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Buffalo National River Peaceful view of Buffalo River
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Buffalo National River
Ranger Guided Activities
Flat Hat Chester

Attending a ranger-led interpretive program can increase your understanding and appreciation of Buffalo National River.

 

During the busy season, Park Rangers lead activities throughout the park free of charge. Program schedules will be available at the contact stations and visitor center and on bulletin boards around the park.

 

 

 

Upper District - Boxley Valley, Ponca, & Pruitt areas
These are some of the programs that may be offered during the summer season. Check posted schedules or call the Pruitt Ranger Station at 870-446-5373 for dates and times.

Parker-Hickman Homestead Tour - Take a step back in time and share the history of those that came before us in this Erbie Historic District. 

Fun in the Field at Ozark Campground - Join a park ranger and experience a fun way to learn about safety in the outdoors.  

 

Middle District - Tyler Bend area

These are just some of the programs that may be offered during the summer season. Check posted schedules or call Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502 for dates and times.

Guided Cave Tour into Back O' Beyond Cave See the underground beauty of the Ozarks on a wild cave tour. Explore Back O' Beyond Cave to learn how caves form and understand their unique ecosystem. All equipment will be furnished but tour space is limited. Please SIGN UP at Tyler Bend Visitor Center for this cave adventure. Cave tours will be offered if qualified staff is available. 
Collier Homestead Tour Tour the Collier house and grounds -- one of the last places to be homesteaded in the Buffalo River Valley. Explore the slowly changing life in the rugged Ozark Mountains.
Programs for Junior Rangers
To earn your Junior Ranger badge, you need to attend any two Ranger-led programs. These programs are presented especially for those interested in becoming a Junior Ranger. Animal Tracks Using the tracks and signs left behind as they travel along the Buffalo River, learn about animal residents and their activities.
At the Waters Edge Explore the fascinating world of macro-invertebrates (insects and other aquatic creatures) to see what they tell us about the water quality of the Buffalo River.

 

Lower District - Buffalo Point & Rush areas

These and many more programs may be available during the summer season. Check posted schedules or call Buffalo Point Ranger Station at 870-449-4311 for dates and times.

Guided Floats Float down the river with a Ranger! The guided floats usually last 5 to 7 hours, with a lunch stop on a gravel bar that allows you to take in the majestic beauty of the many bluff lines that cradle the river as it meanders through the Ozark wilderness.
Ozark Music Come listen to local talent perform the music that has echoed through these hills for generations.
Colorful Waters Walk to one of the finest overlook views where we'll create a watercolor snapshot of our own perspective on America's first National River.

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Hikers on the trail to the Indian Rockhouse shelter.

Did You Know?
Did you know that there are over 100 miles of maintained trails within Buffalo National River? Hiking is a very popular activity at all times, but especially in the cooler months from November to March.

Last Updated: December 02, 2011 at 10:59 MST