Buffalo Dog Policy
Buffalo National River is Somewhat Dog Friendly
Buffalo National River flows for 135 milse and is one of the few undammed rivers in the continental United States. The river varies from rapids to slow moving pools, and is surrounded in areas by large bluffs. Buffalo National River empties into the White River. Buffalo National River was the first river in the United States designated as a National River.
Buffalo National River is somewhat dog friendly. Dogs are allowed on a few trails (see below), and they are allowed at campgrounds, as well as on the river and on gravel bars in the river. Dogs are not allowed inside any buildings. If you take your dog on the river, you may want to consider a lifejacket for safety.
Buffalo National River also runs the BARK Ranger program, though they only have bandanas, not tags.
- Website
- https://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm
- Pet Policy Details
- https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- BARK Ranger
- Yes []
- Area
- 148 mi2
- Annual Visitors
- 1,478,846
Trail Policy
Dogs are only allowed on a few trails at Buffalo National River while on a leash no longer than 6':
- Buffalo Point Campground Trails
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- Forest Trail
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- Overlook Trail
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- Campground Trail
- Tyler Bend Campground Trails
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- Spring Hollow
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- Buck Ridge
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- Rock Wall
Dogs are not allowed on any other trails.
Campground Policy
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds while on a leash. Campgrounds in the park include:
BARK Ranger
Bark Ranger is a great program offered at many National Park Service destinations. It teaches dog owners how to explore parks responsibly with their dogs, and participants often receive a special reward after completing the program. Many parks offer a Bark Ranger dog tag, sometimes free and sometimes available for purchase, while others may provide a bandana, sticker, certificate, or another park-specific item. To get started, stop by a park office or visitor center and ask for the Bark Ranger checklist. Once you and your dog complete the activities, return the checklist to receive or purchase the reward offered at that park. See the link below for more details.
B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:
- B: Bag your poop
- Help keep the park clean by bagging and picking up your dog poop, and properly disposing of it. Don’t leave your bagged poop on the side of the trail, hanging from branches, or throw it into the woods. Please note dog poop is not a natural fertilizer — it can carry disease that can spread to wildlife or other dogs.
- A: Always wear a leash
- Dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6'. Retractable leashes that extend beyond 6' are not allowed. Not everyone appreciates a dog running up to them, and many people are scared or allergic to dogs — a leash prevents uncomfortable situations between your dog and others. Leashes also help protect your dog from running off if anything spooks them.
- R: Respect wildlife
- Dogs can chase or scare wildlife such as birds and turtles. They can also damage nesting areas. Some parks have wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, or wolves, that can threaten your dog. Please be respectful of wildlife with your dog, and if you do encounter wildlife, keep dog at distance to protect both your dog and the wildlife.
- K: Know where to go
- Know which trails allow dogs, and which don’t. Don’t leave dogs unattended in vehicles while you go off to hike. See the link below for more details.
We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.
Location & Map
Have a photo of your dog here?
Note: Policies can change -- please make sure to check official dog/pet policies prior to making plans or booking travel.
Please tell us if you think there’s anything we should add or change on this page.