Buffalo National River Encourages Visitors to Explore Safely This Fall
Buffalo National River invites visitors to take advantage of cooler fall temperatures and safely explore the park’s many hiking trails surrounding the river.
Official NPS sourcePERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Travel Archive
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
2026-09-29
1 STORIES2026-09-14
1 STORIESAgricultural Special Use Permit Application Period Opens September 15
The National Park Service will accept public bid applications September 15 through October 15, 2026, for twenty-four Agricultural Special Use Permits for haying of specific designated fields located within Buffalo National River in portions of Newton and Searcy Counties.
Official NPS source2026-03-09
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Seeks Feedback on Preliminary Management Strategies in the Development of the Draft River Management Plan
Buffalo National River is preparing to launch the second step in the public planning process for an updated River Management Plan. The park is seeking a second round of civic engagement during a 30-day public comment period, open March 9 through April 10, 2026.
Official NPS source2026-02-12
1 STORIESPrescribed Burn Scheduled for the Lower Wilderness – Temporary Closure Announced
Temporary closures in place for a prescribed burn in the Lower Wilderness.
Official NPS source2026-01-15
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Implements Campground Changes for 2026 Season
Buffalo National River will be implementing changes to the park's reservation system in 2026.
Official NPS source2025-06-30
1 STORIESFireworks Prohibited at Buffalo National River
Fireworks are prohibited at Buffalo National River.
Official NPS source2025-01-22
1 STORIESCave Mountain Road Temporary Closure
Newton County, in coordination with Buffalo National River, will be closing a section of Newton County Road 5, also known as Cave Mountain Road, starting Wednesday, January 22, 2025, for road improvements.
Official NPS source2024-11-08
1 STORIESFlood Waters Damage Buffalo National River Facilities
Many roads and facilities within Buffalo National River were damaged in the heavy rains that the area experienced earlier this week. Several inches of rain fell across the watershed between November 3rd and 5th, 2024.
Official NPS source2024-11-07
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces Canoe & Kayak Rental with Transportation Services Concession Business Opportunity Application Process Open
The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a prospectus soliciting proposals to provide canoe rentals and transportation (shuttle) services to visitors at Buffalo National River. The NPS intends to award twelve (12) concession contracts. The new contracts will be for a term of ten (10) years.
Official NPS source2024-10-23
1 STORIESFire Ban at Buffalo National River
Effective immediately, lighting or maintaining a fire within the boundaries of Buffalo National River is prohibited.
Official NPS source2024-10-18
1 STORIESFire Restrictions at Buffalo National River
Due to the continued dry conditions across the Ozarks, as of October 17, 2024, fire restrictions have been put in place.
Official NPS source2024-10-04
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces the Cancellation of the Canoe & Kayak Rental with Transportation Services Concession Business Opportunity
The National Park Service (NPS), per 36 CFR § 51.11 has cancelled Solicitation CC-BUFFXXX-25B for a Concession Business Opportunity for Canoe & Kayak Rental with Transportation (Shuttle) Services at Buffalo National River.
Official NPS source2024-09-20
1 STORIESSteel Creek Area Open and Amenities Restored
A new water line has been installed at Steel Creek and all amenities have now been restored to the area. The Steel Creek Campground, launch and all restroom facilities will reopen starting on Friday, September 20, 2024.
Official NPS source2024-08-16
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Seeks Public Comments for Development of a Draft River Management Plan
Buffalo National River is preparing to launch a public planning process for an updated river management plan and is seeking public input during a 30-day public comment period August 16 to September 15, 2024. The project, in part, is the result of feedback from the local community, landowners, and river users who have expressed a desire to plan for increasing and changing use of this beloved recreation corridor.
Official NPS source2024-08-09
1 STORIESBuffalo National River to Begin Restoration of the Lower Tyler Bend River Access
Buffalo National River will begin renovations to the Lower Tyler Bend River Access beginning Monday August 12th, 2024. To facilitate the renovation process, the lower access will be closed for the duration of the project.
