Upper Buffalo Wilderness

Upper Buffalo Wilderness is a large protected area in Ozark National Forest that covers over 11,000 acres of mountainous ground with steep slopes, scattered boulders, and multiple waterfalls along the Buffalo River. The terrain remains largely without developed trails, keeping it in its natural state.

This area was officially designated as wilderness in 1975, after people had already left the region decades before. Remnants of earlier settlement remain visible today in the form of old stone walls, abandoned equipment, and cemeteries.

The area holds meaning for people who seek unmanaged nature and want to experience outdoor activities in their simplest form. Visitors can connect with the landscape the way it has existed for generations, without the influence of modern development.

Visitors should prepare for navigation without marked trails and bring good footwear along with maps or GPS devices. All water sources must be treated before drinking, even though they may appear clean.

During winter, small waterfalls freeze into eye-catching ice formations that transform the landscape. The area also supports an exceptionally high population of squirrels, among the densest found anywhere in the southern region.