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Arkansas Ozarks: Bentonville to Buffalo National River – Route Guide

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Whitaker Point Hawksbill Crag — The Ozarks: Bentonville to the Buffalo
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Bentonville's art and history give way to the hillside streets and architecture of Eureka Springs, then the cliffs, river views and heritage of Buffalo National River. Explore by road and on suitable open paths, without assuming a river float. Check water levels, unpaved approaches and trail conditions before choosing your stops.

Arkansas Ozarks: Bentonville to Buffalo National River is a 160 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as 3–5 days; the plan below is the 4-day version for May, built from 98 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

3–5
days
160km
distance
3
Stops
98
curated stops

View ready-made plans 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go

The route

Bentonville→ 70 kmEureka Springs→ 90 kmThe Buffalo River

What you'll see

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Explore stunning American art in a spacious, modern museum setting.
Bentonville
Thorncrown Chapel
Admire an airy, glass-walled chapel designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones.
Eureka Springs
Buffalo National River public river-and-heritage circuit
Use open public river overlooks, heritage and suitable access points after checking roads and water; no float or shuttle is assumed.
The Buffalo River
Museum of Native American History
Explore ancient artifacts and rich traditions of Native American cultures in an engaging, accessible setting.
Bentonville
Christ of the Ozarks
Behold a towering statue of Christ with outstretched arms against a scenic backdrop.
Eureka Springs
Buffalo National River
Experience both swift and calm stretches of this free-flowing Ozarks river.
The Buffalo River
Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens
Wander through beautifully preserved rooms and lush gardens in a historic colonial mansion.
Bentonville
Historic District
Stroll through Victorian architecture, galleries, and lively street performances.
Eureka Springs

Choose your length

3-day plan16 stops · 6.3 h transit5.3 stops/day · 2.1 h transit/daySee the full plan →4-day plan17 stops · 6.3 h transit4.2 stops/day · 1.6 h transit/daySee the full plan →5-day plan18 stops · 6.5 h transit3.6 stops/day · 1.3 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: April, May, June

Float season on America's first national river — spring water levels carry canoes past 150-metre bluffs — with dogwood and redbud lighting the hollows.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

View ready-made plans