Bikes, e-bikes allowed on Buffalo National River

The National Park Service has opened park roads on the Buffalo National River, including administrative roads, to electric bikes (e-bikes). E-bikes are equipped with a small electric motor. Bicycles have always been allowed on park roads, but they can also now travel on administrative roads. Bikes and e-bikes are still prohibited from being on park trails.Administrative roads are normally closed to motor vehicle use by the public but open for administrative purposes. Examples include fire roads, roads to hay fields and roads used by park staff to get to various facilities. Roads with “Do Not Enter” signage may not be used by bicycles or e-bikes.

An e-bike operator may only use the motor to assist pedal propulsion. The motor cannot be used to propel an e-bike without the rider pedaling, except in locations open to public motor vehicle traffic. Class 3 e-bikes prohibited from administrative roads.

The e-bike rule change is in response to Secretary’s Order 3376 signed in late August by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. The new policy aims to creat a clear and consistent e-bike police on all federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior.

More information on Buffalo National River park rules can be found at nps.gov/buff/learn/management. Park rangers are available to assist with questions and trip planning at the Tyler Bend Visitor Center, and they can be contacted at 870-439-2502.

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