Buffalo River Canoe Trip

[aholsted]

I am looking for some help from someone who is familiar with the buffalo river. I am coming up in Mid June and wanting to do a 5 day canoe trip and was wondering which section would be best and where I should plan to start and stop at. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I have all of the gear but may use an outfitter to stage my vehicle or as a shuttle..any suggestions??

[Richard]

I would not recommend going beyond Rush. The White is running very fast at this time as they try to lower the lakes. It may take months for the lakes to return to normal seasonal levels.

The rule of thumb is to start as high up as water levels permit so if you follow this you will need to keep track of the water levels. How many miles do you want to paddle each day? How early do you need to take out on Day 5? How experienced are you? Lots of questions before I can effectively answer.

Try using this:[attachment=0]Buffalo River 2011-05-28.xls[/attachment]

[aholsted]

Thanks Richard it looks like you have put a lot of work into the spreadsheet. I don't consider myself an expert but a very capable paddler and camper. On mileage per day, I am not sure, we are planning to be on the water for around 8 hours per day so I guess it really depends on the flow. We are just wanting to keep a normal enjoyable pace. It would be good to end the fifth day around lunch time because we have about a 10 hour drive to head back to TN. I appreciate any more info you or anyone else may have.

[Richard]

You will find that 8 hours on the water is a verrrrrrrrrrrry long day unless that includes frequent and long rest stops.
The biggest common mistake people make is planning too many miles. I was there once but have learned that shorter is nearly always better.

I would recommend no more than 10 miles per day. Even less if you really want to get to know the Buffalo. Get out frequently and explore side creeks. Go with the flow at times and watch the river bottom. A couple of weeks ago we spotted a beaver swimming under water and moving downstream. It was fascinating to follow it. Same with the sky. Amazing the activity going on up there.

If you do not already have them, I would highly recommend getting a copy of the Buffalo River Handbook and the Trails Illustrated Maps.

If you like, post here when you decide what section you want to float and I would be happy to suggest things to look for. Again, water levels should dictate which section you float.

[stymie]

I would not recommend going beyond Rush. The White is running very fast at this time as they try to lower the lakes. It may take months for the lakes to return to normal seasonal levels.

The rule of thumb is to start as high up as water levels permit so if you follow this you will need to keep track of the water levels. How many miles do you want to paddle each day? How early do you need to take out on Day 5? How experienced are you? Lots of questions before I can effectively answer.

Try using this:[attachment=0]Buffalo River 2011-05-28.xls[/attachment]

Richard thanks for the spreadsheet. It is spectacular.

I would not rule out the lower section because of the White. It used to be a real pain get up to Buffalo City of float Down the White to the next take out. However we have used Riley Station just across the White where the Buffalo enters for the last 4 years. Miles will come across and ferry your canoe across in high water with his guide boat for 10.00 which includes using his takeout. We have the folks at Wild Bills pick our vehicles up at Rush and drop them at Riley. 50.00 bucks saves several hours of road time on the shuttle. There is just enough cell signal to call him or you need to set a time. I thought about a flare gun but guns are why I fish.

Again thanks for the spreadsheet.

[aholsted]

We are going to try to go from Pruitt to Gilbert as long as the water levels allow. I have been checking the water levels and they are low around Pruitt but hopefully they will be floatable when we get there on the 13th. Any info on this area would be greatly appreciated.

[Richard]

We are suddenly in a summer weather pattern. Don't expect Pruitt to be a good starting point. Your plan is to paddle roughly 50 miles. I would put in at Woolum and take out at Rush. There will still be some dragging but you will have better water overall. You will miss out on some things between Pruitt and Woolum but you will be seeing other things between Gilbert and Rush. Its all good.