Old River Road

Total Miles 16.5
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Old River Road trail photo

Trail Overview

Old River Road is an enjoyable scenic drive through the Buffalo National River Wildlife Management Area. It features high mountain views, many creek crossings in the wet season, historic homesteads, campgrounds, and Buffalo River access points. The road varies in width and roughness with loose gravel and dirt as the primary surface. 4WD is recommended but not required when in the dry seasons. There are several steep climbs with loose gravel and some large rocks in a few areas. This is a great day trip or could be broken up into two days with great camping and fishing opportunities along the way.

Photos of Old River Road

Difficulty

Old River Road is a mostly well-maintained gravel road that can be rough in some areas. There are several spots along the east end that can become muddy and sloppy after heavy rains. During springtime wet seasons, some water crossings may be too deep to ford. Take caution with depth and speed of currents.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Ernesto Zapata
Jun 23, 2026
Open
Trailer MDC XT12-HR had no problems going though trail.
Chris Wagstaff
May 15, 2026
Open
Very pretty road. We came across a downed tree branch. Glad I threw in my dewalt chainsaw and had some cheap recovery stuff. Cleared up branch. First time think it went well. There is a cool homestead from early 1900's that you can explore. Good road.
KA ozarkbronco
Mar 15, 2026
Open
Recently graded
Cameron Weaver
Nov 16, 2025
Open
Brandon T
Nov 02, 2025
Open
KA ozarkbronco
Sep 07, 2025
Open
Easy trail theres some tight spots so short wheelbase is best !
Preston Freeman
Aug 23, 2025
Open
Must turn around. Back up hill into a trail head to turn my truck around.
Gabriel meinardus
Mar 13, 2025
Open
Crossed the river from the Parker-Hickman Farmstead and took Old River Road back to HWY 7. Easy drive with a few historical sites and very nice views of the river near the highway.
Cierra Crawford
Nov 29, 2024
Open
Latham Thigpen
Aug 07, 2024
Open
River was down. Made for easy crossings.
Chauntelle Mayberry
Mar 02, 2024
Open
brip brip
Dec 12, 2023
Open
Roaming farmer
Nov 24, 2023
Open
Adam Spicer
Oct 12, 2023
Open
Cotter Key
Sep 15, 2023
Open

Old River Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Old River Road Map

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