Official NPS source2024-08-08
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Temporarily Closes Steel Creek Area for Water Line Construction
Buffalo National River will close the Steel Creek Area starting Monday August 12th, 2024, to accommodate further construction to the Steel Creek Water line.
Official NPS source2024-07-29
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Update on Beaver Jim Villines’ Boyhood Home
Buffalo National River continues work on the Beaver Jim Villines' Boyhood Home.
Official NPS source2024-07-26
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Intermittently Closes Steel Creek Road for Water Line Construction
Buffalo National River will be installing a new water line to Steel Creek.
Official NPS source2024-07-23
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Rehabilitates Beaver Jim Villines Boyhood Home
Buffalo National River is currently rehabilitating the Beaver Jim Villines Boyhood Home so visitors can safely view and enter the structure.
Official NPS source2024-06-28
1 STORIESBuffalo National River seeks public comments for a plan to improve accessibility to visitors with disabilities
Buffalo National River is seeking comments on a draft plan that provides for more inclusive experiences for visitors with disabilities.
Official NPS source2024-06-27
1 STORIESWater Outage at Steel Creek, Buffalo National River
The water system at Steel Creek is out of order. Flush restrooms will be unavailable during this time, and the campground will not be accepting any new reservations.
Official NPS source2024-05-23
1 STORIESDrowning at Carver, Buffalo National River
On May 19th, 2024, a woman drowned after her kayak overturned.
Official NPS source2024-03-14
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces Canoe & Kayak Rental with Transportation Services Concession Business Opportunity Application Process Open
The National Park Service has issued a prospectus soliciting proposals to provide canoe rentals and transportation (shuttle) services to visitors at Buffalo National River. The NPS intends to award twelve (12) concession contracts.
Official NPS source2024-02-15
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Prepares for 2024 Eclipse
Buffalo National River prepares for the April 8th 2024 total solar eclipse. If you are planning to experience this celestial phenomenon from within the park or in one of the surrounding communities, be sure to plan ahead and be prepared.
Official NPS source2023-12-11
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces the Cancellation of the Canoe & Kayak Rental with Transportation Services Concession Business Opportunity.
The National Park Service has cancelled Solicitation for a Concession Business Opportunity at Buffalo National River.
Official NPS source2023-11-06
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces Canoe & Kayak Rental with Transportation Services Concession Business Opportunity Application Process Open
The National Park Service has issued a prospectus soliciting proposals to provide canoe rentals and transportation services to visitors at Buffalo National River.
Official NPS source2023-09-06
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Contributes to Record Economic Output of the National Park Service
The National Park Service report, 2022 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, has found that Buffalo National River contributed over $78.4 million dollars in economic output in 2022.
Official NPS source2023-08-10
1 STORIESAngela Boyers selected as superintendent of Buffalo National River
A new superintendent has been selected for Buffalo National River.
Official NPS source2023-05-18
1 STORIESSearch for drowning victim concludes
The search for a missing man concluded on May 18th, 2023.
Official NPS source2023-05-17
1 STORIESMan lost at Grinders Ferry, Buffalo National River
On May 16th, 2023, Fidel Angel Salamanca Saravia, a 39 year old male from San Miguel, El Salvador was lost in the Buffalo River.
Official NPS source2023-03-15
1 STORIESMan Sentenced for Illegally Guiding Hikers at Buffalo National River
On March 7, 2023, Mr. Jeffrey Johnson, was sentenced for Illegally Guiding Hikers at Buffalo National River.
Official NPS source2022-11-01
1 STORIESLost Hiker in Buffalo National River Found
Hiker missing in the Ponca Wilderness found after a multi-day search effort.
Official NPS source2022-10-29
1 STORIESBuffalo National River completes second day of search for missing hiker
Clinton “Preston” Smith, age 67 from Baton Rouge, LA, was reported missing after failing to return from an October 27th, 2022, planned hike on the Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail in Buffalo National River, Newton County, AR.
