Paddle Ozark to Pruitt

Along the river and under the trees

NPS

A short but delightful float, Ozark to Pruitt is a fun run with several long pools connected by bouncy riffles. The swimming hole at Ozark can get crowded on hot days, so paddlers putting in here should be especially careful when swimmers are present. Halfway through the float, high branches from trees on both banks reach across to form a natural tunnel over the river. Bobbing up and down over small waves, you’ll soon reach the placid pool at the base of Pruitt Bluff, just upstream of the Hwy. 7 bridge. Continue past the bridge for about ½ mile to the takeout at Pruitt Landing on river left. Shuttle time between Ozark and Pruitt is about 15 minutes.

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

At a moderate river level, this 2.1-mile paddling trip takes an average of 1.5 hours

Activity

Paddling

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

Ozark Access

Ozark Access is located 3 miles down a graded gravel road off of Highway 7 north of Jasper, Arkansas.

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.