Paddle Steel Creek to Kyles Landing

Canoeing beneath Big Bluff in the Ponca Wilderness of Buffalo National River

Arkansas Tourism

Hands-down the most beloved and popular section of the upper river, Steel Creek to Kyles Landing meanders through the heart of the Ponca Wilderness past towering bluffs, hidden side canyons, and relics of early settlement. Alternating between tumbling rapids and long, cerulean pools, paddlers will delight in the variety of pace and challenge. Landmarks along this stretch include Big Bluff, Jim’s Bluff, Granny Henderson’s cabin, Hemmed-In Hollow Falls, and the infamous “Hell’s Half Acre.” The takeout at Kyles Landing is on river right. Shuttle time between Steel Creek and Kyles Landing is approximately 40 minutes. High clearance and 4-wheel drive are recommended for the Kyles Landing Road.

Starting March 1, 2023, there will be ‘No Parking’ signs placed along the Kyles Landing Road, also known as County Road 56. Parking will no longer be permitted on the road to allow space for emergency vehicles to safely enter the park. In the past, parking along Kyles Landing Road has caused safety concerns for park staff and visitors. Please plan ahead and prepare to avoid parking frustrations at this popular river access point. The park encourages visitors to consider the following when planning a paddling trip based around Kyles Landing.

• Plan your paddling trip for a weekday instead of a Saturday or Sunday.
• If a weekday paddling trip does not fit into your schedule try and get an early morning start on a weekend river trip or try starting later in the afternoon to avoid crowded access points.
• Carpool with others.
• Avoid towing a trailer into the park to allow for more parking space at busy river access points. If possible, utilize a roof rack or pickup bed to transport boats.
• Explore a different stretch of river.

Details

Duration

4-6 Hours

At a moderate river level, this 8-mile paddling trip takes an average of 4 to 6 hours.

Activity

Paddling

The 8-mile stretch of river from Steel Creek to Kyles Landing meanders through the heart of the Ponca Wilderness past towering bluffs, hidden side canyons, and relics of early settlement. Alternating between tumbling rapids and long, cerulean pools, paddlers will delight in the variety of pace and challenge. Landmarks along this stretch include Big Bluff, Jim’s Bluff, Granny Henderson’s cabin, Hemmed-In Hollow Falls, and the infamous “Hell’s Half Acre.” The takeout at Kyles Landing is on river right. Shuttle time between Steel Creek and Kyles Landing is approximately 40 minutes each way. High clearance and 4-wheel drive are recommended for the Kyles Landing Road.

Pets Allowed

Yes

• Leashed pets are permitted on gravel bars up to 100' from the water's edge.
• Pets may not be left unattended. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively.
• Pet excrement must be collected by pet owners, and disposed of in trash receptacles.

Activity Fee

No

There is no fee to paddle the Buffalo River in your own boat. However, if you need a vehicle shuttle or a rental boat, authorized concessionaires offer these services for a fee. See https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm for more information.

Location

Steel Creek Boat Launch

The Steel Creek Boat Launch is a public access for Buffalo National River paddlers. This boat launch is designated for non-motorized watercraft only: canoes, kayaks, rafts, and the like. Immediately downriver of Steel Creek Boat Launch, paddlers enter the Ponca Wilderness. The nearest take-out is 8 miles downriver at Kyles Landing.

Reservations

No

Reservations are not required to paddle the Buffalo River in your own boat. However, if you need to rent a boat, authorized concessionaires encourage reservations. See https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm for more information.

Season

Year Round

Private boaters can paddle this section year-round if conditions allow. However, rental boaters must adhere to the season established by the authorized concessionaire from whom they rent. See https://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm for more information.

Accessibility Information

This activity is accessible to those who can get in and out of a kayak or canoe and maneuver the kayak or canoe in swift water with sharp bends and occasional obstacles. This section of the Buffalo River is not recommended for beginners.