June 17, 2017
The morning got off to a rainy start but the weather forecast assured us that it would clear within the hour. The storms blew over on our drive to the river, and while cloudy and cool, it was safe to start our float trip. Our group consisted of My husband, my kiddo, and I as well as our friends/family Clayton, Skyler, and Troy.
We chose this particular route for two reasons:
- It is one of the more mild stretches of river and good for beginners and families
-
we had not traveled along this stretch of river before.
Here is a topo map that shows our route:
We had planned to do this trip about a month ago but we were hit with storms that caused major flooding in the area. The river rose and filled with debris. Many trees were uprooted and the river had to undergo some cleanup via a few local river organizations and float clubs. The damage was still apparent as we floated down but the waterways were pretty clear, and even with several down trees along the banks, still beautiful as always.
Skyler brought along her new cupcake pool floaty and took it down a stretch of the river, haha!
We love spending time with her because she always makes it fun!
Skyler w/ her cupcake floaty
Clayton pulling Skyler on her cupcake floaty
…..so I failed to mention earlier that Troy is Skyler’s younger brother. No matter their age, they will always do what siblings do best: pick on each other. They are closer to best friends than anything and such a sweet example of all of the best things about having a sibling.
Unicorn squirt gun 🙂
As we were paddling we stopped to climb up to what appeared to be a cave in the bluff wall but it had collapsed at some point so we only got to explore the entrance. There were also many places where natural springs trickled down the bluff walls. This river is seriously worth the trip. When you come here feel like you are a million miles away and it allows you to feel more connected to nature.
Decided to pull over and climb
Explorer T-Rex
We had a wonderful time and stopped several times along the way to swim, explore, and eat. The trip took approx. 5 hours (not including driving time)
If you are considering a float trip on the Buffalo National River please check this out:
Buffalo National River (National Park Service): https://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm
Buffalo National River Rules Per the National Perk service (noted below): https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/river-rules.htm
As you’re planning your float trip on the Buffalo River, please remember the Rules of the River that are intended to keep you safe and the river clean. If you have any questions about these rules or any other aspect of floating the Buffalo, please click on our floating pageor contact a park ranger at a visitor center or contact station.
- Glass Containers : The possession or use of glass containers in caves, on trails or waterways or within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of any river or stream in the park is prohibited for public safety, except in designated campgrounds, picnic sites, or in vehicles on designated roads and parking areas.
- Mesh Litter Bags : All canoes, kayaks, tubes, rafts and other vessels easily susceptible to swamping, tipping or rolling must have an attached closeable mesh litter bag. All trash must be disposed of safely and legally. A mesh litter bag is not required for people traveling without food or beverages. If you rent your vessel from a park authorized concessioner, a litter bag will be provided with each vessel. You may also purchase a litter bag from a concessioner for use in your privately owned vessel. A list of all park authorized concessioners is available on this website at https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm
- Fastened Cooler Lids : If you are transporting food and/or beverages in a vessel on the river, it must be kept in a sealed cooler or container that prevents the contents from spilling into the river.
- Use a Floating Holder (Koozie) for Beverages : All beverage containers not securely contained in a sealed cooler or mesh litter bag must be held in a floating holder that is designed to prevent it from sinking beneath the surface of the water.
- Foam Coolers : The possession of polystyrene coolers (commonly known as Styrofoam) is prohibited while floating or camping along the Buffalo River, except in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, landings, roads and parking lots. This prohibition includes cups, plates, coolers, ice chests, and containers. High-density bait containers, used solely for that purpose, are allowed.
- Life Vests (PDFs): Every vessel must have a life vest (personal flotation device) for each person on board the vessel. Children under age 13 must wear a securely fastened life vest while on board any vessel. All life vests must be (1) U.S. Coast Guard approved, (2) in safe and serviceable condition, and (3) of proper size for the person wearing it.
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Last updated: January 15, 2017
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