From Beaches To Bluffs This Arkansas Paddle Trail Will Float You To The Prettiest Scenery
By Carol Ann Carson|Published June 10, 2021
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
You already know the Buffalo National River is a true Arkansas treasure but where do you begin your journey? We can help narrow down the state’s longest float trip into a more manageable leg: Ponca to Kyles Landing. This segment is a gorgeous tour that can be accomplished in an afternoon. Not only do you get to see the neck-craning bluffs but you’ll also have multiple beaches for a swim and snack break! Let’s begin this paddle trail and drink in the sights:
Quite possibly the best gem in the Natural State, the Buffalo National River is the perfect place for a floating trip or three.
Between the trails, campgrounds, waterfalls, and actual river, the Buffalo could easily take multiple weeks to properly explore. Don't undervalue the impact a short weekend excursion can make, though! Even the smallest trips create the most lasting memories.
If you only have a weekend to spare, we highly suggest this segment of the river: Ponca to Kyle's Landing.
This portion is a little over 10 miles long and can be done in an afternoon (approximately 4-6 hours). The put-in point is the Ponca Low Water Bridge. If you caravan with friends, you can park here and
here. The Buffalo Outdoor Center also has shuttling available!
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The emerald green water offers a variety of fast-paced floating and even some rapids!
Check the water levels to prepare for your upcoming float. Spring and fall (and consistent rainfall) can offer Class I and Class II rapids. Summertime does typically mean lower water levels but creates more family-friendly conditions. Kayaks and canoes are better for navigating the river than tubes.
Steel Creek is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the state - and it's easy to see why! Pull up to the beach for snacks and swim break or turn your afternoon into a weekend trip.
Roark Bluff is a towering masterpiece along the river. The painted bluffs are neck-craning but worth every snapshot! Along this leg of the trip you'll pass Roark Bluff, Bee Bluff, Cliff Hollow, Big Bluff, Jackies Big Hollow, Jim Bluff, and miles of gorgeous shoreline.
We're particularly fond of this trip because of how family-friendly it is.
This not-too-short-not-too-long trip keeps young nature lovers' attention the entire time. There's also multiple beaches along the way that are great for breaks. Just don't forget the sunscreen!
The trip finishes at Kyles Landing, yet another stunning campground.
Pitch a tent for the night or shuttle back to your Ponca parking spot. If you're not ready for the trip to end, no worries! You can keep paddling for miles!
Always research your trips further before taking that first step (or paddle). The National Park Service is a wonderful resource!
What’s your favorite segment of the Buffalo National River? Share your tips in the comments below! You can always add your float trip photos to our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
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