Buffalo River Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Ed Wingate on Unsplash

Buffalo River Trail

~4 days · 41.7 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance41.7 mi
Days out4
Elevation gain6,736 ft
Gain / mile162 ft
High point1,171 ft

What the Buffalo River Trail is known for

Eastern reach of the Buffalo River Trail in Buffalo National River, Arkansas, following bluffs and hollows along the south side of the river from Woolum past Tyler Bend and Spring Creek to the Buffalo Point area. Published at roughly 42 miles point-to-point (the mapped line here runs somewhat shorter), with steady climbs between river level and the bluff tops.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Buffalo River Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,680 ft to 3,510 ft over 41.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 19.4 mi · 47%
  • Downhill 19.4 mi · 47%
  • Flat 2.9 mi · 7%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Buffalo River Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Buffalo River Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 41.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Buffalo River Trail?

The Buffalo River Trail climbs roughly 6,736 ft total — about 162 ft per mile, topping out near 1,171 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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