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Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area

Deer, Arkansas · Newton County · Facility

The main section of the Upper Buffalo Wilderness was designated in 1974 with additional acreages created by the 1984 Arkansas Wilderness Act totaling approximately 12.000 acres. This is one of the 3 wildernesses on the Buffalo Ranger District. The forest cover is mostly second and third growth oak-hickory. Some scatter…

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About Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area

The main section of the Upper Buffalo Wilderness was designated in 1974 with additional acreages created by the 1984 Arkansas Wilderness Act totaling approximately 12.000 acres. This is one of the 3 wildernesses on the Buffalo Ranger District. The forest cover is mostly second and third growth oak-hickory. Some scattered stands of shortleaf pine in old fields still exist from when the Forest Service purchased the land in the 1930s and 1940s. The route to Hawksbill Crag is the only designated hiking trail located in the wilderness. The trail is developed but unmarked. A system of old lodging roads that runs throughout the area provides and informal network of trails for hiking and horseback rising. There are four developed access points to reach the Upper Buffalo Wilderness : Hawksbill Crag, Kapark Cemetery, Dahl Memorial, and Boen Gulf. Point of interest- Hawksbill Crag Rock Formation.

Plan Your Visit to Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area

Heading to Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area?

No central reservation system listed for Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10074138) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area?

See trailhead links (under "Find Area" in right column) for map, directions and latitude/longitude of each trailhead.