• Canoeing on the Buffalo

    Buffalo

    National River Arkansas

There are park alerts in effect.
hide Alerts »

  • Buffalo National River Announce Limits in Vistor Services

    As Buffalo National River anticipates the beginning of another season of floaters, hikers, and other visitors, things have altered to an extent where many things perhaps taken for granted in the past will be absent or at least altered. More »

  • Road Construction

    CAUTION!! Road construction will begin in Boxley Valley on Monday, April 22, 2013. Parking areas for wildlife viewing will be installed to alleviate congestion and increase safety during high traffic periods. Construction may last 180 days. More »

Your Safety

line drawing of two people paddling a canoe

Wear your life jacket! It won't work if you don't wear it.

NPS

You Are Responsible For Your Own Safety!

Travel in Buffalo National River backcountry areas and floating the river have inherent risks. Hikers and floaters assume complete responsibility for their own safety. Remember that cell phone service is bad to non-existent in most areas of the park.

Rescue is not a certainty. Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention. Proper equipment and the knowledge of how to use it are essential for a safe trip. The park is not responsible for monitoring your whereabouts. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Keep your group together, especially children.

Buffalo National River encompasses over 94,000 acres including a variety of natural hazards. Be aware of your surroundings and the plants and animals near you. If you have an accident, it will take time for help to reach you.

Safety Tips
Stay on officially maintained trails.
Do not climb on rocks around waterfalls.
Avoid hypothermia by keeping dry.
Eat before you're hungry and rest before you're tired.
Treat all water before drinking by either filtering or boiling.
Parents should keep children in sight at all times.

Did You Know?

Two bull elk in pasture at Buffalo National River.

Did you know that over 400 Rocky Mountain elk live in and around Buffalo National River? In the early 1980s elk were relocated to the Buffalo River region to replace an eastern elk subspecies that was extirpated in the 1800s.