Stretching for 10.6 miles between Ponca and Kyles Landing, this section of the Buffalo River offers paddlers a spirited journey through one of Arkansas’s most celebrated waterways. Rated Class II, the river here challenges paddlers with moderate rapids that keep the adrenaline flowing without overwhelming even intermediate kayakers. The current pace is steady, pushing around 369 cubic feet per second (cfs) as of the latest gauge reading, which makes for a compelling run under medium flow conditions. This stretch is a blend of accessible whitewater excitement and stunning natural landmarks, giving paddlers the chance to feel the river’s pulse while soaking in sweeping bluffs and forested banks.

Launching from Ponca, the river quickly reveals its personality. The water moves with quiet determination, darting around bends edged by towering cliffs like Jim’s Bluff and Big Bluff. These natural ramparts stand guard, their vertical faces catching sunlight and shadow, framing the water’s movement below. One highlight you won’t want to miss is Hemmed-in-Hollow, home to the tallest waterfall in mid-America—a striking visual reward that breaks the rhythm of paddling with a moment to pause and appreciate the raw power of water cascading through stone.

Along the way, Indian Creek joins the river, its confluence adding a fresh surge that intensifies the current, inviting paddlers to test their skills on the ever-shifting water. The terrain varies enough to keep eyes engaged: open river sections that offer a chance to relax and enjoy the slick river surface alternate with quicker, chop-filled sections that demand focus and firm strokes. The Steel Creek Campground, positioned about 2.6 miles downstream from Ponca, offers a convenient alternate launch or landing spot. This access point is invaluable for paddlers looking to shorten or extend their trip.

The river’s behavior here responds heavily to rainfall since it isn’t spring-fed. This means water levels can change quickly—some days offering mellow carry-through flows, others delivering a livelier, more technical ride. After the significant flood event in November 2024, management agencies adopted a stricter approach using cfs measurements to recommend safe and runnable levels, ensuring paddlers are better prepared for the river’s mood swings.

Navigating this reach requires practical preparation. Timing your trip around flow rates—ideally between 300 and 1300 cfs at Ponca—will balance safety and excitement, while sturdy footwear is essential when scouting shallows or getting on and off the river at varied bank access points. The river averages two miles per hour downstream, so expect roughly five hours to float the whole section, though breaks or stronger paddling can shift that timing. It’s a solid day trip for those eager to connect with Arkansas’s wild heart.

This river stretch invites a respectful and mindful relationship with nature. While backcountry camping along the Buffalo is allowed with no permit, be prepared for self-sufficiency and stewardship. Pay attention to river warnings and recent conditions by checking current USGS gauges and connecting with local resources like the Tyler Bend Visitor Center. They provide up-to-date intel on hazards, changing river dynamics, and the latest regulations aimed at protecting this cherished resource.

The Buffalo River here doesn’t just flow—it beckons. It dares you to read its currents and respond with skill and care. Whether it’s your first run or one in a series of many, the Ponca to Kyles section offers unforgettable whitewater moments braced by iconic scenery and solid local expertise. Embrace the challenge, stay alert, and let the river propel you through one of Arkansas’s finest paddling experiences.