Need Suggestions for October Canoe/Camping Trip

[skypilot]

My friends and I are backpackers, but looking into a canoe/camping/hiking trip for this october. We are in Texas, but thinking about heading to Arkansas. What is the best river to float that would leave us room to camp and day hike as well? We have four days/three nights. Suggestions? Help!

[Owl]

The Buffalo River area would certainly fit your requirements. There are a number of hiking trails to choose from but the floating part is kind of questionable unless we get some rain in the next few weeks. NPS link below.

http://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[skypilot]

Thank you for the recommendation. Are there better rivers to float and camp this time of year that are not dependent on rain?

[Owl]

The rivers in Arkansas that would offer what you're looking for are rain dependent. Southern Missouri has some spring-fed rivers like the Current and Eleven Point that might work for you but I'm not too familiar with them. Perhaps someone who is will comment here or you could post a question on the Missouri Whitewater Assoc. board (link below).

http://www.missouriwhitewater.org/uieforum" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[JoeBud]

I'll 2nd the Buffalo. 209 foot waterfall (short hike from the river) and amazing bluffs.

[Richard]

A picture is worth a thousand words. Those pictures pretty well sum it up.
Without question, The Buffalo.
However, if you are inclined to paddle lakes. Lake Ouachita may also offer what you are looking for and is closer.

209 feet. . . Hmmmmmmmm
A pretty reliable source told me that it is 204 feet.

[c8mb]

209 is when the water is low

[JoeBud]

From eye level, it is 204 feet. LOL.

[MountainMan]

For those of you who float the Buffalo frequently, what have the water levels been like in October in years past? Is the water usually floatable in the fall or is it best to wait for Spring?

[Owl]

MM:

The link below shows the monthly mean water level for the middle Buffalo River at the gauge near St. Joe (Hwy 65) from 1973 through 2009. I chose the historical data for this gauge site as a predictor of overall canoe camping potential as the upper Buffalo is extremely rain dependent and drops out very quickly.

I personally use around five feet on the St. Joe gauge as my minimum level for canoe camping on the middle and lower Buffalo and, with that criteria, you can see that sufficient water for early fall paddling is sporadic but does happen. The better chances are in the late fall, winter, and spring.

Pray for rain.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/monthly? ... ction_list" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[71dartswinger]

My wife and I did the Buffalo Point to Ships Ferry (5 miles down the White River) 9/26/10-9/28/10 . We had an enjoyable trip, but I wouldn't want to go with the water level lower than when we went. I had to get out several times. We were paddling a 16' canoe with supplies, but we still could go through about 8"-10" of water before dragging. You had to watch your line, and most of the 35 mile trip was spent paddling. I still fill the soreness! However, we only saw 7 other people on the Buffalo. We saw 3 eagles, lots of ducks, deer, racoons, etc. The water was cool and very clear, but you might not have an enjoyable float if you go at a lower water level. Having said all of that, we had a great time and our new tent, Marmot Limelight 3P, and sleeping bags, Kelty Coromell 25 Down, performed a lot better than the old stuff we had especially since it got pretty cool.

[MountainMan]

Thanks Owl that's exactly what I was looking for!!! Sounds like a fun trip! Can't wait to get up there. I'm planning on coming the first week in November for a backpacking trip down the BRT any insite on that one?? Also I'm planning on trying to hit up some canoe outfitters looking for a boat.

[Owl]

MM:

The BRT is my favorite trail in Arkansas. What section(s)are you backpacking?

Tim Ernst's "Buffalo River Trails" guidebook and the National Geographic "Trails Illustrated" maps of the river/trails are excellent planning resources. Below is a link to the NPS website for the Buffalo. It has a lot of useful information including a list of outfitters.

http://www.nps.gov/buff/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fall is a great time to visit the Buffalo! Below is a photo of one of the many great spots.

[c8mb]

Owl.....That's an awesome looking place.

[71dartswinger]

Here is that same bluff from the river.