In the early stages of planning a backpacking trip in Ozarks

Have you read any of the trail guides? Most discuss crossings.

Generally in November the Upper Buffalo is shallow barring a heavy rain event. It’s the spring time that it gets wooly.

Seriously, a lot of hikes in that area are best in fall when the water is down. What are other forums (gasp) saying?

The river will decide. I’ve seen it a raging dangerous torrent and a practically stagnant stream in November.

Like the previous poster said, have your water shoes ready and strip down to cross.

Otherwise, you’ll need to go off trail to seek a crossing sometimes, usually where a sandbar island is. It’s pretty easy since you can just follow the river.

Alternatively, pick a route that means you never really need to cross. How far do you want to travel?

You could park at Compton, hike Sneeds Creek to Goat Trail, down to river, river trail to Hemmed in Hollow, follow back up to Compton trail head. You could do as much as 14 miles this way depending on your wandering. It’s a big loop essentially.

Don't forget to pack tick repellent.