AN EPIC ADVENTURE ON AMERICA'S FIRST NATIONAL RIVER
One of America’s hidden gems lies tucked away deep in the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas: The Buffalo River.
Carrying the title of America’s First National River, The Buffalo is a popular summer destination. But I think the best time to paddle The Buffalo is the few weeks when winter transitions to spring. The weather is mild, the water is cold and clear as its feeder springs wake from their winter freeze, and the upper section of the river is typically devoid of human traffic. On this day, we had the river to ourselves.
Speaking of hidden gems in Arkansas, this video was shot on Chelsea’s birthday, March 3rd, 2018. It was her first time on the river since the birth of our third kiddo, Aspen. It was also her first time in a kayak. We paddled the upper section, from Ponca ten miles downstream to Kyle’s Landing. The trip usually takes six hours, give or take a few, depending on if you take the short hike to Hemmed-In Hollow Falls, which we did. We hit all the famous spots on this trip – Roark Bluff, Big Bluff, Hell’s Half Acre and more. Of course, no trip on The Buffalo would be complete without someone tipping and taking a swim.
Get in and get your hands off the gunwales, we’re going on a river trip deep into the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks.
Here’s a few stills – click for full res:
