Buffalo National River

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/14/2026

The National Park Service will accept public bid applications September 15 through October 15, 2026, for twenty-four Agricultural Special Use Permits for haying of specific designated fields located within Buffalo National River in portions of Newton and Searcy Counties.

Through the permit program, Buffalo National River maintains hay fields that visually preserve the unique agricultural history of the area and continue providing important habitat for game animals, such as elk and deer, and non-game animals, such as ground nesting birds and small mammals.

The permit bid package includes details about each permit and associated fields, including maps, approximate acreages, bid instructions, and a sample permit with conditions. To request a copy, call or email Buffalo National River’s office at 870-365-2724 or [email protected]. Each permit will have a term of five years.

The park’s hay field management strategy and permit conditions have been developed to be consistent with collaborative conservation efforts throughout the Buffalo River watershed and follow guidelines from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The permit requirements include:

Fertilizer and lime shall be applied at the rates recommended for individual fields by the University of Arkansas Extension Service’s soil sample reports.

Hay shall not be transported outside of the Arkansas chronic wasting disease zone.

Spill trays will be required to be placed under tractor motors, if tractors are left in fields.

Agricultural Special Use Permit applications must be received by mail no later than 4 p.m. on October 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts shortly after bidding closes, and each applicant will be notified of the status of their submission.

09/04/2026

The Steel Creek Ranger Station will be OPEN over the holiday weekend! The station hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Stop by and get information, directions, borrow a life jacket or just say hello! And be on the lookout for Ranger Programs coming in September!

08/28/2026

Reminder for campers: Don’t forget that Buffalo National River will require reservations for all campsites at Kyles Landing and Erbie Campgrounds beginning September 1, 2026.

What’s changing starting September 1, 2026:

- Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

- Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.

Like spontaneity? Same-day reservations can be made if sites are available.

Meticulous planner? Individual campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance, and group sites at Erbie can be reserved up to one year in advance.

Important tips:

- These campgrounds do not have cell service, so it’s best to reserve before you arrive.

- Having a screenshot of your confirmation number, site number and reservation dates is also very helpful.

- Emergency phones onsite can connect you directly to Recreation.gov if needed. More information about camping options can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/camping.htm or by calling the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502.

08/06/2026

Buffalo National River would like to introduce an exciting new volunteer opportunity, our Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) program!

PSAR volunteers will be stationed at popular locations around the park, such as trailheads and gravel bars, assisting visitors by offering safety information, education, and advice to the public.

Topics of conversation with visitors may include: information about the weather, best times to hike, ensuring visitors understand the difficulty level of a hike, educating visitors about wearing proper footwear/clothing, safety hazards such as falling risks, park regulations, resource protection, and Leave No Trace messaging.

This is a great opportunity for someone who loves the Buffalo National River, enjoys talking to people, and likes to spend time outside. Click the link below for more information and become a PSAR volunteer today!

https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000Pq0FGYAZ/preventative-search-and-rescue-psar-volunteer

07/27/2026

Buffalo National River would like to give a sincere thank you to Buffalo National River Partners (BNRP) for organizing a successful river clean up between Tyler Bend and Gilbert recently. With the help of 24 volunteers a substantial amount of trash was picked up, ensuring the river stays clean and beautiful through our busy season. We are so grateful for the stewardship displayed by BNRP and volunteers alike!

07/27/2026

Buffalo National River is looking for volunteers to spend the fall living and exploring the beautiful Tyler Bend area!

If you have a recreational vehicle and enjoy meeting people, helping fellow campers, and spending time in one of Arkansas’s most scenic places, this volunteer opportunity could be a great fit.

Check out the details and apply today using the link below. We’d love to have you join us this fall!

https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000OCkIzYAL/2027-tyler-bend-campground-host-fall

07/13/2026

As you prepare for a summer adventure on the Buffalo River, please be sure to check river levels often and plan accordingly. Click on the link below to learn more about current river stages.

https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/3606e2401fdd428cbbdff9518cbe11af

07/11/2026

There is a temporary water outage at Steel Creek. Water will not be available in the campground or at the river access point until further notice. In the meantime, you should bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water. Pit toilets will be available for use. Please contact the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502 if you have any questions or would like additional information.

06/11/2026

Summer is here, and so are a variety of programs designed to inspire, educate, and connect you with Buffalo National River.

Here’s what’s coming up this month:

Food Storage Through Time — Join us as we discuss how methods of storing food for wildlife management have evolved and why it matters today. June 12, 8:30pm - 9:30pm at the Buffalo Point Amphitheater.

Fishing Clinic — Drop in to get hands‑on tips and techniques to fish responsibly along the Buffalo. June 13, 9:00am - 12:00pm at Tyler Bend.

Trivia Nights — Test your knowledge of night skies, nocturnal animals and National Parks — fun for all ages! June 13, 20, & 26, 8:30pm - 9:30pm at the Buffalo Point Amphitheater.

Bird Walk — Join us for a relaxing walk to spot and identify local bird species. June 14 & 21, 8:00am - 10:00am at Sod Collier Trailhead at Tyler Bend.

Hiking Preparedness — Get trail‑ready with a quick, practical overview of what to know before you go. We’ll touch on planning, essential gear, and ways to stay aware and safe on the trail. June 19, 8:30pm - 9:30pm at the Buffalo Point Amphitheater.

Full Moon Hike — Experience a guided hike beneath the full moon and enjoy night sounds, lunar glow, and a unique perspective on the landscape. June 27, 9:00pm - 10:00pm at the Buffalo Point Overlook Trailhead.

Come discover, learn, and explore with us this June at Buffalo National River — your adventure starts here!

Click on the link below to learn more about summer programs in the park.
https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

06/10/2026

Buffalo National River wants to give a heartfelt thank you to the North Central Arkansas Master Naturalists for all their hard work restoring the garden beds at the Sod Collier Homestead Site at Tyler Bend. Their dedication to planting native plants that would have been growing during the time the Collier family lived there helps preserve our history and bring an authentic piece of park heritage to life. We are so grateful for their efforts in beautifying the homestead while honoring its past. Be sure to stop by and see all their hard work for yourself!