Arkansas surprises people—and that sense of discovery is at the heart of this wild adventure.
Tucked into the rugged beauty of the Ozarks, the Buffalo National River region offers a rare kind of wildness. Designated America’s first National River in 1972, the Buffalo River — at the heart of our trip — remains free-flowing and fiercely protected, carving its way through towering limestone bluffs and dense hardwood forests. With expert guidance throughout the trip, you’ll be invited to step confidently into landscapes that reward curiosity.
Adventure takes many forms here — get ready for them all. We’ll take a gorgeous paddle on the Buffalo River, one of the country’s most sought-after paddling experiences for paddlers of all levels. On land, guide-led hikes will lead you to waterfalls, overlooks, and beautiful trails, sharing insight into the geology, ecology, and history that make this landscape so compelling. Between activities, we’ll cool off in one of the region’s famous swimming holes, letting our bodies relax with well-earned rest.
Beyond the trail and river, Arkansas’ creative spirit shines. We’ll explore Eureka Springs, an eclectic historic town built into the hills, known for its arts scene and charm. A visit to the iconic Thorncrown Chapel — a glass-and-wood architectural masterpiece tucked into the forest — caps off our trip. If you’ve never been to Arkansas, this is the best way to see it!
Adventure Rating: Beginner/Intermediate
This trip is rated beginner to intermediate because it is a fast-paced trips with a lot of physical activity. Most activity is suited to beginners, but there is some technical hiking over rocky terrain, and a full day of paddling that will require endurance.
ACTIVITIES
Paddling the Buffalo National River, America’s first National River, where famously free-flowing water winds past towering limestone bluffs and forested shorelines in one of the most protected river corridors in the country
Multiple guided hikes in the Buffalo River area, leading to waterfalls and scenic overlooks that showcase the Ozarks’ rugged geology and lush ecosystems
Unhurried time at a scenic swimming hole, perfect for cooling off and soaking in the quiet magic of the landscape
Exploring Eureka Springs, a historic and delightfully quirky arts town known for its galleries, local shops, and creative energy, all tucked into the Ozark hills
A visit to Thorncrown Chapel, an internationally acclaimed architectural landmark where glass, wood, and forest come together in a moment of awe and reflection
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOCATION
We’ll be staying at two private rented residences in both Jasper (near the Buffalo River region) and in Eureka Springs. Each provide modern luxury with the perfect access to our activities.
About Buffalo National River and the area
Buffalo National River was established by Congress in 1972 as the country’s first national river. Originating in the Boston Mountains of the Ozark Plateau, the river generally flows in an easterly direction to its confluence with the White River. Flanking the river are multi-colored bluffs of eroded sandstone, limestone and dolomite that tower in some places to heights over 400 feet. The karst geology of the region is reflected in a landscape marked by numerous caves, cliffs, sinkholes, waterfalls, springs, and rock formations.
Because there are few roads which parallel the river and few accessible overlooks in the park’s 94,293 acres, river and trail trips are among the best ways to experience the park.
GETTING THERE
If you are flying in from outside of Arkansas, the closest airport is the Branson Airport (BKG) (about an hour drive away). You’ll need to rent a car to get to Jasper, AR (the location of our first accommodation), or arrange carpool with a local Wanderer. Carpooling details are sent pre-trip in the private trip Discord channel. Carpooling arrangements can’t be guaranteed, but we try our best to connect Wanderers for coordination!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your registration provides you:
Expert planning and one professional Wander Women guide to help make the weekend as seamless and fun as possible!
Five nights of comfortable lodging in cabins and private homes
All food for the weekend, minus two dinners, prepared by your guide, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and beverages
Paddling rental, including: boat, lifejacket and paddle
Guided interpretive nature hikes
Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
A private trip Discord channel to connect with guides and fellow participants before & after the trip
Comprehensive pre-trip online guide with detailed logistics, packing recommendations, and trip tips
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants will be responsible for providing/paying for:
Transportation to/from the trip (we always encourage carpooling and can connect you with other participants to ride with!) and to trip activity locations
Dinner Saturday and Monday evenings — we’ll be enjoying group dinners at local restaurants these nights
Park entrance fees
INVESTMENT
Shared room: $845
Private room: $895
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $420