Buffalo National River Topo Maps with GPS Notes
The maps below cover the entire Buffalo National River from the source south of Ponca to the confluence with the White River in Buffalo City.
These maps are in order from left to right, and from top to bottom. The GPS notations identify the locations of landmark bluffs, trailheads, and access points on the river. They should be useful to both hikers and floaters.
Note that all river maps change over time due to floods. Expect the gravel bars and water level features to change somewhat. Bluffs and the location of river-based attractions do not change much.
The information below is organized from left to right, and from top to bottom. The maps are listed from west to east (1-18), the 5 river level gauges listed after the river district divisions cover those divisions and the maps below them (also numbered 1-5, west to east). .
Buffalo National River Area Upriver to Downriver or West to East |
River Levels and Corresponding Floating Conditions Per Buffalo National River, National Park Service |
Access & Corresponding River Gauge |
Very Low |
Low but Floatable |
Ample Water for Floating |
Experienced Floaters Only |
Flood Stage, River Closed |
Gauge #2 -- Ponca |
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Ponca/Steel Creek Launches |
Below 2.0" |
2.0' to 2.4' |
2.5' to 4.9' |
5.0' to 6.0' |
Over 6.0' |
Gauge #3 -- Pruitt |
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Highway 7 Bridge/Pruitt Launch |
Below 4.4' |
4.4' to 4.7' |
4.8' to 6.6' |
6.7' to 8.0' |
Over 8.0' |
Gauge #4 -- St. Joe |
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Grinder's Ferry/Tyler Bend Launch |
Below 3.6' |
3.6' to 4.5' |
4.6' to 8.5' |
8.6' to 12.5' |
Over 12.5' |
Gauge #5 -- Harriet |
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Dillard's Ferry/Buffalo Point Launch |
Below 2.0' |
2.0' to 3.4' |
3.5' to 5.9' |
6.0' to 10.0' |
Over 10.0' |
Note that the numbering system is consistent through this page. This allows you to relate the maps to the gauges and the current floating levels. |