Air Tours Over Buffalo River with Buffalo River Air Tours - Fayetteville, Arkansas

Air Tours Over Buffalo River with Buffalo River Air Tours

Fayetteville, Arkansaseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

45 minutes to 1.5 hours

Fitness Level

No physical exertion needed; suitable for most fitness levels

Overview

Discover Arkansas’s Buffalo River from a breathtaking aerial perspective with Buffalo River Air Tours. These private flights reveal bluffs, waterfalls, and wildlife in a way hiking never could.

Details

The Buffalo River, carving its way through the heart of the Ozarks in northern Arkansas, offers one of the most striking natural landscapes in the southern United States. Buffalo River Air Tours, operating out of Marshall, Arkansas, gives adventure seekers a unique vantage point with their specialized air tours above this wild stretch of river. Piloted by Burt, whose deep regional knowledge and decades of aviation experience bring both safety and storytelling to every flight, these tours are a standout offering in Arkansas's outdoor recreation scene.

From the air, the Buffalo River’s twisting course is visible against a backdrop of steep limestone bluffs, dense forests, and the famous Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls—a dramatic 209-foot waterfall flowing through the rugged terrain. Guests often catch glimpses of elk, among other wildlife, navigating the river valley’s ancient hardwood forests. The region’s karst topography, featuring caves, sinkholes, and rocky outcrops formed over millions of years, takes on a new dimension when viewed from above.

Buffalo River Air Tours offers a range of flights, including the Upper Buffalo River Air Tour and the Lower Buffalo River Air Tour, as well as dedicated photography flights tailored to capturing the rich landscapes and seasonal color from the air. Whether it’s a serene morning glide or an afternoon spin under clear skies, the smooth, well-maintained aircraft provide an intimate, private way to engage with Arkansas’s first national river.

This aerial perspective complements traditional hiking and boating options by revealing hidden angles and large-scale vistas impossible to grasp from the ground. Located just a short drive from larger hubs, Buffalo River Air Tours enhances a visit to the Buffalo National River area by connecting travelers with the land’s geological history and natural beauty from an entirely new altitude. For residents and visitors alike, these flights are a memorable step off the beaten path, perfect for commemorating special occasions or simply broadening your outdoor adventure horizon.

Adventure Tips

Book in Clear Weather

Ideal viewing depends on clear skies; rainy or foggy days limit visibility and photographic opportunities.

Bring a Camera with a Zoom Lens

A zoom lens captures distant wildlife and landscape details from the air more effectively than a phone camera.

Wear Layers

Temperatures at altitude can be cooler, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout your flight.

Follow Safety Briefings Closely

Listening carefully to pilot instructions on boarding and safety ensures a smooth and secure experience.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls – Arkansas’s tallest waterfall, best viewed from above or by hiking in
  • Remote karst caves accessible via ground trails near the river’s edge

Wildlife

  • Elk herds often visible from the air
  • Bald eagles and hawks soaring above the river corridor

History

The Buffalo National River was designated the first national river in the United States in 1972, preserving over 135 miles of free-flowing river in the Ozark Mountains.

Conservation

Buffalo River Air Tours operates under strict FAA safety standards and promotes responsible tourism to minimize environmental impact on this federally protected area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour (early morning/late afternoon)
Mid-morning for clear skies

Best Viewpoints

  • Above Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls
  • Over the river’s winding canyons
  • Near the Buffalo Point bluff line

What to Photograph

Waterfalls
River bends
Wildlife from above

Recommended Gear

Camera with Zoom Lens

Essential

To capture detailed aerial images of waterfalls, river bends, and wildlife.

Sunglasses

Essential

Protect your eyes from glare while flying at altitude under bright skies.

summer specific

Layered Clothing

Essential

Maintain comfort as temperatures vary during the flight.

all specific

Binoculars

Enhance wildlife viewing and landscape detail from the air.