Buffalo National River is bounded by public land so it is legal to hike up and along the river. During elk season many veteran photographers will hike the river to get crossings and river reflection shots of wading elk. Landscape photography along the rive is also outstanding. Here are a few pointers. It is useful to have at least over-the calf height boots for river hiking. With care you can hike along gravel bars and keep the wading depth to below 18 inches. I often use hip boots for a little additional margin of error. YOu will definitely want felt soles or felt with studs to manage slippery rocks. Remember small rocks and gravel offer better footing than big rocks. Move slowly and use a wading staff -- I use my monopod or tripod as a wading staff. When I can get on an elk trail and out of the water I do. Falling and wrecking equipment or getting hurt is too great a risk. If you see a solid rock bottom, thinking skating rink, it will be very slippery. If you follow my work you will see many river pictures. Most of them were taken by hiking up and down the river. River Hiking is strenuous and hazardous, but can yield amazing results. I have photographed elk, turkey and whitetail deer crossings from the river. A good rule of thumb is to move slowly and deliberately and assume every stone is slippery or unstable. That will serve you well.