Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch is a privately owned adventure park of more than 4,000 acres in the Ozarks of northwest Arkansas, next to the Buffalo National River country. The riding is a mix of miles of wooded singletrack and many more miles of open twin track. The park describes the range as anything from quiet, rolling pasture trails to some of the toughest wooded singletrack around, so it can suit a wide spread of skill levels. RiderPlanet lists the terrain as mostly hard pack with some rocks, mud, and water crossings, and lists the area as roughly 50 miles of trail; treat that figure as approximate. The ranch also runs a herd of bison, and the property has waterfalls, creeks, and bluff overlooks.

The singletrack is reserved for dirt bikes and hikers, and those trails are bidirectional. The park is firm that four-wheeled vehicles are never allowed on the dirt bike trails. ATVs, side by sides, and Jeeps share the twin track and old logging roads, and motorized vehicles have the right of way over hikers on all trails. Expect to meet other machines, and hikers, on the shared routes.

Getting there

The ranch is about 10 miles from Kingston, in Newton County. From Kingston, follow Highway 21 for about 5 miles, turn onto Madison County 3260 (Newton County Road 9), and continue about 4 miles on a dirt county road to the entrance on the left. Check in at the red outpost building when you arrive. The park warns that some GPS programs send riders the wrong way, and recommends approaching from the north on Highway 21. The southern approach from Highway 16 involves roughly 14 miles of rough county dirt road. Do not navigate to the ranch's PO Box address.

Fees, permits, and rules

A day pass for a dirt bike is $20. ATVs, side by sides, and Jeeps are $30 per machine with the driver, plus $10 per additional passenger age 8 and up and $5 for children 8 and under. Annual memberships are also offered; guests of members pay the normal day fee. The park says no permit is needed to ride. Everyone on a dirt bike must wear a helmet, children included. Cell service is spotty, with a booster at the ranch house check-in. Dogs are welcome if they are friendly. The park does not say whether Arkansas OHV registration applies to visitors, so ask before you haul.

Camping

Camping is primitive: outhouses, no running water, no showers, and no hookups. Sites run from easy access for a passenger vehicle to remote spots that need a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Camping is $15 per person per night, or $50 per family (two adults and up to four kids), and it includes trail access. Reservations can be made online and are recommended for specific sites.

When to ride

The park's FAQ gives day-rider hours of gates opening at 9 AM with riders allowed to stay until 10 PM. Camping check-in is 1 PM to 5 PM and check-out is 11 AM. RiderPlanet says the park is open every day of the year, but the park itself gives no season or closure dates. Call before you haul, especially in wet weather, since no source describes a wet-weather policy.