Where is Buffalo National River,Harrison area, Arkansas?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Buffalo National River is located in Arkansas, USA. It lies between the Ozark Mountains and the forests of northern Arkansas and is situated in the north-central part of the state. The river is famous for its clean, free-flowing water, tall bluffs, and great places for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Buffalo National River Location Map,Harrison area, Arkansas

Top Attractions Inside Buffalo National River

  • Tyler Bend – Central hub with scenic river views, trails, and a visitor center.
  • Ponca & Boxley Valley – Famous for elk viewing and dramatic limestone bluffs.
  • Lost Valley Trail – Popular hike featuring caves, waterfalls, and lush forest scenery.
  • Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point) – Iconic rock outcrop with stunning panoramic views.
  • Buffalo Point – Beautiful bluffs, campgrounds, and swimming areas along the river.
  • Big Bluff / Goat Trail – Narrow ledge trail offering thrilling views over the Buffalo River.
  • Hemmed-In Hollow Falls – The tallest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians, reached by a challenging hike.

Buffalo National River Facts

Official NameBuffalo National River
LocationOzark Mountains region, northern Arkansas, USA — nearest access town: Harrison, AR
Latitude & Longitude (approx.)≈ 36.2337° N, 92.9382° W (central river area)
Total Length≈ 135 miles (217 km) free-flowing river
Designation / EstablishedNational Wild and Scenic River — established March 1, 1972
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS)
Main Features / AttractionsScenic river valleys, bluffs, limestone cliffs, waterfalls, caves, wildlife habitats, canoeing/kayaking, hiking trails
Visitor ActivitiesCanoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife observation, photography, scenic drives
Notable Sections / Access PointsBoxley Valley, Ponca, Steel Creek, Kyle’s Landing, Hasty, Rush, Pruitt, Gilbert, Tyler Bend
Wildlife & EcologyForests, wetlands, and river ecosystems — supports deer, beavers, river otters, various fish species, songbirds, and bald eagles
Significance / NotabilityFirst National River in the U.S.; one of the last remaining free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Official Website / Info Sourcehttps://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm

Distances from Buffalo National River to Nearby Landmarks

  • Tyler Bend Visitor Center – 0.0 km (0.0 mi)
  • Buffalo Point – 56.0 km (34.8 mi)
  • Ponca Access – 96.6 km (60.0 mi)
  • Steel Creek Campground – 93.3 km (58.0 mi)
  • Kyles Landing – 86.9 km (54.0 mi)
  • Lost Valley Trailhead – 98.2 km (61.0 mi)
  • Rush Historic District – 48.3 km (30.0 mi)
  • Buffalo Outdoor Center (Ponca) – 96.6 km (60.0 mi)
  • Jasper, Arkansas – 72.4 km (45.0 mi)
  • Harrison, Arkansas – 61.2 km (38.0 mi)
  • Marshall, Arkansas – 19.3 km (12.0 mi)
  • Mountain View, Arkansas – 80.5 km (50.0 mi)
  • Blanchard Springs Caverns – 88.5 km (55.0 mi)
  • Ozark National Forest Boundary – 40.2 km (25.0 mi)
  • Little Buffalo River Access (Jasper) – 72.4 km (45.0 mi)