The Narrows and Skull Bluff in Buffalo National River, AR

Hike The Narrows and Skull Bluff Buffalo National River, AR

Class 2 3.4 miles Minimal gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Aug 7, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

The Narrows and Skull Bluff GPX Track

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The Narrows, aka "the nars" is a really incredible rock bridge hovering over the Buffalo River. I started out at the Woolum Ford parking area, crossed the Buffalo River, and continued along the dirt road (Searcy 14). The road was forested and hugged the cliffs on the right, which would soon become The Narrows. Once I located a social trail on the right, I took it up to gain a saddle on the ridgeline. I headed up the rock bridge and hung out to enjoy the view for a while, which is rare for my ADD hiking style. The Buffalo River below was gorgeous, and the rock bridge was impressive. I also realized that Skull Bluff was nearby, but would require getting down on the north side of The Narrows and a swim across the Buffalo River. I was determined. So, I headed back to the saddle and located a reasonable-looking descent that required some care, let's call it Class 2+. I crossed the Buffalo River and continued hiking on the north side until I could see Skull Bluff across the way. I returned the way I came. What a gorgeous area.

Also, apologies for the poor-quality photos. Earlier in the day, my camera was broken by rain and I had to use my phone. One day I'll be back to re-document this beautiful area.

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I crossed the Buffalo River to follow the dirt road on the other side (Searcy 14)
I crossed the Buffalo River to follow the dirt road on the other side (Searcy 14)
Along the road.
Along the road.
Image 2 from gallery
Pretty cliffs on the right.
Pretty cliffs on the right.
My ascent route up to the ridge, the Narrows.
My ascent route up to the ridge, the Narrows.
Along the Narrows.
Along the Narrows.
Looking down at the Buffalo River.
Looking down at the Buffalo River.
The Nars.
The Nars.
High point along the Narrows, looking down at the Buffalo River.
High point along the Narrows, looking down at the Buffalo River.
A close-up of the Narrows
A close-up of the Narrows
My descend on the north side of The Narrows to get down into the Buffalo River.
My descend on the north side of The Narrows to get down into the Buffalo River.
On the north side of the Narrows, about to swim across the Buffalo River.
On the north side of the Narrows, about to swim across the Buffalo River.
Looking back at The Narrows from the north bank of the Buffalo River.
Looking back at The Narrows from the north bank of the Buffalo River.
Continuing north in search of Skull Bluff.
Continuing north in search of Skull Bluff.
Skull Bluff.
Skull Bluff.
Image 15 from gallery
Image 16 from gallery

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!