Trevorum 24 Posted November 28, 2004 Share Posted November 28, 2004 Our PLC has voted on a Canoe Trek for next summer, and after researching the costs and travel distances, we have settled on the Buffalo River in Arkansas. I am told it is a National Wilderness River and is a great experience, but I don't know a lot more at this point. We have a canoe guy who will be training us and helping everyone with equipment, but I am seeking more information about the Buffalo River. Has anyone here canoed this river? Link to post Share on other sites
eagle90 125 Posted November 28, 2004 Share Posted November 28, 2004 Our troop "attempted" to canoe the Buffalo a few years ago. We went thru BSA Camp Orr of the Westark Council. Unfortunately, the day before our trip they had 12" of rain, and this pristine meandering creek was a Class VI river, washing away the camp's entire waterfront area. The Federal Govt. closed the entire river, and we were forced to make other arrangements for the week. We ended up going up to Branson, MO and rented a houseboat on Table Rock Lake instead. The area is beautiful and we do want to try again soon. Westark Council was very accomodating and seem to be very organized. Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle69 46 Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 If you truly mean a "summer" as in late June, July or August float then you need to rethink your plans. At that time of the year the upper Buffalo is almost nonexistent and the middle can get very low to the point where you have to drag canoes. The lower end will have water in it, but it won't be moving fast and I'm not sure of the availability of outfitters for that part of the river. There are several excellent books out on the Buffalo and a new one that has gotten good reviews has just recently been released. I live in Arkansas and have floated the upper and middle parts of the river in the Spring and driven across it in the Summer. As the other poster said it can become a monster overnight with heavy rains. Here is a link to one of the Outfitters and if you click on the "Other Helpful Links" you will get access to some more places to contact for information. Link to post Share on other sites
Trevorum 24 Posted November 29, 2004 Author Share Posted November 29, 2004 Thanks to both Eagles 69 and 90! We are scheduled for the last week in May - I am told the river still has good flow then. I'll look for the book, thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
BUFFALO ADVENTURES 10 Posted January 22, 2006 Share Posted January 22, 2006 Am a canoe outfitter on the Buffalo...an old Eagle Scout and have been to National Camp School. If anyone would like info on the Buffalo feel free to send me an email info@buffaloadventures.com. Will have my website www.buffaloadventures.com up shortly. Am located just above Camp Orr...This is a genuinely beautiful area but the river is free flowing and some times of the year are better than others..The river is 150 miles long, over 90000 acres and is a National Park. It is rugged in spots and wild. The canoeing is great. Link to post Share on other sites
eisely 13 Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 Check out this link. I think you will find it helpful. http://members.aol.com/Mmcbs2/buffalo.html Link to post Share on other sites
BUFFALO ADVENTURES 10 Posted February 4, 2006 Share Posted February 4, 2006 My website www.buffaloadventures.com is now online. Here you can find links for as much information as you could want.Would appreciate hearing your comments if you use it. Am adding some great pictures this week. Ones just up are okay but there are more to come. Thanks.... Link to post Share on other sites
Lynda J 10 Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 I grew up in Harrison just north of Orr. My brother did all his summer camping at Orr as a Scout. We had a horse farm on top of the Boston Mountains over looking the Osage River Valley. Great canoeing and hiking country. Just be sure to check with someone because it they have has as little rain as we have here in Texas the upper Buffalo will be so low you won't be able to float. Take your fishing gear along. Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle69 46 Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 If you look at the dates of TREVORUM's post it was in 2004, so he was must have been talking about May of 2005 since he said "next year". However anybody that is thinking of a Buffalo River Float trip should be aware that the drought has impacted Arkansas as well. We have cities all over the state that are having water supply problems, the big Corp of Engineer lakes in North Ark are the lowest thay have been in years and that story is being repeated all over the state. Link to post Share on other sites
Trevorum 24 Posted February 9, 2006 Author Share Posted February 9, 2006 Yep, our V crew canoed down the Buffalo River in May 2005. I didn't get to go, but they had a great time and highly recommended the trek! Link to post Share on other sites
BUFFALO ADVENTURES 10 Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 The Buffalo is a free flowing river. That means it depends on rainfall and runoff. The water will be better quality before the demand for it by nature's greening up. After that it calms down and runs slower. Try www.buffaloadventures.com has many many info links and great pictures and almost completed. We're Scouter friendly. The river usually runs low after the 4th of July through the winter then Spring rains revitalize it. Link to post Share on other sites
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