Buffalo dilemma and advice

[BEubanks]

Leaving Sunday afternoon with 15 college students for a week of camping and hiking along the Buffalo, probably based out of Kyles. We'd hoped to do some paddling, of course, but now I'm wondering whether to even take the canoes. My assumption is that at current levels we'd have to go down stream, maybe as far as Hwy 14 to find enough water to paddle without lots of dragging. Is that assumption on target?

I Guess I'm both wishing we could paddle and trying to make sure I have enough info to avoid a bad trip decision. I don't paddle the Buffalo nearly as much as others, so what would y'all do: leave the boats in Arkadelphia, take them and hope whatever rain we get this weekend produces a rise, take them and drive down stream until we find water?

Our non-paddling plans include hikes to Whitaker Point, Lost Valley, Hemmed in Hollow, Indian Creek, and climbing at HCR. At least it looks like we'll have some fairly comfortable hiking weather next week!

[jonest]

Byron,
We camped at Buffalo Point last weekend and opted not to paddle because of the low water conditions. However, there were several boats throughout the day passing by that said it wasn't too bad, which made us wish we had gone for it. I said all of that to say, "I don't know how to answer your quandry".
What I really wanted to say is, if you haven't been to the Indian Rockhouse at Buffalo Point, it is a great hike, 3 mile round trip, and a great place.

I hope you guys have a great time.
Tim

[Wildwood]

My vote is to take the boats. From Hwy 14 to Rush is beautiful. The pools are still good for paddling & fishing. Sure, there are a few places where you may drag, but it's well worth it, especially for people who don't get to the Buffy a lot. Good camping at Rush campground. Nice gravelbars all down that part of the river. Sometimes elk are bugling on both sides of the river. There's also a new section of the Buffalo River trail that ends there at Hwy 14 bridge.

Regardless, have a great trip.
Jan

[fryingsquirrel]

If you plan on hiking back to Hemmed in Hollow, it will probably be dry or close thereto. If youj can make a detour to the ponca area, the elk are worth watching, not to mention Lost Valley and the Eden Falls and cave. Good luck.

[BEubanks]

Thanks for advice. We ended up paddling (mostly, though with much more dragging than I would be willing to do were it not for students really wanting to be on the water) from Pruit to Hasty. Hikes were much better, and we did a day of climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. At least the weather cooperated while we were there.

[dogpatch]

Several of us had a Buffalo 4 night planned for earlier in May. Even then the reports of low water were so dismal on the entire Buffalo that we moved to the Current in MO. Ended up with plenty of water Akers to Two Rivers, about 35 miles. It's spring fed so that would be a good alternate if you're looking for water and don't mind the drive.