Buffalo River

From October 16-19, 2009, my brother Joel and I backpacked around the Buffalo National River. Being our first such excursion together, we had a great time getting away from laptops and cell phones, and recharging our batteries by tromping around this incredibly beautiful area of Northwest Arkansas in the peak of autumn colors.

Buffalo River - Day 1

As we passed through Fayetteville, Arkansas and headed east, the road wound through autumn-colored hills and green valleys.

Cows... Yup, they have them in Arkansas also.

Run-down buildings like this one spoke of the glory days of long ago.

We arrived at the trail-head around 2:30pm, packed everything we needed for 4 days in our packs, and hiked in.

Joel's posing for "Backpacker" magazine

Unlike most hikes, we actually hiked downhill most of the first day. Starting at the top of a hill-mountain where the highway ran, we hiked down into the river bottom.

Peephole

As you can see, Joel and I took pictures of each other. There weren't too many other options.

"Big Bluff" was the first (and the best) lookout we came to.

Pose #2 for Backpacker Magazine

Trying to pose for Backpacker Magazine, but lacking the scruffy, outdoor look of Joel.

Pondering the deep stuff of life (if you can find me)

Joel looking pensively into the distance

After about 3 hours, we finally reached the Buffalo River and set up camp for the night. It got dark by around 6pm and we were in the tent by around 8:30pm. The weather was cool, getting down to around 35 degrees each night. Snuggling up in a two-person tent brought back memories of when Joel and I used to share a bed as little kids.

Buffalo River - Day 2

Day 2: We packed up from our campsite (on the right side of the picture) and headed out for a full day of hiking, covering approximately 8.5 miles.

Following the "Old River Trail" meant fording the Buffalo River multiple times. The river had been at a flood stage just a few days before, and the current was strong and cold. Joel's long, chicken-legs gave him an advantage: first because they kept his torso farther out of the water, and secondly because they had less resistance in the current. Chicken-legs do come in handy from time to time.

The river bottom views were spectacular.

After fording the river here, we hiked uphill toward the tallest waterfall between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain Ranges.

Doesn't look too impressive here.

The vertical panorama gives a bit more perspective on the sheer height of this waterfall.

For the sake of scale, compare this picture of me crouching down behind the waterfall to the vertical panorama. Not bad for Arkansas.

Fording the river... sadly I didn't get my pants rolled up high enough this time, and some major soakage occurred. But a good backpacker is always prepared with a second pair of pants.

Joel crossing like a pro. We actually followed the Old River Trail until we got turned back by a river crossing that was a bit too deep with a current that was a bit too strong. I tried crossing without my pack, got 3/4 of the way across, nearly slipped into a deep gully in the river bed, almost lost my balance in nearly waist-deep, rushing water, and with a white-knuckle grip on my walking stick, turned back upon deciding I'd rather not cross with a 40 lb pack on. I had visions of a cold swim and fishing downstream for my backpack. Maybe on Day 4, but that seemed a bit risky on Day 2. So in defeat, we backtracked a ways and found a different trail.
Random surprises like this barn dotted the landscape.

After a long day of fording the river 5 times, getting denied by a river crossing that was too deep and too fast for comfort, and trudging up and down, we finally arrived at this nice, secluded campsite near a stream.

Buffalo River - Day 3

Day 3: We woke up, ate breakfast, and took a half mile jaunt down to the river for this breath-taking, serene scene.

After packing up our stream-side campsite, we headed uphill and caught a trail that led us over the bluffs.

The trail cut through a unique rock corridor

We visited this old log cabin. Since the outhouse wasn't operational, Joel chose the trees instead.

Joel looking pensive putting out the vibe.

Scruffy (and unshowered) after a few days in the wilderness.

More dangerously-deep river crossings.

Amazing colors of water and rock

After crossing the river a few times, we traveled along it.

After looking for a campsite, we finally made our own right along the river. A bluff towered above us on the opposite side of the river.

Cooking up something good.

Joel in another pensive moment pondering the deep things of life, and hoping he can make it into Backpacker Magazine.

I love the layers of different colors and textures: rock, river, trees, bluff, trees, and blue sky.

Joel pumping water through a filter as the sun begins to set. Gorgeous... not Joel, the scenery.

Buffalo River - Day 4

Day 4 we packed up our riverside campsite and headed uphill gradually for about 3.5 miles. This wasn't too strenuous. Our views were often obscured by the trees, except for this spot above.

The remnants of old rock walls still remained along some paths/former roads.
Hitting the home stretch.

3 nights, 4 days, 68.5 hours, 25 miles, 9 river crossings, and 0 showers later - we arrived back at the car.

Family Motorcycle

Who needs a minivan when the family can fit on a 110cc motorcycle? And who needs helmets except adults? Ironic...

Bananas