Top 10 Interesting Facts about Buffalo National River

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Buffalo National River

Bend in the Buffalo River from an overlook on the Buffalo River Trail near Steel Creek- Author; Jasari- Wikimedia

Located in Northern Arkansas, the Buffalo River is 153 miles long and the lower 135 miles flow within the boundaries of an area that is managed by the National Park Service.

1. Buffalo National River is America’s first National River

Buffalo River Terminus- Author; Damon- Wikimedia

The Buffalo National River was the first national river to be designated in the United States.

It flows through Newton, Searcy, Marion and Baxter counties from West to East.

This river originates in the highest part of the Boston Mountains then flows out onto the Springfield plateau and then crosses a portion of the Salem Plateau before joining the white river.

2. It is the home of the state’s only Elk herd

Elks grazing- Image by Rick Houchin from Pixabay

Buffalo National River is home to Arkansas state’s only elk herd. It provides a suitable habitat for elk and the herd currently is nearly 500 animals.

The elks can usually be seen at several different locations in and near the river. The elks also have a free-range and provide a recreational value for those who prefer to watch wildlife as well as those who usually hunt them.

3. Was established by an act of congress

Seal of the United States Congress- Author; Ipankonin- Wikimedia

Buffalo National River was established on March 1st, 1972 by an act of congress. This was so as to end the recurring plans of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers to construct more dams on the river.

4. The Buffalo National River protects natural rivers

The designation of Buffalo National River protects natural rivers from industrial uses, impoundments and other obstructions that may easily change the natural character of the river or even disrupt the natural habitat for the flora and fauna that live in or near the river.

5. Buffalo National River is a popular site for visitors

Rowers on Buffalo River- Author; Buffaboy- Wikimedia

The river is a popular camping, hiking, canoeing and even fishing destination. Usually, visitors are allowed to bring their own canoes or even rent from several independent agencies that rent camping or canoeing gear.

At Buffalo National River, camping is generally allowed throughout the park with a few exceptions like in historical structures, private properties within the park, within 100 feet of any trail or watercourse, etc.

6. The river is one of the few remaining undammed rivers

Autumn colours begin to take hold in the valleys of the Buffalo River- Author; Doug Wertman- Wikimedia

Established in the year 1972, Buffalo National River is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states of America.

It was mainly designated to preserve its clean waters thus the reason it remains undammed. This is in an attempt to protect it from pollution of any kind.

7. It is the longest undammed river west of Mississippi

Aerial view of the Buffalo National River- Author; Mattsrealm- Wikimedia

Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles making it one of the longest undammed rivers west of Mississippi.

At a point of about 24 kilometres above the park boundary in Newton County in Arkansas, the river begins as the main point of Big Buffalo Creek.

The river additionally flows north to Ponca through Boxley then begins an eastward expedition across northern Arkansas to conjoin the white river on the Marion- Baxter county line.

Kayakers often refer to the 24-kilometre section upriver because the extremely challenging section of the river is floatable only during high water periods and thus should be attempted only by those with concrete whitewater skills.

8. Buffalo River was a job creator in 2015

Buffalo River for recreational activities- Author; Mark Hogan- Wikimedia

Buffalo river lures millions of visitors from all over the world. They typically go to enjoy the clean air and sparkling waters of the river.

Thus in 2015 for instance, more than 1.46 million tourists visited the river which generate about $62 million in profit.

Naturally, more than 960 people ended up getting employed in tourism-related activities. For example in restaurants, kayaking and canoeing rentals, hotels, cabins etc.

9. Faces the threat of pollution

Buffalo River; Discoloured area is polluted- Source; U.S. National Archives and Records Administration- Wikimedia

According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are one of the largest pollutants for waterways and streams across the U.S.

In 2013, 6,500 heads hog of CAFOs were quietly permitted unbeknownst to the public.

Now, the hog CAFO inclusive of two manure filled ponds and indoor feedlots sits on a hill along with one of Buffalo National River’s main tributaries, Big Creek. This is less than 6 miles from the mainstream of the river.

Unfortunately, each year, millions of gallons of liquid hog waste are sprayed on the pastures and fields and some of these lie in the flood plain.

The manure is particularly harmful in areas where topsoil is thin. Recreational fishing enthusiasts, swimmers, paddlers etc have started seeing changes in the river since algae cover a large segment of the river bottom.

Despite a public outcry, nothing much has been done. Tourist related businesses like restaurants, cabin rentals and motels keep worrying that visitors will stop coming if the quality of water continues to degrade.

10. Celebrates 50th anniversary this year (2022)

In 2022, Buffalo National River celebrates its 50th anniversary ever since it was established as a unit of the National Park Service.

To celebrate the anniversary, the park is planning a series of event weekends throughout 2022.

The preparation and presentation of those events are being made possible by the hard work and volunteerism of park and community partners. This is inclusive of Buffalo National River Partners, Buffalo River Historic Jail and Museum, Arkansas  Master Naturalist and Luck Star Farm.

The aim of these events is to also share the river, its resources and history. The celebrations are meant to offer a little bit of everything for all to enjoy as Buffalo National River Superintendent, Mark Foust puts it.

Buffalo National River- Author; Mark Hogan- Wikimedia

Buffalo National River, designated by congress as a public park in 1972, seeks to continue conserving the unique scenic and scientific features of the area while at the same time preserving the free-flowing nature of the river as an important segment so that it can be enjoyed even by future generations.