Paddle Ponca to Steel Creek

The river rushing along the base of Roark Bluff near Steel Creek

Terra Fondriest

This short section offers an introduction to the Upper Buffalo’s striking scenery and challenging whitewater. About ½ mile downriver from the put-in at the Ponca low-water bridge, the river makes a sharp right bend against a fern-laden bluff. From here, the river picks up momentum with a few small rapids and chutes. Keep an eye on the forested slopes on river right; after a good rain shower, waterfalls cascade through narrow drainages into the river. About 1 ½ miles in, you’ll reach the start of Roark Bluff, one of the most iconic blufflines along the entire Buffalo River. On the opposite bank and through the treeline is Steel Creek Campground. The river follows Roark Bluff for about a mile to the takeout at Steel Creek Access on river right. Shuttle time between Ponca and Steel Creek is approximately 10 minutes, almost entirely on paved roads.

Details

Duration

1-3 Hours

At a moderate river level, this 2.5-mile paddling trip takes an average of 1 to 3 hours.

Activity

Paddling

This short section offers an introduction to the Upper Buffalo’s striking scenery and challenging whitewater. About ½ mile downriver from the put-in at the Ponca low-water bridge, the river makes a sharp right bend against a fern-laden bluff. From here, the river picks up momentum with a few small rapids and chutes. Keep an eye on the forested slopes on river right; after a good rain shower, waterfalls cascade through narrow drainages into the river. About 1 ½ miles in, you’ll reach the start of Roark Bluff, one of the most iconic blufflines along the entire Buffalo River. On the opposite bank and through the treeline is Steel Creek Campground. The river follows Roark Bluff for about a mile to the takeout at Steel Creek Access on river right. Shuttle time between Ponca and Steel Creek is approximately 10 minutes, almost entirely on paved roads.

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

Ponca Access

This paddling trip begins at the Ponca Access near the intersection of Hwy. 43 and 74 in the town of Ponca, AR.

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 swift water with sharp bends and occasional obstacles. This section of the Buffalo River is not recommended for beginners.