Floating Buffalo National River in Spring explore

Float the Buffalo

Canoeing and kayaking the upper Buffalo National River is absolutely the finest paddling experience in the state of Arkansas. When you plan a float trip here you've selected the most amazing scenery in the state as the backdrop for your adventure.

Boat Rental & Shuttle Rates

Important Floating Information

Site Launch Details

Our daily launch site is determined by water level which means your launch site cannot be guaranteed when booking. On Saturdays in May, outfitters are required to launch at the Steel Creek access (rather than Ponca), water level permitting. Private boaters, however, may launch at the Ponca access if water level permits.

Season Info:
During floating season (March–June), we confirm the launch site each morning on our Buffalo River Level web page. You can also call us at 870-861-5514 to learn the day’s launch site.

Site Launch Heirarchy

Today’s BOC River Trip

03/27/24 Ample water for floating from Ponca to Kyles Landing!

Ponca >
Kyle's Landing
Steel Creek >
Kyle’s Landing
Pruitt >
Hasty

Trip
Options

  • View all
  • Day trips
  • Guided Trips
  • Multi-day trips

Steel Creek to Kyle’s Landing

8 Miles
4-6 hours

When river conditions are too low to launch in Ponca, we move 2 miles downriver to the Steel Creek launch (10 minutes from Ponca on Hwy. 74) where you’ll canoe 8 miles to Kyle’s Landing.

Learn More

Ponca to Kyle’s Landing

10.7 Miles
4-6 Hours

Discover why this is our most popular Buffalo National River canoe trip and, without a doubt, the river’s most scenic.

Learn More

Ponca to Pruitt

23.9 Miles
2 Days

This trip features the best scenery the Buffalo National River has to offer, including majestic Big Bluff and many other beautiful bluffs along the way, plus, towering Hemmed-In Hollow waterfall and the chance to visit or camp at the historic Erbie area.

Learn More

Ponca to Woolum

50.3 Miles
3-4 Days

If you have a long weekend or are looking for an extended river trip that’s not too long, the Ponca to Woolum section of the Buffalo National River is ideal.

Learn More

Pruitt to Hasty

6.8 Miles
4-5 Hours

From a scenery standpoint, this is the second prettiest section of Buffalo National River with many nice bluffs featured along the way.

Learn More

Pruitt to Mt. Hersey

17.8 Miles
2 Days

When water levels are lower and we launch downriver at Pruitt (just off Hwy. 7, about 5 miles north of Jasper), the typical 2-day canoe trip is from Pruitt to Mt. Hersey.

Learn More

Ponca to Buffalo City

125.4 Miles
7-10 Days
Learn More

Private Guided Float + Hike

1-2 Days

During this private trip, your 37 North Expert Guide will take you along some of the most popular and scenic Buffalo River routes for an engaging adventure fit for all skill levels. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a 37 North guided hike from the river + add camping for a bigger adventure.

Learn More

Group Guided Float + Hike

1 Day

During this guided group trip, your 37 North Expert Guide will take you along some of the most popular and scenic Buffalo River routes for an engaging adventure fit for all skill levels. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a 37 North guided hike from the river.

Learn More
explore
camping along rock bar on the Buffalo National River

Buffalo River Camping

Experience Arkansas's finest river camping, whether in a primitive NPS campground or choosing your own spot along America's first national river.

Learn More