America's first National River — designated by Congress in 1972 to prevent the Army Corps of Engineers from damming this Ozark masterpiece. 135 miles of free-flowing water through towering limestone bluffs, past ancient bluff shelters, and over gravel bars backed by old-growth hardwood forest. The Buffalo is the crown jewel of southern paddling — wild, undammed, and flowing exactly as it has for millennia.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.