Photo: Ben Matthews

The National Park Service has temporarily closed the Buffalo National River for recreational use in an effort to try and limit the spread of COVID-19.

The closure includes the river, trails, open spaces, and campgrounds.

“It breaks my heart to have to close this incredible public park,” said Mark Foust, superintendent of the Buffalo National River. “It is, however, the right thing to do to protect the people that work here, live here, visit here, and love this place. We all have to do what we can to slow and prevent the spread of the virus in and around the park. We believe this will help.”

State highways and county roads that run through the park area will remain accessible to thru or residential traffic. However, only residential traffic will be allowed onto roads that enter and terminate within the park.