Official NPS source2022-05-27
2 STORIESMultiple emergency incidents kick off a busy summer at Buffalo National River
Throughout the week of May 16, 2022, Buffalo National River staff partnered with municipal and state agencies to respond quickly and professionally to multiple emergency incidents that occurred within the park. Emergency services personnel reacted swiftly and decisively while at times responding to multiple incidents occurring at once.
Official NPS sourceBuffalo National River hosts second weekend of events celebrating the park’s 50th anniversary
Buffalo National River’s second weekend of 50th anniversary celebratory events is coming soon. From June 9 - 12, 2022, the park is celebrating how the Buffalo River inspires creative artistic endeavors. All are invited to participate in the free activities listed
Official NPS source2022-05-09
1 STORIESMan dies from fall at Buffalo National River
A Springfield, MO man died from a fall in the Indian Creek drainage of Buffalo National River on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
Official NPS source2022-04-27
1 STORIESPublic access and the Buffalo River Trail expanded at Buffalo National River
The National Park Service (NPS) has purchased a 64 acre tract of land within the legislated boundaries of Buffalo National River, making it possible for all people to access this tract of land within the park. This formerly private inholding was an important key to completing a segment of the Buffalo River Trail/Ozark Highland Trail.
Official NPS source2022-02-09
1 STORIESPark History Weekend 2022
Buffalo National River’s first weekend of 50th anniversary celebratory events is coming soon. From February 25th to March 1st, 2022, the park is celebrating the rich cultural and geological history of the area and the creation of the park. All are invited to participate .
Official NPS source2022-02-07
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Seeks Public Comments on the Cave Mountain Road Environmental Assessment
The National Park Service (NPS) has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) that analyzes a county and state led effort to reconstruct and repave the 1.8-mile section of Cave Mountain Road (Newton County Road 9560) that crosses Buffalo National River’s park boundaries.
Official NPS source2021-11-16
1 STORIESBuffalo National River announces 50th anniversary celebrations in 2022
A summary of special events planned for Buffalo National River's 50th anniversary in 2022.
Official NPS source2021-10-25
1 STORIESBuffalo Point river access improvements begin
Improvements to the Buffalo Point river access begin Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 and go through January 30th, 2022. Buffalo Point Launch, gravel bar and parking lot will be closed during this time.
Official NPS source2021-10-14
1 STORIESProject Underway to Identify Algal Toxins in US National Park Waterways
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service partnered on a first-of-its-kind, nationwide harmful algal bloom, or HAB, field study that began this summer and will continue over the next two years.
Official NPS source2021-09-27
1 STORIESTeen dies from fall at Lost Valley, Buffalo National River
A male teen from Ava, Missouri died from a fall near the Lost Valley Trail at Buffalo National River on Saturday, September 25th, 2021.
Official NPS source2021-07-09
1 STORIESTourism to Buffalo National River Creates $66 Million in Economic Benefits
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 1.5 million visitors to Buffalo National River in 2020 spent $66.3 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 960 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $76.1 million.
Official NPS source2021-06-07
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Rangers Respond to Multiple Events During Busy Weekend
On Saturday, June 5th, 2021, Buffalo National River park rangers responded to multiple medical events, including a death, medical emergency and broken hip.
Official NPS source2021-06-04
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces Safety Closure of Affected Area During Highway 7 Bridge Demolition
On Wednesday, June 9th, 2021, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) will demolish the old Highway 7 bridge at Pruitt in Newton County. This demolition will affect vehicle traffic on Highway 7 and visitor access to this area of Buffalo National River.
Official NPS source2021-05-07
1 STORIESMan Dies from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound at Buffalo National River
On Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 12:04 p.m., two National Park Service (NPS) rangers contacted Damon Scott Casey, 40, for routine traffic violations near Tyler Bend in the Middle District of Buffalo National River. Casey produced a handgun, shot himself in the head and died on scene.
