Originating in Ozarks Mountains near Fallsville, the Buffalo National River is a natural standout in The Natural State. The Buffalo, which was the first stream in America declared a national river, runs east where, ultimately, it joins the White River. Along the way it descends nearly 2,000 feet through layers of sandstone, limestone, and chert. One immediately obvious result is lots of bluffs—the highest in all the Ozarks. Hidden away, ready for discovery, are other geologic marvels—springs, caves, waterfalls, natural bridges, and box-like canyons.
But the Buffalo is much more than an ongoing display of natural curiosities. It is, in the words of the National Park Service, "an island of time and space." It is a valley where turn-of-the-century lifestyles and landscapes still exist. It is a place that refreshes the spirit.
Though one of the most revered canoeing destinations in the country, the Buffalo and surrounding area offer a wide variety of other activities. Renowned smallmouth bass fishing, ample hiking opportunities, horseback riding trails and rental services, camping, cabins and other lodging arrangements draw year-round visitors to the area.
