America’s First National River

Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River.

It is a spectacular place. However, the area was in drought conditions when we took our trip. People who were canoeing had to portage their craft in many places. No motor craft is allowed on the river. Also, there were wildfires in  New Mexico with the smoke traveling northward. Most of Arkansas was smoke shrouded that summer. We did not do a water trip and saw very few people in canoes. We had a good trip in spite of the weather conditions.

The Buffalo River is connected to the White River, which is connected to the Mississippi, and laps up on the beach of the Gulf states.

The image was shot with the Lopp-ofied spud.