Last updated: December 8, 2020
Thing to Do
Paddling Spring Creek to Dillards Ferry
NPS/Terra Fondriest
This friendly, 4.6-mile paddle is great for folks that want to get a good feel for the river, but don't want to be out all day. You will paddle by Jackpot, Kimball, and Stairstep Bluffs as you make your way towards Water Creek, a great place to park the boat and get out and explore. This river trip ends at Dillards Ferry, the Highway 14 bridge.
Use caution as you float through Tie Chute, about 1/2 mile downstream of Water Creek and one mile above Dillards Ferry. Depending on the water level, this narrow chute can be challenging to navigate. Shuttle time between Spring Creek and Dillards Ferry is about 20 minutes (7 miles).
Use caution as you float through Tie Chute, about 1/2 mile downstream of Water Creek and one mile above Dillards Ferry. Depending on the water level, this narrow chute can be challenging to navigate. Shuttle time between Spring Creek and Dillards Ferry is about 20 minutes (7 miles).
Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
At a moderate river level, this 4.6-mile paddling trip takes an average of 3 hours
Activity
Paddling
This friendly, 4.6-mile float is great for folks that want to get a good feel for the river, but don't want to be out all day. You will float by Jackpot, Kimball, and Stairstep Bluffs as you make your way towards Water Creek, a great place to park the boat and get out and explore. This float ends at Dillard's Ferry, the Highway 14 bridge.
Use caution as you float through Tie Chute, about 1/2 mile downstream of Water Creek and one mile above Dillard's Ferry. Depending on the water level, this narrow chute can be challenging to navigate. Shuttle time between Spring Creek and Dillard's Ferry is about 20 minutes (7 miles).
Use caution as you float through Tie Chute, about 1/2 mile downstream of Water Creek and one mile above Dillard's Ferry. Depending on the water level, this narrow chute can be challenging to navigate. Shuttle time between Spring Creek and Dillard's Ferry is about 20 minutes (7 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
Spring Creek Access
Spring Creek Access is located in Searcy County, Arkansas, approximately 3 miles from Highway 14 near the community of Harriet.
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.