6 / Sport and Trail Magazine
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merica’s First National River, Wild and Scenic River, the Jewel of the Ozarks; these are all terms that describe the Buffalo National River as it winds its way through the untamed and beautiful Ozarks of northwest Arkansas. Flowing from its headwaters high in the Boston Mountains, this stunning river flows freely nearly 150 miles before emptying into the White River near Buffalo City. In an effort to protect the pristine quality of the river and to preserve it as a free-flowing stream, Congress declared it as our country’s first national river in 1972 and placed it under the protection of the National Park Service. Today the Buffalo National River encompasses almost 96,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain, massive limestone bluffs, deep hollows, lush, gently rolling valleys, and every year it provides thousands of devoted hikers, floaters, campers and horseback riders a place of refuge and relaxation.
Photo by Aponi
from its headwaters high in the Boston Mountains, this stunning river flows freely nearly 150 miles before emptying into the White River near Buffalo City. In an effort to protect the pristine quality of the river and to preserve it as a free-flowing stream, Congress declared it as our country’s first national river in 1972 and placed it under the protection of the National Park Service. Today the Buffalo National River encompasses almost 96,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain, massive limestone bluffs, deep hollows, lush, gently rolling valleys, and every year it provides thousands of devoted hikers, floaters, campers and horseback riders a place of refuge and relaxation.
to preserve it as a free-flowing stream, Congress declared it as our country’s first national river in 1972 and placed it under the protection of the National Park Service. Today the Buffalo National River encompasses almost 96,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain, massive limestone bluffs, deep hollows, lush, gently rolling valleys, and every year it provides thousands of devoted hikers, floaters, campers and horseback riders a place of refuge and relaxation.
Many thanks to Pam Floyd and Ted Spears for contributions to this article. Ted and Pam are avid riders of the Buffalo National River and members of the Buffalo River Back Country Horsemen of America
With content contributions by Pam Floyd