The Buffalo River and the surrounding areas in northeast Arkansas are prime territory for some truly amazing hiking, biking and horseback riding. In fact, it can be difficult to decide which trail you should try first!
We’ve lived and worked in this region for many years, and have had the wonderful opportunity to explore nearly all of the trails the Buffalo River area has to offer. The following are some of our favorites for hiking:
Buffalo River Trail, Woolum to HWY 65
Length: 15 miles
The trailhead for this trail is at Woolum. You’ll need to set aside nine to 10 hours to complete this strenuous hike, but it will be well worth it for the gorgeous scenic overlooks you’ll see. The trail connects to the Ozark Highlands Trail, and has a river ford.
River View Trail
Length: 1.4 miles
The trailhead for this trail is at the Tyler Bend Visitor Center. An easy to moderate level hike, it will take you between one and two hours to get through this trail. Get spectacular views along the way, and check out a historic site.
Collier Homestead/River View Trail
Length: 0.6 miles
This trailhead is located at Tyler Bend or the Collier Homestead. It’s an easy hike you can complete in just 30 minutes to a half hour, depending on your pace. Despite the short length you still get some outstanding views and get to check out a historic site.
Buck Ridge/Rock Wall Trail
Length: 2.6 miles
Find this trailhead at the Tyler Bend Amphitheater. The entire hike will take you around two hours and is moderate difficulty. Much of it is forested, and there are a lot of beautiful wildflowers blooming along the trail in the springtime. There are also plenty of historic features to see along the way.
Gilbert Railroad Trail
Length: 3.4 miles
This trailhead is located at Gilbert. Though the hike will take you between two and three hours, it is definitely not strenuous, as most of it takes place on flat land and old railroad pilings. It can get overgrown in the summer, so be attentive to where you’re walking.
Spring Hollow Trail
Length: 0.9 miles
Another hike that has a trailhead at the Tyler Bend Amphitheater, this one will only take about an hour to complete. The forested path takes you alongside a streambed and has a beautiful wildflower display in the spring.
If you would like to learn more about these trails, or the many others that dot the landscape in the Buffalo River area of the beautiful Ozarks, don’t hesitate to speak with a member of our staffmember of our staff.