Paddling on the Buffalo River in Northern Arkansas

 The Buffalo River is one of our all time favorite rivers.  We have paddled long sections of the river as camping trips about a half a dozen times over the years, but the last time we had been on this river was in 2013, seven years ago.  Wayne had suggested visiting the Buffalo and paddling a few days on our way to Minnesota.  That was a grand idea, so we made a plan.

After our late start leaving the Smokies we did not make up any lost time in eastern Tennessee.  The coach pulled the hill over Newfound Gap nicely, and we easily coasted down the Tennessee side of the hill and out of the park.  However, shortly after leaving the park there was a long delay for a construction back-up. After clearing that mess we took the bypass around Gatlinburg, but experienced incessant stop and go traffic through Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.  Finally we arrived on I-40 east of Knoxville and were free-sailing.  Or so we thought.  After fueling up in Knoxville we hit another slowdown and creeped along at about 10 mph for most of an hour.  All in all, not a great day for making good time on the super-slab.  The rest of the day there were no more delays.  We spent the night at a Walmart in Jackson TN after driving a very long 376 miles.   When we parked at Walmart we found a level place to park and did not extend the leveling jacks.  Consequently I don't know yet if the problem filling the air bags after leveling still exists.  

The next morning we continued west on I-40, crossed the Mississippi River at Memphis and turned north towards the Arkansas Ozark mountains.  We arrived at Buffalo Point Campground on the banks of the Buffalo River by mid afternoon after diving 281 miles across mostly Arkansas back roads.  

The Pyramid in Memphis is now a hotel and Bass Pro Shop

Crossing the Mississippi River into Arkansas

Wild Bill's Outfitter is located near the Buffalo River near Dillard's Ferry, Buffalo Point and Yellville AR. When we did our Buffalo River camping trips we always used Wild Bill to shuttle our vehicles.  Wild Bill's also happened to be the closest place to our camp to find a cellular signal, so we visited there every day or two to catch up on the news from the outside world. 

It has been hot and humid all summer at home in NC.  The forecast predicted no break from the heat, although the humidity may have been a bit lower.

The Buffalo National River is America's first national river. Established in 1972, the Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states.  It is by far one of the most scenic rivers we have ever paddled.  On this trip we will be paddling on the lower section of the river near Dillard's Ferry, which has fewer tall bluffs than the more scenic upper reaches.  Enough talk.  Sit back and enjoy the ride