Arkansas · Hiking · Near Jasper

Buffalo River Trail

35.7 mi
one way
5,366 ft
climb
1,793 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Mar–Nov
best months

Is Buffalo River Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Buffalo National River. It doesn't name Buffalo River Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · Buffalo National River. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Buffalo River Trail is a 35.7-mile point-to-point hike in Buffalo National River, Arkansas, managed by the National Park Service. It rises from a low of about 790 feet to a high of 1,793 feet, with a total elevation gain of 5,366 feet and a total loss of 5,873 feet over the course of the route. The trail is rated moderate, and the climb is a significant one, with the high point well above the starting elevation of 1,158 feet. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Kingston put May highs around 72°F and October highs around 67°F, while July and August average about 85°F. The trail is not wheelchair accessible, and dogs, bikes and horses are not allowed. Plan for about 14.5 hours on foot. Whitaker Point is about 4.7 miles away, and the Buffalo River Region climbing area is about 6.3 miles off. The Little Buffalo River, a canoeing route, and the Buffalo River itself, for fishing, are both within about 7 miles.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Castle Bluff Camp

    Campground

    Campground · 3.4 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    The Lodge

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 7 mi
  • If it rains

    Tim Ernst Canvas Gallery

    Gallery

    On your way back · 9 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Jasper

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Nov

    Best time to visit Buffalo River Trail

    Best months: March–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 25°

    2. Feb

      48° / 28°

    3. Mar

      57° / 35°

    4. Apr

      66° / 44°

    5. May

      72° / 54°

    6. Jun

      81° / 62°

    7. Jul

      85° / 66°

    8. Aug

      85° / 65°

    9. Sep

      78° / 59°

    10. Oct

      67° / 48°

    11. Nov

      55° / 37°

    12. Dec

      46° / 28°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Kingston 2s, AR, 8.1 mi away at 2,145 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors