Paddle Buffalo National River with Your Pet

Spending time on the Buffalo River with your dog is a wonderful experience. Here are a few suggestions and things to keep in mind as you plan a paddling trip with your dog.

You are welcome to paddle any stretch of river with your dog, but keep in mind that the upper end of the river (Boxley to Kyle's Landing) while exhilarating, can be rather challenging due to the relatively narrow channel, swift water, and obstacles within the river. Many people capsize on this stretch of river so use extra consideration before you float with your dog on the upper end of the river. 

Further down river more serene stretches of river can be found. Some ideal day floats include Erbie to Ozark (5.4 miles), Tyler Bend to Gilbert (5.3 miles), and Dillard's Ferry to Rush (9 miles). Visit our floating page here for more details on these particular stretches and for more river-trip planning ideas. 

As you plan ahead and prepare please keep the following in mind:

• Ticks, chiggers, and snakes live in the park. Keep the interaction between these park inhabitants and your pet to a minimum by keeping your dog out of any tall vegetation.

• Know your dog and their abilities, temperment, and level of stamina. A hot summer day on the river can be draining on people and pets. Know your limits.

• A life jacket for your dog is a great idea in case you capsize (do not tie your dog to your boat). Even though dogs can swim a life jacket can make it much easier to retrieve your dog in the event of an accident. If you become separated from your dog on the river call the park's 24-hour dispatch at 1-888-692-1162 to make a report.

• Respect wildlife and other visitors. Remember that when you get out on a gravel bar or access point your dog needs to be leashed in order to protect them, other visitors, and wildlife.

• Please pick up after your pet. This limits the exposure and spread of potential diseases and keeps our river corridor clean.

Details

Activity

Paddling

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are welcome at Buffalo National River, but there are many restrictions for the safety of the park resources, wildlife, and other visitors. All park trails are closed to pets with the exception of the Mill Creek (trailhead is at the Pruitt river access area in the Upper District) and all three Buffalo Point Campground trails (Forest Trail, Overlook Trail, and Campground Trail in the Lower District).

Pets are allowed in all campgrounds, on the river, and on the gravel bars, but must be under physical control at all times. Documented service animals are an exception to most pet restrictions and are allowed on trails and in public buildings. Service animals must be kept under physical restraint at all times.

• Pets are not allowed in any government buildings, caves, or on most park trails.

• Pets are not allowed within designated wilderness areas with the exception of gravel bars along the river corridor.

• Leashed pets are permitted in the campgrounds and on gravel bars up to 100' from the water's edge.

• Pets may not be left unattended. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively.

• Pet excrement must be collected by pet owners, and disposed of in trash receptacles.

• Chase for pleasure and dog training are not allowed.

Activity Fee

No

Fees are not charged to access the river or to put a vessel on the river. The only fee Buffalo National River charges is for camping.

Location

Buffalo National River

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

The pet-friendly trails at Buffalo National River have relatively gentle grades but are not wheelchair-accessible. Service animals are permitted everywhere that humans are permitted.