The Woolum to Baker Ford float is one of those Buffalo River sections that can easily get overlooked. It sits between several more talked-about stretches, yet it has plenty to offer in its own right. At around 11 miles, it makes for a nice, quiet day on the water with a good mix of scenery, long gravel bars, and a more peaceful feel than some of the busier sections of the river. If the water is there, it is a float that is well worth considering. This section can be a little hit or miss by mid-summer because the river level in this area can drop quickly. The Buffalo is known for going dry in places along this reach when water levels get low, so checking conditions before you go is important. The National Park Service notes that this stretch can even become a dry riverbed in spots during lo...
I have seen a lot of requests lately asking what is the best float for beginners. I have seen this asked in various social media groups and been asked several times directly. There are a lot of great floats in our state that are great for beginners. And maybe one day I’ll devote a whole article to that list. But there’s one float that comes to mind that I recommend more than any other. The Tyler Bend to Gilbert float on the Buffalo River is, in my opinion, the best float for a first time or novice paddler. Why is that? I’m glad you asked. It’s a combination of several reasons. First, it’s an easy float that is safe for beginners. But it also has beautiful scenery, and enough swift water to make it fun. Next, it’s location makes it the quickest on the Buf...