Buffalo National River travel Guide

Buffalo National River travel guide

National Airports

Buffalo National River is a national park located in northern Arkansas. While there are no airports within the boundaries of the park itself, there are several national airports in the area that visitors can use to access the park.

Clinton National Airport: Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, Clinton National Airport is the largest airport in the state and is approximately 2.5 hours by car from Buffalo National River. It offers non-stop flights to several major U.S. cities, including Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Denver, as well as several regional destinations.

Memphis International Airport: Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Memphis International Airport is approximately 3.5 hours by car from Buffalo National River. It offers non-stop flights to several major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta, as well as several international destinations.

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport: Located in Bentonville, Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is approximately 2 hours by car from Buffalo National River. It offers non-stop flights to several major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Atlanta, as well as several regional destinations.

Springfield-Branson National Airport: Located in Springfield, Missouri, Springfield-Branson National Airport is approximately 2.5 hours by car from Buffalo National River. It offers non-stop flights to several major U.S. cities, including Dallas, Chicago, Denver, and Atlanta, as well as several regional destinations.

Fort Smith Regional Airport: Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Fort Smith Regional Airport is approximately 2 hours by car from Buffalo National River. It offers non-stop flights to several regional destinations, including Dallas, Denver, and Memphis.

In conclusion, while there are no national airports in the immediate vicinity of Buffalo National River, there are several airports within a few hours’ drive that visitors can use to access the park. By flying into one of these airports and renting a car or using a shuttle service, visitors can easily and conveniently make their way to this beautiful national park.

Trains in Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River is a national park located in northern Arkansas, and while there are no trains that run directly through the park, there are several train options available for visitors looking to explore the area.

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad is a scenic railroad that operates out of Springdale, Arkansas, approximately 2.5 hours by car from Buffalo National River. The railroad offers a variety of excursion options, including a 3-hour train ride through the Ozark Mountains, a 4-hour train ride with a stop for lunch, and a holiday-themed train ride during the Christmas season.

Branson Scenic Railway: The Branson Scenic Railway is a historic train that operates out of Branson, Missouri, approximately 2.5 hours by car from Buffalo National River. The train offers several excursion options, including a 40-mile round trip through the Ozark Mountains, a dinner train experience, and a Polar Express-themed train ride during the Christmas season.

Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad: The Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad is a historic train that operates out of Calico Rock, Arkansas, approximately 30 minutes by car from Buffalo National River. The train offers a 20-mile round trip through the Ozark Mountains, with scenic views of the White River and surrounding countryside.

In conclusion, while there are no trains that run directly through Buffalo National River, there are several train options available for visitors looking to explore the area. These scenic trains offer a unique and memorable way to experience the beauty of the Ozarks and are a great option for families, couples, and train enthusiasts alike.

Buses in Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River is a national park located in northern Arkansas, and while there are no buses that run directly through the park, there are several bus options available for visitors looking to explore the area.

Greyhound: Greyhound is a national bus service that operates out of several cities in Arkansas, including Little Rock, approximately 2.5 hours by car from Buffalo National River. Greyhound offers several daily routes to and from Little Rock, with connections to other cities throughout the region and the country.

Ozark Regional Transit: Ozark Regional Transit is a regional bus service that operates in several counties in northwest Arkansas, including Newton County, which is home to Buffalo National River. The transit service offers several routes that connect nearby towns and cities to one another, making it a convenient and affordable option for visitors looking to explore the area.

Private Charter Buses: Several private charter bus companies operate in the region and can provide transportation to and from Buffalo National River. These companies offer a range of services, from shuttle services to custom tours, and can accommodate groups of all sizes.

In conclusion, while there are no buses that run directly through Buffalo National River, there are several bus options available for visitors looking to explore the area. Whether you are traveling on a budget or looking for a custom tour, these bus services offer a convenient and affordable way to experience the beauty of the Ozarks.

How to get to Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River is a national park located in northern Arkansas, and there are several ways to get there, depending on your mode of transportation and starting point.

By Car: One of the easiest ways to get to Buffalo National River is by car. The park is located approximately 2.5 hours from Little Rock, Arkansas, and approximately 3.5 hours from Memphis, Tennessee. From Little Rock, take Highway 65 north to Highway 14 east. From Memphis, take Highway 40 west to Highway 65 south to Highway 14 east.

By Plane: Several airports serve the area around Buffalo National River. The closest airport is the Boone County Airport in Harrison, Arkansas, which is approximately 30 minutes by car from the park. Other nearby airports include the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Bentonville, Arkansas (approximately 2 hours by car) and the Little Rock National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas (approximately 2.5 hours by car).

By Bus: The Greyhound bus service operates out of several cities in Arkansas, including Little Rock. From Little Rock, you can take a Greyhound bus to Harrison, Arkansas, which is approximately 30 minutes by car from Buffalo National River.

