Paddle Hasty to Carver

Teal-colored water in the Buffalo River at Hasty Access.

NPS

Anglers love the 4-mile trip between Hasty and Carver for its countless fishing holes and perfect smallmouth habitat. Slide your boat into the water from the sandy bank at Hasty, and Chimney Rock Bluff will guide you downriver toward the “Big Bridge” where the Hasty Cutoff Road crosses the Buffalo. There are five outstanding pools along this stretch of river. The fourth one, called “Blue Hole,” is a long-time favorite swimming and fishing spot among local folks, and there’s a primitive camping area with vehicular access just up the left bank. Another mile down from Blue Hole is the lofty Hwy. 123 bridge, which indicates that you are approaching the takeout at Carver. Located just downstream of the bridge on river left, Carver has a primitive campground and boasts another popular swimming and fishing area where Big Creek enters the Buffalo. Shuttle time between Hasty and Carver is about 10 minutes.

Details

Duration

2-3 Hours

At a moderate river level, this 4-mile paddling trip takes an average of 2 to 3 hours

Activity

Paddling

Anglers love the 4-mile trip between Hasty and Carver for its countless fishing holes and perfect smallmouth habitat. Slide your boat into the water from the sandy bank at Hasty, and Chimney Rock Bluff will guide you downriver toward the “Big Bridge” where the Hasty Cutoff Road crosses the Buffalo. There are five outstanding pools along this stretch of river. The fourth one, called “Blue Hole,” is a long-time favorite swimming and fishing spot among local folks, and there’s a primitive camping area with vehicular access just up the left bank. Another mile down from Blue Hole is the lofty Hwy. 123 bridge, which indicates that you are approaching the takeout at Carver. Located just downstream of the bridge on river left, Carver has a primitive campground and boasts another popular swimming and fishing area where Big Creek enters the Buffalo. Shuttle time between Hasty and Carver is about 10 minutes.

Pets Allowed

Yes

• Leashed pets are permitted 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.

Activity Fee

No

There is no fee to paddle the Buffalo River in your own boat. However, if you need a vehicle shuttle or a rental boat, authorized concessionaires offer these services for a fee. See https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm for more information.

Location

Hasty Access

Hasty Access is located on the Hasty Cutoff Road between the communities of Jasper and Hasty.

Reservations

No

Reservations are not required to paddle the Buffalo River in your own boat. However, if you need to rent a boat, authorized concessionaires encourage reservations. See https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm for more information.

Season

Year Round

Private boaters can paddle this section year-round if conditions allow. However, rental boaters must adhere to the season established by the authorized concessionaire from whom they rent. See https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm for more information.

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

This activity is accessible to those who can get in and out of a kayak or canoe and maneuver the kayak or canoe in moving water with sharp bends and occasional obstacles.