Grey,

The Buffalo National River IS one of the prettiest places I've ever paddled.  It also features pretty nice Smallie water, just like several other rivers in that region.  The water has a chalky, milky look to it due to the rock it flows through.  Some of those bluffs go several hundred feet high.

Incidentally, they have re-introduced elk into that particular valley in Arkansas.  It is not uncommon to spot several as you drive along area roads.  The area makes for a very nice family-type trip.  We went horseback riding & spelunking in some of the numerous local parks.  Elk, deer, & other wildlife came to the field at the back of our cabin nearly every night at sundown.  The elk bugling was awesome.

Jimbo