About the Yonder Adventure Company
Situated in beautiful Northwest Arkansas, the Buffalo National River is a hot spot for all things outdoors with some of the best hiking, fishing and camping in mid America. There are over 130 miles of free flowing river to explore full of bluffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. The Buffalo National river is also the only designated Dark Sky Park in Arkansas, known for its astonishing night skies.
With all its natural beauty, Cate and Joe realized there was absolutely an opportunity to bring guided multi-day river trips, prevalent in the West, to Arkansas. After years of chasing whitewater rivers, Cate and Joe created Yonder Adventure Company to bring guided luxury river adventures to the Buffalo River.
Our permit allows for us to operate guided river trips via drift boat from the Carver Access to the White River. We start where ever is most convenient for you.
Our Drift Boats
Instead of kayaks or canoes, we use drift boats on our river trips. Originally designed as fishing vessels for whitewater rivers, these boats are stable and maneuverable in any river conditions. Plus, drift boats have lots of leg room and cushioned seats so you can truly sit back and relax. Our guided river tours are perfect for passengers of all ages, regardless of river experience. Whether it’s your first time on the river or your fiftieth, we will make sure your experience is unlike any other.
Meet your crew
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Cate Handley has been convincing friends to go on adventures since college. She guided commercially on the Ocoee River in Tennessee, while completing her BS at Louisiana Tech University. Since then, when not managing various retail establishments, she ran off every chance she got to whitewater kayak, raft and canoe all over the country. Cate is an active leader with the Arkansas Canoe Club, and directs their Rendezvous event annually.
She has rowed rivers across the US, from the Colorado river through the Grand Canyon to eastern classics such as the Tellico and Nolichucky.
She is certified in Wilderness First Aid- Sierra Rescue; CPR, Infant, Child, Adult- American CPR; Swift Water Rescue Certified- American Canoe Association; River Kayak Instructor- L3, American Canoe Association; Central Chapter President, Arkansas Canoe Club 2015-2020; Vice President, Arkansas Canoe Club 2021-present
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Joe Goodwin (Papa Joe) has been leading folks down rivers and streams all over the USA for many years. His interest in whitewater started after a trip on the Buffalo at a high water level. This led to a pursuit of increasingly difficult rivers in remote locations. Taking family and friends along became second nature and has led to remarkable experiences with lifelong friendships.
Whether chasing adventure on Tennessee's whitewater, sea kayaking Lake Superior, or rafting in Colorado he's always up for a good time with great people.
Whitewater Kayak Instructor – L4, American Canoe Association; Swiftwater Rescue Instructor – L5, American Canoe Association; Wilderness First Aid/CPR Certified - Sierra Rescue ;Founding member of the Ark-La-Tex Chapter, Arkansas Canoe Club; Lead Kayak Instructor Coordinator – ACC School of WW Paddling, 2013-2017
Find yourself out yonder.
Yonder Adventure Company, LLC is a permitted Guide Service by the National Park Service on the Buffalo River.