By Train: While there are no train stations in the immediate vicinity of Buffalo National River, there are several scenic train rides available in the region that offer a unique and memorable way to experience the beauty of the Ozarks. These include the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, the Branson Scenic Railway, and the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad.

Once you arrive at Buffalo National River, there are several campgrounds and lodging options available within the park, as well as hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking opportunities, and other outdoor activities to enjoy.

What is the best time to travel to Buffalo National River

The best time to travel to Buffalo National River depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your visit. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons and what they offer:

Spring (March-May): Spring is a great time to visit Buffalo National River if you enjoy mild weather and wildflowers. Temperatures are typically in the 60s and 70s during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. The river is also at its highest in the spring due to snowmelt and spring rains, making it a popular time for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Summer (June-August): Summer is the peak season at Buffalo National River, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. Temperatures can reach the 90s during the day, but the river is perfect for swimming, tubing, and other water activities. The park’s campgrounds and hiking trails can get crowded during this time, so it’s best to plan ahead and make reservations.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a popular time to visit Buffalo National River because of the cooler temperatures and fall foliage. Temperatures are typically in the 60s and 70s during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. The changing leaves make for beautiful scenery, and the park’s hiking trails are less crowded than in the summer.

Winter (December-February): Winter is the least crowded time to visit Buffalo National River, but it can also be the most unpredictable. Temperatures can range from below freezing to the 50s, and snow and ice are possible. However, the park’s waterfalls can be particularly beautiful in the winter, and the park’s wildlife can be more visible due to the lack of foliage.

In general, the best time to visit Buffalo National River depends on what you want to do and what kind of weather you enjoy. Peak season is summer, but spring and fall offer mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter is the least crowded time to visit, but it can also be unpredictable in terms of weather.

How to get around Buffalo National River

Getting around Buffalo National River is relatively easy and there are several options available depending on your preference and level of mobility.

Car: One of the easiest ways to get around the park is by car. The park has several well-maintained roads and parking areas, making it easy to access the various trails, campgrounds, and other attractions within the park. Visitors can bring their own vehicle or rent one from a nearby city or airport.

Shuttle: During the summer months, the park offers a shuttle service that runs between several of the popular trailheads and campgrounds. The shuttle is an affordable and convenient option for visitors who want to explore the park without having to worry about driving or parking.

Hiking: Many of the park’s attractions and scenic areas can be accessed on foot via the park’s extensive network of hiking trails. Hiking is a great way to explore the park’s diverse landscape and wildlife, and there are trails available for all skill levels.

Canoeing/Kayaking: The Buffalo River itself is a popular attraction, and visitors can explore it by canoe or kayak. Several rental companies operate in the park, and visitors can rent boats and equipment for a day or longer. Canoeing or kayaking is a great way to see the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning scenery from a unique perspective.

Biking: The park also offers several miles of paved and unpaved biking trails. Biking is a great way to explore the park’s scenic areas and wildlife, and bikes can be rented from several vendors in the nearby towns and cities.

In conclusion, there are several options available for visitors looking to get around Buffalo National River, from driving and hiking to canoeing and biking. Each option offers a unique way to experience the park’s diverse landscape and wildlife, and visitors can choose the method that best fits their preferences and level of mobility.

Accommodations in Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, from primitive camping to modern cabins. Here are some of the options available:

Campgrounds: The park has several campgrounds located throughout the park that offer a range of camping experiences, from primitive tent camping to RV camping with electrical hookups. Some campgrounds are first-come, first-served, while others require reservations. All campgrounds have restroom facilities and access to potable water.

Cabins: The park also has several cabins available for rent, ranging from rustic to modern. The cabins are located in scenic areas throughout the park and offer a unique and comfortable way to experience the park’s beauty. Some cabins offer amenities such as kitchens, air conditioning, and heating.

Lodges: Buffalo National River has two lodges within the park: Buffalo Point Concessionaire and Tyler Bend Visitor Center. The lodges offer a range of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cottages, with amenities such as air conditioning, heating, and private bathrooms. Reservations are recommended.

Backcountry Camping: For visitors who want a more rugged camping experience, the park offers backcountry camping. Backcountry camping requires a permit and is only allowed in designated areas. Visitors must pack in and pack out all their gear and supplies, and should be prepared for primitive conditions.

Group Camping: For larger groups, the park offers group campsites that can accommodate up to 25 people. Group campsites require reservations and are available in several campgrounds throughout the park.

In conclusion, Buffalo National River offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, from primitive camping to modern cabins and lodges. Whether you prefer to rough it in the backcountry or enjoy the comfort of a cabin or lodge, there is an option available to fit your needs and preferences. Reservations are recommended for all accommodations, especially during peak season.