Half-Day Highlight Reel: Lower District

Photo collage depicting a group hiking, a view of the river in autumn, the Buffalo Point swimming beach, and Rush Historic District.

Top left, bottom left: Terra Fondriest
Top right: NPS
Bottom right: Suzie Rogers

The Lower District of Buffalo National River offers an abundance of recreational opportunities centered around Buffalo Point. Most park visitors can complete all of the following activities in 4 to 5 hours.

Visit Rush Historic District

Coined as "The Town that Zinc Built," Rush is now a ghost town of abandoned buildings and mining relics that tell tales of industry in the Ozarks dating back to World War I. Take a drive through, hike the short Morning Star Interpretive Trail, or stick around awhile to explore the Rush Mine Level Trail. Click here for more information about trails at Rush Historic District.

Hike the Overlook Trail

Buffalo Point Campground features a system of 3 interconnected trails that can be accessed from the campground or the Indian Rockhouse Trailhead near Buffalo Point Ranger Station. The river view from the Overlook Trail is one of the highlights of this system and can be accessed in as little as 1/3 mile each way. Park at the Indian Rockhouse Trailhead and take the trail marked "OLT" to the left. Click here for more information about the Overlook Trail. This is a pet-friendly trail.

Cool off at Buffalo Point

Whether you take a swim, sunbathe, have a picnic, or go fishing, the scenery at Buffalo Point Swimming Beach will take your breath away. Drive down to Buffalo Point Campground and park at the day use access between the A and B loops. A deep pool is overshadowed by elegant Painted Bluff, one of the most iconic blufflines on the Buffalo River. A small picnic area overlooks the river.

Stop by the Buffalo Point Ranger Station

The Buffalo Point Ranger Station is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and features a small theater displaying the park documentary, interpretive exhibits, a small bookstore/gift shop, and an information desk staffed by National Park Service rangers. Stop by for information about the area or for assistance in planning your next visit!

 

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