The bluffs along the Buffalo National River are exquisite, but the hiker rarely gets to experience them from the river level as seen in this photo. Rather, you see them from on high across the river or hike across the top of them. To really experience them, you should canoe down the river. We did an out-and-back hike, retracing our steps. Of course the scenery is somewhat different coming back since you are traveling in the opposite direction, but I think my next hike here will be upriver, and then I will make arrangements to canoe back downriver to my vehicle.
Here Len hikes through the rain which hit us for the first 20 hours of our backpack. The starkness of the unfoliated trees is occasionally broken by a splash of color from the lush evergreens. The advantage of hiking during leaf-off seasons is the vistas of the river and bluffs you get on a regular basis, views which would be obscured by foliage. We even called down and waved to people in canoes as we hiked along the bluff line. Another advantage is the absence of pesky insects. We found the trail to be well-marked and well-maintained, and we also found Tim Ernst's guidebook extremely useful in pointing out scenic sights as well as for the historical and geologic perspectives it provided.
The Buffalo River is renowned for its turquoise color, caused by the suspension of minute rock particles. Weathered microscopic clay particles from shale outcrops are washed into the river by rain and remain suspended for weeks, interfering with the passage of light. Light rays bounce among these suspended particles and separate into the colors of the rainbow. Of these colors, only blue and green are reflected, giving the river its vibrant turquoise color, as seen in the photos above and below.
This view is downriver looking at Erbie Campground canoe takeout. All three campgrounds we were in (Ozark, Erbie, and Kyles Landing) are excellent overnight locations, with water, fire grates, washrooms, and great scenery. Phones are even available. The price is also right (zero.) All three appeared to be safe places to leave your vehicle, though you might want to check with the park rangers.
The bluffs provide occasional overlooks and "underlooks" as above. This magnificent wilderness area constantly surprises and astounds the visitor, whether on land or water. A horse trail is also available for equestrians, following the route of the old hiking trail and crossing the river 20 or so times.
