Float Recommendation-Coming down from Branson

[kellykayak]

Hi
We are staying in Branson for a week August and have heard that the Buffalo National River is *THE* spot to go for an amazing float trip. We are on the novice side of kayaking, no whitewater (little dips and challenges are definitely fun, but nothing super techincal please) Four adults and a 16 yr old boy. Wondering where you would recommend to go to for an outfitter that will haul our personal kayaks to the putin/takeout(we have to rent two also). Looking for a few hour float, maybe a stop for a swim and lunch on a sand bar?? and were thinking of coming towards Pruitt for the shortest trip from Branson-but any suggestions would be appreciated GREATLY! I would love to see the bluffs I've been seeing pictures online of, but didn't know if they were in this section or elsewhere.
Any recommendations?

Appreciate it everyone!

Kelly

[Clif]

well KK, little to no water right now in that part of the river. If you stay on hwy 65 down to the river there is a bit, Tyler Bend area. Or downstream of there to hwy 14, south of Yellville, Buffalo Point area.

The Buffy is all ok for skill levels you indicated. Only hard part is making a sharp turn or 2 to stay away from the outside of the curve trees, but hardly difficult

[Richard]

Here is a guide to the the Buffalo River. It will answer a lot of your questions.
http://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/u ... 09_web.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Clif is right. Jasper area most likely is not going to be floatable unless you have perfected a rain dance.
It is a longer drive to get there but Buffalo Point to Rush is 7 miles and has some nice bluffs plus Rush is a ghost town worth visiting.

Be sure to do a tick check. They can be deadly.

[ONELUCKYDEVIL]

Richard and Clif are much better experts than I am. But I have done the Tyler Bend to Gilbert float easily in a day trip from Little Rock if convenience is at the top of your list.

Tyler Bend to Gilbert is a bit of a short section but it has easy access and a cheap shuttle if there is enough water. I believe there are outfitters located at Silver Hill on Hwy 65. Should be no more than an hour and a half from Branson. This section can be quite crowded on a weekend.

Always wanted to float from Buffalo Point to Rush but I've never had the chance......

Mike

[Richard]

ONELUCKYDEVIL, you need to chance it this fall. Join us.

[ONELUCKYDEVIL]

ONELUCKYDEVIL, you need to chance it this fall. Join us.

That sounds great Richard! I learned to swim at Buffalo Point as a child; many fond memories from there.

Mike

[kellykayak]

Thank you for the info, going to that website after I post this. Convenience is a factor since us girls are basically pulling the guys away from a regular fishing day (and they are grumpy about it ) so I will definitely take your advice. The more we are reading about this river the more we are thinking of coming back just for a week trip on the river! We have stuff in Branson booked already but next year I think a good long river trip is going to be in order!
The Kickapoo up here in Ontario, WI sounds alot like your Buffalo. Some weekend partiers, quiet on the weekdays, bluffs, a very nice float. We have been on it twice but never over night.
THANKS GUYS!

[Richard]

kellykayak, Coming from Wisconsin, you may find the humidity stifling so be prepared for that.