel bars up to 25' from the water's edge.
* Pets may not be left unattended. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively. 
* Pet excrement must be collected by pet owners, and disposed of in trash receptacles.

Three trails within the park have been opened to pets on a trial basis: Lost Valley Trail in the Upper District at Lost Valley, Mill Creek Trail in the Upper District near Pruitt, and the Forest Pit Trail in the Lower District at Buffalo Point. Maps of each trail are available at the respective Visitor Contact Stations.

Did You Know?

Floater below Painted Bluff on the Buffalo National River

With 22 river access points over its nearly 100 miles of navigable waters, the Buffalo National River offers floating opportunities suitable for paddlers of all levels of experience. More...