Upper District Paddling

Boxley to Carver

 

Dark green sections with green borders mark the boundaries of Buffalo National River. Several boat launch areas are marked within the boundaries by blue boxes and offer recreation opportunities and facilities (ex. restrooms, camping, hiking). Light blue lines mark Buffalo River and nearby creeks. At the bottom of the map, a dark blue line highlights the river miles between boat launches.

NPS / National Park Service

 

Paddling conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. For current paddling conditions, please check with an outfitter, call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570, or check river gauges online at ar.water.usgs.gov/buffaloriver.

The map shown does not depict many details as far as the bluffs and topography are concerned. Call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570 or refer to a Trails Illustrated Buffalo National River (West Half) map for more details.

 

* Durations are based off a moderate or average 2 miles per hour river flow. The length of a paddle trip will vary greatly with changing river levels. Additionally, paddle and float times largly depend on if you paddle or not and stop to swim, fish, or explore. Please check with park staff or concessioner for a current estimate on river trip durations.