Official NPS source2021-04-21
1 STORIESMan sentenced for violation of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act in Buffalo National River
Following a multi-year investigation by special agents of the National Park Service (NPS) Investigative Services Branch and park rangers, Michael L. Walters was sentenced earlier this month for violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) while within Buffalo National River.
Official NPS source2021-03-02
1 STORIESTechnical Rescue Occurs in Ponca Wilderness at Buffalo National River
The National Park Service worked with numerous local agencies, along with volunteers, to rescue an injured park visitor over the weekend. Late Saturday, February 27, 2021, a 60-year-old man from Bella Vista, AR was hiking with his son when he suffered an injury and was unable to hike out on his own.
Official NPS source2021-02-26
1 STORIESTemporary Road Construction Closure Continues at Kyles Landing in Buffalo National River
Road construction continues in the Kyles Landing area of Buffalo National River in Newton County.
Official NPS source2021-02-03
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces Temporary Closures at Cecil Cove Trail
Buffalo National River is temporarily closing a portion of the Cecil Cove Trail, located off the Compton-Erbie Road. The closure will be on the section of the trail from the Compton - Erbie Road to the Jones Cemetery. The section of Cecil Cove Trail from the Erbie Trailhead to the Jones Cemetery will still be open.
Official NPS source2020-12-11
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Accepts Hay Field Permit Applications
From December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021, the National Park Service (NPS) will accept public bid applications for twenty-seven Agricultural Special Use Permits for haying of designated fields located within Buffalo National River in portions of Newton, Searcy, and Marion Counties.
Official NPS source2020-10-07
1 STORIESSafety Tips for Elk Viewing in Boxley Valley
Stay safe while viewing elk in Boxley Valley this fall.
Official NPS source2020-09-10
1 STORIESSignificant Damage to Fitton Cave Discovered at Buffalo National River
In August 2020, Buffalo National River staff discovered significant damage at Fitton Cave in Buffalo National River in Newton County. Investigators are seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge about those who caused this damage.
Official NPS source2020-08-28
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces Plans for Improvements to the Boxley Valley Area
Buffalo National River plans to collaboratively implement infrastructure and visitor services improvements in the Boxley Valley Area, as funds become available. Following an Environmental Assessment (EA) of proposed improvements, the National Park Service issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), approving the implementation of the proposed actions.
Official NPS source2020-08-24
1 STORIESBuffalo National River named Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics recently announced the designation of Buffalo National River as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site, joining an elite group of 12 parks nationwide to earn this honor. Buffalo National River is the sixth National Park Service site to receive this designation and the first in Arkansas.
Official NPS source2020-08-12
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Announces Temporary Closure to the Upper Pruitt Day Use Area
For the safety of all visitors, and at the request of ARDOT, the Upper Pruitt Day Use Area is temporarily closed due to Pruitt Bridge construction. This includes the picnic tables, restrooms, BRT trailhead, and swimming area.
Official NPS source2020-06-26
1 STORIESBuffalo National River Approves the Use of Bicycles and E-bikes on Park Roads
Buffalo National River has opened park roads, to include park administrative roads, to electric bikes (e-bikes). While bicycles have always been allowed on park roads, they are now also allowed on administrative roads. Bicycles and e-bikes are still prohibited from being used on trails in the park.
Official NPS source2020-06-18
1 STORIESRemains of Lost Hiker Discovered in Buffalo National River
At approximately 11:00 a.m., June 17th, 2020, search and rescue personnel discovered the remains of lost hiker Thomas Reid in the Sneeds Creek drainage area within the Ponca Wilderness area of Buffalo National River, south of Compton.
Official NPS source2020-06-15
1 STORIESNational Park Service seeks information from the public to help locate missing man
The National Park Service is seeking information to help locate a missing man from West Memphis, Arkansas. Thomas (Tom) Reid, age 65, was last seen on the Sneeds Creek trail within the boundaries of Buffalo National River south of Compton at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2020.
Official NPS source