What to Do When the Buffalo River Is Too Low to Float

Every summer, we get a few phone calls that go something like this:

"We just heard the Buffalo River is too low to float... should we cancel our trip?"

Our answer is always the same: Absolutely not.

Yes, the Upper Buffalo is rain-fed, so sometimes the water can get low enough that floating turns into more walking than paddling. It happens almost every year. But some of our favorite summer days around here don't involve a canoe at all.

In fact, if you ask the locals, late summer is one of the best times to explore the Ozarks. The crowds begin to thin out, the swimming holes are perfect, wildlife is active, and you can spend your days hiking, exploring scenic backroads, or relaxing around town.

If your float trip gets scratched from the itinerary, here's what we'd recommend instead.

Cool Off at Some of the Best Swimming Holes

Just because the river is too low to float doesn't mean it's too low to enjoy.

In fact, late summer often creates some of the best swimming conditions of the year. Instead of moving quickly downstream, the Buffalo forms deep, crystal-clear pools that stay refreshingly cold even when the afternoon temperatures climb into the 90s.

A few of our favorite spots include:

• Steel Creek

  • About 30 minutes from Jasper, Steel Creek has one of the most beautiful swimming areas along the Buffalo. The deep pool beneath Roark Bluff is perfect for cooling off, and where Steel Creek flows into the river you'll find water that's even colder.

• Ozark Campground

  • Just outside Jasper, this easy-to-reach swimming hole features clear emerald water backed by towering limestone bluffs. It's a favorite for families because you don't have to hike to reach it.

• Kyle's Landing

  • If you're looking for something quieter, Kyle's Landing is worth the drive. Just know the road can be very rough, especially after rain. A high-clearance vehicle, or one of our Jeep rentals, makes getting there much easier.

• Bradley Park

  • Right in downtown Jasper, Bradley Park is a great option if you're traveling with kids or simply want a quick place to cool off without leaving town.

    
    

See Arkansas' Famous Elk in Boxley Valley

One thing that doesn't care about river levels? The elk. Just a short drive from Jasper, Boxley Valley is home to Arkansas' famous elk herd. While many people visit during the fall rut, the elk are here year-round. Your best chance of seeing them is shortly after sunrise or about an hour before sunset. Grab a cup of coffee, take a slow drive through the valley, and keep an eye on the open fields. Seeing a herd of elk with beautiful scenery in the background is something you won't soon forget.

Hit the Trails Before Breakfast

Summer hiking has one simple rule: start early. The trails are quieter, the temperatures are cooler, and the morning light makes the overlooks even more spectacular.

Some of our favorite hikes include:

• Round Top Mountain Trail

• Lost Valley Trail

• Buffalo River Trail near Steel Creek

• Hemmed-In Hollow (for experienced hikers)

  
  

Don't forget plenty of water, bug spray, and good hiking shoes. The Ozarks are beautiful, but the summer heat sneaks up quickly.

Scenic Drives and Jeep Adventures

This might be our favorite recommendation on the list. If the river isn't cooperating, trade the canoe for a Jeep.

We rent Jeeps because we genuinely think it's one of the best ways to experience the Ozarks. Forest Service roads wind through miles of untouched scenery, leading to overlooks, waterfalls, wildlife, and hidden corners that many visitors never see. Sometimes the drive becomes the adventure.

Slow Down and Enjoy Downtown Jasper

One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is treating Jasper as simply the place they sleep before heading back outdoors. Spend an afternoon downtown instead. Browse the local shops, grab lunch at Ozark Café or Jasper Pizza Co., enjoy an ice cream, or simply sit on the courthouse square and watch the town go by. Jasper has a pace that's hard to describe until you experience it yourself, and slowing down for a few hours is often one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Remember, the Buffalo Isn't Going Anywhere

It's easy to get disappointed when you hear the river is too low to float. We get it.

But here's the secret we've learned after living here: the Buffalo National River is only one part of what makes this place special. The mountains, swimming holes, wildlife, hiking trails, scenic drives, and welcoming small-town atmosphere are what keep people coming back year after year. Some of our guests arrive hoping to float the river and leave talking about the elk they saw, the sunset they watched from their cabin porch, or the quiet evening they spent exploring downtown Jasper.

So if the water's low when you visit, don't worry. Your Ozark adventure is just getting started.