Park/Rec Area: Buffalo National River
Region: Ozarks
Location: In general terms, this wilderness area includes most of the Buffalo National River lands downstream from Panther Creek near Buffalo Point. It can be most easily reached via canoe. The area north of the river is accessible by driving to Rush, which is east off Hwy. 14, south of Yellville, or by Hwy. 101 east of Yellville. Follow 101 south past end of pavement, follow the road to the right at Old Buffalo City. This portion is rough and rocky with a number of creek crossings; use caution during high water. Continue on past the park boundary to the wilderness access parking. The portion of the wilderness on the south side of the river is accessible by driving to Cozahome, off Hwy. 14, just south of the river bridge. Just past the Cozahome church, take a left onto gravel Searcy County Road 650, then take a right onto gravel Searcy County Road 653 and continue to the wilderness access parking.
Description: 22,500 acres featuring mountain streams and rugged country. The north side features a number of old roads which offer easy access into the heart of the wilderness. Some of these roads form a 10 1/2 mile .i.Trails:Loop:loop called the Cow Creek-Cook Hollow Trails, quite;loop called the Cow Creek-Cook Hollow Trails, quite popular with equestrian trail riders. The south side of the river features an old road which provides trail access into the wilderness and down to the river. This is a good place for exploration into scenic areas such as Big Creek, Cold Spring Hollow and Loonbeam Hollow. The Lower Buffalo Wilderness is also contiguous with the 16,900-acre Leatherwood Wilderness, forming one of the largest and most remote wilderness systems in the eastern United States.
For Information: Park Superintendent, 402 North Walnut St., Ste. 136, Harrison, AR, 72601, (870) 741-5443
www.nps.gov/buff
