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    Buffalo National River

    4.6 (13 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

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    Haley K.

    A beautiful wild river in the heart of Arkansas. This river remains undamaged by man, it has not been dammed and runs freely. As a result, if you plan on paddling down the river make sure you check rainfall and water levels. It is 151 miles long and it is possible to paddle and camp along the river where ever you find a place! We canoed Tyler's Bend to Gilbert, about 5 miles. When the water is low, this portion of the river is great for beginners and for taking small children (we took our 2 year old). When the water is in the lower side you might drag on the river floor in places. There are several deeper areas to swim and even a place to jump off the rocks! The water is clear and beautiful and you'll pass many tall bluffs.

    Triple Falls

    Truly an undiscovered gem in America. My very favorite place in Arkansas. I live in Oklahoma 3 hours away and hike, camp, float here about 8 times a year on average. Get out and see it. Floating Zipline Triple Falls Lost Valley Elk viewing Goat Bluff Trail Hawksbill Crag Glory Hole Falls Hemmed In Hollow Pedestal Rocks The above are all my favorite things to do here.

    Sean S.

    Floating the Buffalo River is the perfect weekend getaway. Me and my family love seeing all the beautiful scenery when floating. Another fun idea while floating the river is overnight tent camping. Perfect for a weekend getaway.

    View from epic bridge
    Deana S.

    This was a drive by stop. Didn't get to venture and see the remaining beauty. But right away, I knew I would be back someday to kayak, fish and surround myself in the tranquility of the Ozarks.

    Kayaking

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    Ask the Community - Buffalo National River

    Hello! Are you able to camp out anywhere on the river? If so, where are the best spots? Also, are there any regulations about starting a fire on the side of the river? Thanks!

    Yes, you are allowed to camp on the gravel bar as long as it is at least half a mile up or down river from an established campground. Campfires are also permitted on the gravel as long as they are completely extinguished and any makeshift fire rings… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Buffalo National River

    Very nice Visitors Center and interesting 18 minutes film on the Buffalo River.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Hemmed-In Hollow

    Hemmed-In Hollow

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    14.4 mi

    Pretty excellent hike. Off of 43 there's a sign that said Compton trail head with an arrow pointing…read moreright. Turn onto that dirt road and go down until it gives you the option to go straight or turn left or right. Turn right and go down that dirt road. You will see a sign for Compton trail head. Park in there and go out for your hike. Definitely worth it. It was a steep trail after about the first .5 miles. Going down was a bit tough on the knees, but the falls were worth it. Just drops really at this time of year, but impressive nonetheless. Definitely bring a snack and plenty of water. Spend time taking photos once you get down. Also, hike the unkept trail at the falls. It will bring you behind the falls and over to diamond falls, which is a hidden gem of a water falls.

    This is a beautiful hike but make sure you know what you're doing before you select this trail. The…read morefirst .5 mile is easy, after that it gets pretty steep with large rocky areas to get down. My fiance and I have done 5+ mile hikes but this was a bit too much for my short legs to handle and we turned back at about 1.9 miles in. The falls were so close but it was just more climbing down rocky areas that I didn't think I could handle climbing back up. Make sure to bring water and a snack. Also bring a walking stick or find a branch to remove spiders from your path.

    Photos
    Stacked rocks
    Stacked rocks
    The falls Coke down from there.
    The falls Coke down from there.
    More of the falls

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    More of the falls
    Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

    Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

    4.6
    (20 reviews)
    29.1 mi

    People who go to Branson for shows and shopping are missing the REAL beauty of this place. I did…read morethe two mile loop that takes you down to the lake and back up to the parking lot. The beauty of the Ozarks is breathtaking! There are restrooms and covered picnic tables as well.

    Somewhere in Branson, tucked behind the tourist shops and fudge factories, we decided to go full…read morenature mode and hit the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area--which sounds way more intense than it actually is. I was half-expecting to see a bear with a banjo or a raccoon running a moonshine still. Instead, we got about 140 acres of surprisingly legit wilderness... with signs. Lots of signs. Branson knows how to label a rock. The trail started off innocent enough--wood chips, some chirping birds, a suspicious squirrel staring us down. Then came the stairs. Not like "oh look, a couple of steps," but 315 stone steps carved into the side of a bluff like Mother Nature was training for a StairMaster commercial. Whoever built these things must have been part mountain goat, part lunatic. Down we went, each step echoing with the soundtrack of my thighs weeping. Somewhere between Step 89 and existential crisis, we passed a little cave where I'm 83% sure a wizard lives. It was cool, literally and metaphorically. We didn't go in though--look, we respect magical real estate. At the bottom was a view of Lake Taneycomo so pretty it made me forgive the stair situation. There were trees, chirping birds, and a breeze that whispered, "Hey, good luck going back up." We lingered at a little waterfall trickle (emphasis on trickle--it hadn't rained much) and contemplated faking an injury to avoid the climb. Eventually, we powered back up, legs shaking, pride shattered, but hearts full. Or maybe that was just dehydration. Back at the top, we found a porch swing near the ruins of an old homestead, which felt like a reward from the hiking gods. If you ever wanted to swing gently while staring into the distance and pretending you're in a Nicholas Sparks movie, this is your spot. All in all, 5 stars would hike again. Just next time, I'm bringing hiking poles.

    Photos
    Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
    Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
    Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

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    Buffalo National River - parks - Updated July 2026

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