Prevention, personal safety, preparedness
It's your prerogative
Protect your people and property properly
It's your prerogative.

Welcome to the Buffalo! How is your day?
Do you have a plan for how to see the waterway?
Visitors ask how long it takes to drive across the park
And then we tell them it's a pretty long ride.
This is a linear park. It follows a river.
There are a lot of miles between there and hither.
135, to be specific
From Boxley downstream to Buffalo City.

Highway 7, 43, and 74
This is the web of roads that you need to know
14, 65, 4-1-2
Grab a map; please help us help you!

(BRIDGE)
We're glad that you're considering the Buffalo,
But before you go, you have got to know
Preventative, precautionary measures should be taken
To have a safe and memorable family vacation.

(CHORUS)
Prevention, personal safety, preparedness
It's your prerogative
Protect your people and property properly
It's your prerogative
Please plan and prepare before you
Try to get somewhere
Do your research; take your time
And you will be just fine.

Our campgrounds are first-come, first-served
Except for Buffalo Point, part of which can be reserved
Sites are relatively primitive with limited amenities,
But that's alright; that's why you left the city!

Certain trails and river trips are meant for beginners
So if you're new to this, stick to those, and you'll be a winner.
Terrain here is mountainous with high rock ledges.
For the love of Stephen Mather, stay away from cliff edges!

Please…bring…water and snacks.
The hike is no fun if you can't make it back.
Never overexert yourself or overwork yourself
Or else you could hurt yourself, and we don't want that!
Cell phone coverage is slim to none,
So don't rely at all on calling anyone.
Hike with a buddy, stay on the trail,
And if it gets too strenuous, BAIL.

BRIDGE

CHORUS

The wilderness is rugged. It's no place for rookies
Leaving breadcrumb trails and dropping cookies.
Pack out every bit of waste,
And leave no trace,
To preserve unimpaired this sacred place.

The upper river dries in the summertime
So the floating traffic moves on down the line
From Ponca down to Pruitt and Tyler Bend
On to Dillard's Ferry all the way…to the end.
A wild river inherently has a couple obstructions
That can threaten a paddler, causing quite a production
So even if you are skilled, and even if you can swim,
Wear your PFD so you can paddle again.

And one more thing before I let you go
It's a great big problem that continues to grow.
When you see a wild creature like a bear or an otter,
For Pete's sake, guys…don't be a bother!
Let the elk graze! Let the turkey gobble!
Let the bats fly, and the hogs squabble.
Let the eagle soar! Let the deer stare!
Let the coyote howl, and you stay over there.

CHORUS