Upper Buffalo River Association, Buffalo National River

Floating
Lost Valley Canoe

Horseback Riding
Guided Horseback Riding

Horse-Friendly Cabins & Facilities

Hiking
Easy Hiking Trails

Guide to Lost Valley

Local Information Resources:
The Ponca Store
(870) 861-5522

Ponca Elk Education Center
(870)861-2432

Arkansas Wildlife Photography

Day Trips West
Eureka Springs

Withrow Springs State Park

Day Trips North
Branson, Missouri

Silver Dollar City, Branson

Resources:
State of Arkansas
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Free Maps from Arkansas Highway Department

Ozark National Forest
Alum Cove Brochure and Map PDF File

Pedestal Rock Scenic Area Map PDF File

Buffalo National River
Pruitt Ranger Station Information (870) 446-5373

Buffalo National River Headquarters (870) 365-2700
Information (870) 439-2502

2009 Currents Publication from the National Park Service PDF

Official Buffalo River Map PDF from the NPS

Buffalo River Level Gauges:
Boxley (upper wilderness)
Ponca
Pruitt

Other Attractions:

Smith Creek Preserve

Support River Safety

This list of resources is designed to help you plan your stay. It includes links to nearby attractions and maps, with a few suggested day trips. See interactive map on Buffalo River attractions ( in new window).

This is terrific local resource for elk and nature viewing. It features interactive displays, educational materials and small shop with books, maps, etc. Run by the Arkansas Game and Fish. Brochure.

Eureka Springs is a quaint Victorian town with many events, art galleries, entertainment, and local attractions. Great day trip.

This state park offers free nature education classes and interpretive hikes in season. Combine with Eureka Springs for a day trip.

Branson is a national-class entertainment venue with a broad range of entertainment choices.

Silver Dollar City is an old west theme park with rides, entertainment, shopping and live demonstrations of arts and crafts.

Resource information on hunting and fishing in Arkansas. Brochures and licenses available in Ponca.

A nice collection of free maps and brochures. A number of PDF maps available for different purposes.

Downloadable brochure and map to the Alum Cove Trail. The trail includes a short hike, a natural bridge, seasonal waterfall, and picnic area with pit toilets.

Downloadable brochure and maps. The area includes two short hiking trails, a picnic area, and pit toilets.

The Pruitt Ranger station covers th UBR area. It is located just south of the bridge over the Buffalo River on Highway 7. Visit it for information, various publications, and resources. Call for programs.

This is the main headquarters for the Buffalo National River. It is a comprehensive BNR information resource and offices for the various personnel responsible for the different aspects of the park including biologists, geologists and archeologists, etc.

The online version of a very useful publication covering most aspects of the BNR park. The hardcopy version can be picked up at the Ponca Store and Ponca Elk Education Center.

This is the online version of the Official Buffalo River map. It is essential to understanding floating the river and the locations of various attractions in the park. (large download)

These USGS gauges provide essential real time information about the river levels for floaters, hikers and campers. After heavy rains, the river can have violent flash floods. Flash floods can be life threatening on the Buffalo National River.

Wildlife and elk viewing advice in the Ponca area and Boxley Valley. Maps, seasonal information, updates on elk viewing, and other resources for wildlife watchers and photographers. Updated a few times a week.

The Historic Ponca Store is run by Lost Valley Canoe. It contains books, maps and other resources about the Buffalo National River. The staff is knowledgeable about floating, local natural attractions, and hiking trails.

Riding the Old River Trail

Hikers on the Old River Trail, Buffalo National River

Hiking the Old River Trail

Fishing the Buffalo River

Photographing Elk in Boxley Valley near Ponca

Photographing Elk Near Ponca

Old pros at floating the Upper Buffalo River. Complete with rentals, pick-ups, and advice about destinations along the river. (870) 861-5522

These UBR members are horse-friendly, offering cabins, boarding facilities, trail advice, outfitting, and guiding on riding the many horse trails of the UBR region.

There are hundreds of miles of great hikes in UBR to challenge serious hikers. These hikes are for just about everyone.

Lost Valley Canoe, Buffalo National River

Floating the Buffalo River

Rent a horse and take a guided ride on the trails at Rimrock Cove Ranch. Guided tours and seasonal hayrides on their 180 acre facility.

Smith Creek Preserve is a project of the Nature Conservancy. Their new website, launched in February 2010, provides details about the preserve and maps. Smith Creek Preserve is located off Highway 21, just 3 miles from the Boxley Baptist Church. A great hiking and photography venue.

Topo map, narrative and gallery on the Lost Valley Hiking trail, a top attraction in the Upper Buffalo River.

Experience the Buffalor River on Facebook

Things to Do: UBR Links & Resources

Due to federal budget cuts, emergency pay phones were cut from the Buffalo National River's budget. These phones provide essential protection to injured park visitors in cell phone dead zones. This fundraiser is managed by the Buffalo River Chamber and upper river businesses. 100% of donations go to a restricted fund for the purpose of operating these life saving phones.