Ponca to Kyles Landing Float
Ponca to Kyles Landing
The classic canoe section of the Buffalo River, passing Big Bluff, Rock Bluff and the mouth of the Hemmed-In Hollow. You can see the best of the upper river in a single day.
Put in at the Ponca low-water bridge and take out at Kyles Landing. The total distance is about 17 km and takes 5–7 hours by canoe or kayak. Along the way, you pass Rock Bluff on Steel Creek and Big Bluff, which rises about 170 metres. You can also stop at the mouth of the Hemmed-In Hollow (walk there and back from the bank). The water flows mostly gently, with occasional class 1 or 2 rapids, and is manageable for experienced beginners. Outfitters in Ponca provide boat rentals and shuttles. Book in advance during peak season. This section can only be floated in spring or after rain when water levels are sufficient. Before setting out, check the Ponca water gauge at the National Park Service website. Floating is prohibited when water levels are too high. You can also float only the short section from Ponca to Steel Creek.
Opening hours
Operators approx. 08:00–17:00 (seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Steel Creek & Roark Bluff
- Lost Valley Trail
- Big Bluff Goat Trail
- Boxley Valley Elk Viewing
- Hemmed-In Hollow Falls
- Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point)
- Jasper, Arkansas
- Glory Hole Falls