Last updated: December 8, 2020
Thing to Do
Paddling Rush Landing to the White River
NPS
This 30-mile paddling trip cuts through the Lower Wilderness Area to the mouth of Buffalo National River. This is a stretch of river that a majority of visitors never see. You will need to use care as you float through the Clabber Creek Shoals, which is 1/4 mile down from Rush. There is a large gravel bar on river right that can be used to scout out the area. If you feel that you do not want to brave the rapid you can go to river left and it is possible to portage around the rapid. If you go into the rapid it is advisable to stay river left as the rolling waves tend to be the strongest on river right. Of course river level plays a big roll in the intensity of the rapid. When the river is low (2.5 ft - 3.5 ft at the Harriet Gauge) the rapid is not really a threat. A river level of 3.5 ft or higher makes this rapid intense.
As you paddle through the Lower Wilderness you will be greeted by Woodcock Bluff, Sheep Jump Bluff, and Elephant Head Rock. You can also park your boat at the mouth of Big Creek and hike a 1/4 mile to the Cold Spring Schoolhouse, a historic Works Progress Administration structure, from the 1930s.
Ensure that your gear is tied down and when you hit the White River it is best if you paddle downstream, 6 miles, until you reach Shipps Ferry. We recommend that you visit the Southwestern Power Administration webpage or call them at 866-494-1993 for information on the most current discharge rates on the White River before you begin your float. Shuttle time between Rush and Shipps Ferry is approximately one hour (40 miles).
As you paddle through the Lower Wilderness you will be greeted by Woodcock Bluff, Sheep Jump Bluff, and Elephant Head Rock. You can also park your boat at the mouth of Big Creek and hike a 1/4 mile to the Cold Spring Schoolhouse, a historic Works Progress Administration structure, from the 1930s.
Ensure that your gear is tied down and when you hit the White River it is best if you paddle downstream, 6 miles, until you reach Shipps Ferry. We recommend that you visit the Southwestern Power Administration webpage or call them at 866-494-1993 for information on the most current discharge rates on the White River before you begin your float. Shuttle time between Rush and Shipps Ferry is approximately one hour (40 miles).
Details
Duration
2-5 Days
At a moderate river level, this 30-mile paddling trip takes an average of 3 days and 2 nights to complete.
Activity
Paddling
This 30-mile paddling trip cuts through the Lower Wilderness Area to the mouth of Buffalo National River. This is a stretch of river that a majority of visitors never see. You will need to use care as you float through the Clabber Creek Shoals, which is 1/4 mile down from Rush. There is a large gravel bar on river right that can be used to scout out the area. If you feel that you do not want to brave the rapid you can go to river left and it is possible to portage around the rapid. If you go into the rapid it is advisable to stay river left as the rolling waves tend to be the strongest on river right. Of course river level plays a big roll in the intensity of the rapid. When the river is low (2.5 ft - 3.5 ft at the Harriet Gauge) the rapid is not really a threat. A river level of 3.5 ft or higher makes this rapid intense.
As you paddle through the Lower Wilderness you will be greeted by Woodcock Bluff, Sheep Jump Bluff, and Elephant Head Rock. You can also park your boat at the mouth of Big Creek and hike a 1/4 mile to the Cold Spring Schoolhouse, a historic Works Progress Administration structure, from the 1930s.
Ensure that your gear is tied down and when you hit the White River it is best if you paddle downstream, 6 miles, until you reach Shipps Ferry. We recommend that you visit the Southwestern Power Administration webpage or call them at 866-494-1993 for information on the most current discharge rates on the White River before you begin your float. Shuttle time between Rush and Shipps Ferry is approximately one hour (40 miles).
As you paddle through the Lower Wilderness you will be greeted by Woodcock Bluff, Sheep Jump Bluff, and Elephant Head Rock. You can also park your boat at the mouth of Big Creek and hike a 1/4 mile to the Cold Spring Schoolhouse, a historic Works Progress Administration structure, from the 1930s.
Ensure that your gear is tied down and when you hit the White River it is best if you paddle downstream, 6 miles, until you reach Shipps Ferry. We recommend that you visit the Southwestern Power Administration webpage or call them at 866-494-1993 for information on the most current discharge rates on the White River before you begin your float. Shuttle time between Rush and Shipps Ferry is approximately one hour (40 miles).
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
Rush Landing
Rush Landing is located in Marion County, Arkansas, about 5.5 miles from Hwy. 14 near the community of Caney.
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. This activity also involves primitive overnight camping without access to any services or amenities.