easy
45 minutes to 1.5 hours
No physical exertion needed; suitable for most fitness levels
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.
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.
Ideal viewing depends on clear skies; rainy or foggy days limit visibility and photographic opportunities.
A zoom lens captures distant wildlife and landscape details from the air more effectively than a phone camera.
Temperatures at altitude can be cooler, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout your flight.
Listening carefully to pilot instructions on boarding and safety ensures a smooth and secure experience.
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.
Buffalo River Air Tours operates under strict FAA safety standards and promotes responsible tourism to minimize environmental impact on this federally protected area.
To capture detailed aerial images of waterfalls, river bends, and wildlife.
Protect your eyes from glare while flying at altitude under bright skies.
summer specific
Maintain comfort as temperatures vary during the flight.
all specific
Enhance wildlife viewing and landscape detail from the air.