Stretching over 15 miles of pristine wilderness, the Buffalo River Hailstone run delivers a remote and engaging paddling adventure that challenges endurance as much as skill. Beginning just beyond Dixon Ford, this route carves through the wild heart of Arkansas' Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area, a protected corridor where the river commands respect with a mix of steady Class II shoals and surging Class III+ rapids. The river rises boldly between steep gorge walls that tighten early on, transforming from broad pools to rock-strewn currents that test line choice and timing.

The journey opens with shallow, fast-moving bedrock shoals that offer ample opportunities to catch surf waves, but caution remains essential as undercut rock shelves lurk beneath the surface. Soon, boulders crowd the channel, steering the river's energy into a series of punchy whitewater steps. The intensity ebbs briefly after the notorious Room of Doom, a rapid with multiple drops and a serious undercut on the left bank, before kicking back up once again below Whitaker Creek.

Whittaker Creek marks a scenic highlight, where towering bluffs frame the valley and on clear days, the iconic Hawksbill Crag can be seen etched against the sky. Paddlers encounter the largest drop at Bloody Keyhole, a demanding Class III+ rapid where precision is critical. Taking either the flow's natural left line with a strong boof or a technical eddy line on the left bank are both viable strategies for clearing the powerful hole below.

As the river opens beyond the gorge, wide pools provide moments to regain energy before navigating the Willow Jungle near Boxley Bridge. This tangle of trees and debris requires careful maneuvering, particularly after recent flooding has left more obstacles in the water. The takeout at Boxley Bridge sits on river left, with clear access suited for a range of craft, though larger boats often need to paddle beneath the bridge and haul out on the adjacent shore.

The Hailstone run is as much about managing stamina and pace as it is about technical skill. The 4-5 hours it takes to complete means careful preparation: bring ample water and snacks, pace efforts to avoid fatigue, and wear footwear suitable for rugged portages and possible muddy terrain. Timing your trip around flow levels is crucial; the river is best enjoyed when flows at the Boxley gauge sit between 900 and 1500 cfs. Below 700 cfs, the river becomes dangerously bony and risks damaging boats, while flows above 1500 cfs introduce strong currents and need advanced experience.

Access to the put-in at Dixon Ford demands a high-clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive, as a steep, erosion-controlled dirt road with mudholes leads to the river. Parking space is limited and shared with other boaters and off-road enthusiasts, so planning ahead and carpooling is wise. The takeout at Boxley Bridge is more accessible but parking requires leaving clearance for local traffic.

This stretch of the Buffalo River carries the authority of its protected status—as an Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area segment, part of the Wild and Scenic River system, and the Buffalo National River—the first national river established in America. These layers of stewardship ensure a wild, unspoiled paddle characterized by clear water, ancient bluffs, and a raw connection with the landscape.

Embarking on the Hailstone run means stepping into a river that both dares you and demands your respect. It’s a test of resolve, set in a landscape where every rapid, riffle, and quiet pool feels like a conversation with the layered past and persistent spirit of Arkansas’ wild waterways. For paddlers ready to commit, the rewards lie not just in the flow of water, but in the rhythm of challenge and discovery kept sharp across every mile.