Difficulty : Moderate to Strenuous. This is the main Centerpoint Trail. The Big Bluff Trail, AR | Drive The Nation Enjoy this 9.5-km out-and-back trail near Ponca, Arkansas. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. Just dont fall off. The Goat Trail is the narrow ledge trail that spurs off of the Centerpoint Trail and takes you out onto Big Bluff. This is not a place for folks with vertigo or a dislike of heights. : Jake Thomas Gardipee, 5 Follow along on her adventures - big and small - across this beautiful world. And Big Bluff is true to its name: at 550 feet tall, it's the highest point along the Buffalo River and allows for a stunning view of the water below. So the return trip was pretty tiring. Take caution if crossing it. We camped at the base of the Hemmed in Hollow trail, by the river. Snow melting but not muddy. } Come on an email adventure with us! Great views after the two mile mark though! The round trip was about 6 miles ( some easy, some over and around rocks and boulders and some only a couple feet wide between the cliff wall and a couple hundred feet drop off the edge). The footbridge will be re-installed in late-Spring 2023. The Goat trail EASILY provides one of the BEST scenic views of the Buffalo River. We started about 6:00 and it took us about an hour and a half to get down to the base of the trail. Looks like a great hike . Ashlee Fechino is an outdoor recreation and travel writer and founder of The Happiness Function. dont go if its wet. Goat Trail to Big Bluff // Adventure Guide Tanner Burge Photography Took lots breaks on the way back but it was very doable. Well worth it, but don't underestimate the hike out. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona Restaurants near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail: Attractions near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail: 99% of travelers recommend this experience. However, the thunder started shortly after we hit trail. These views show, not only how narrow the ledge gets, but also how tall that bluff is above you. The rain started shortly after, turning the trail into a muddy stream and completely soaking us by the time we got back to the car. I looked back from the narrow, rock ledge part of the trail and captured this adorable photo. How to Hike Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) in Arkansas, Plan a Weekend Getaway to Mount Magazine State Park- the, 5 Best Places to Camp Along the Arkansas Buffalo River, How to Reach Hawksbill Crag Hiking the Whitaker Point Trail. We hope to get to hike Goat Trail again sometime when the weather is better, and we have more time to enjoy the view. There is a dedicated parking lot for the hike which has room for probably about 15 cars. Lots of unsuspecting swimmers have been washed away. Cant wait to start travelling around the US again! After soaking in the views for a bit and snapping tons of photos, we headed back on the Goat Trail to the Centerpoint Trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so be prepared to go to the restroom in advance (JB Trading Co is close by and has a gas station and convenience store) or go in the woods, but make sure to pack out any toilet paper! As long as you are mindful of the ledge, most hikers will have no trouble enjoying this view safely. Please read ourfull disclosurefor more information. The Centerpoint to Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River. Its pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. The Buffalo Outdoor Center also offers cabin rentals if camping isnt your cup of tea. These cabins range in size and cost, but feature kitchens and amenities to make you feel right at home! Thanks for sharing. What gorgeous views! The views are definitely worth the hike. If you turn left, you continue on the trail that will take you all the way to Hemmed-in-Hollow. OK, lets talk about the ledge trail (or Goat Trail) on Big Bluff for a moment. We unfortunately only had one day in the area, but we tried to squeeze in as much as we could. Before headingback up to the top, Matt, my dad and I joined my mom with her awesome view, ate a granola bar and soaked it all in. This section of the hike follows a narrow path along the edge of Big Bluff, with a very steep and long drop-off to the Buffalo River below. TRAIL LENGTH: The trail to Big Bluff is about 6.5 miles roundtrip, but you can also continue on to some other scenic sites, so know where you're going and when to turn around. You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. (function() { Service animals permitted. The campground is a tent-only facility. Camp on Big Bluff, Compton, Arkansas - The Outbound You can see a list of the sites, as well as their season dates, amenities, and other details here! Trail is wide enough where you wont ever be too terribly close to the ledge. It was so foggy you could not see the river or the mountains, we waited an hour and the fog had lifted. The Buffalo National River is located in Northern Arkansas, right by the Ozark National Forest.The area is most famous for the river, which winds 135 miles through the area, and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48, as well as the first designated National River in the United States. This was one of my top five hikes ever!! Awesome. This iconic hike is located within the Ponca Wilderness, which is a very remote area in Northern Arkansas. If you follow the trail you will reach a couple of natural shelter areas that provide just enough room inside to place a tent or even sleep on the ground. But it is a gradual incline the whole way. Big Bluff demands we all be on our best behavior in exchange for enjoying one of the most lofty views of the Buffalo National River accessible by hiking trail. We are so happy Arkansas / Campgrounds. Big Bluff is actually the tallest sheer bluff face between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains and once you reach it, youll understand why this hike is so popular. Just avoid the risky behaviors that could endanger your life, health, and safety. The area was incredibly remote and quiet. Just a few other people. Check out our article with FREE apps we use to plan outdoor adventures hiking, camping, and road tripping all the time! From the trailhead 3 miles north of Ponca, AR, it's about a 6 mile hike and about 900 feet down to the Goat Trail and is one of Arkansas' must see locations.. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. 90 minute drive got us to the Centerpoint trailhead. The Suitcase Agent - Center Point / Big Bluff Goat Trail It's approximately 6.5 miles round trip and moderately hard due to the loose rocks and incline. Such a cool trail! The region is so beautiful and feels remote and untouched, with lots of windy backroads, open land, and small towns full of local establishments.As we hiked and drove around the area, we were kicking ourselves for not visiting it sooner. This post contains affiliate links, which means well receive a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you. I loved the Goat Trail part of the hike, but not as enthused over the first mile or so from the trailhead. While this is a relatively short hike, you may want to bring snacks and food to keep you fueled during the trek. This is the Little Missouri near Little Rock. Loving your adventures and loving these views too! Many reviews have said that the hike is dangerous and can be scary if youre afraid of heights.We didnt think the hike was dangerous, as long as youre careful. , Fungi are amazing. It was an awesome experience. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. Dogs are only allowed at campgrounds, on the river, and on the gravel bars, but must be on leash. The hike down to Big Bluff is relatively easy, though rocky. The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. October 20, 2021. J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. We were the only ones on the trail that we saw. Id love to visit this place twice so itll be hard to choose even when to go once. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. In 2007, a man really did that. Lots of awesome views definitely a day well spent. This is another trail on which youll want to have plenty of water and a hearty snack along, as well as possess a reasonably good physical fitness level in order to enjoy. Thanks for reading and being such a loyal fan. From the parking lot to Big Bluff, the trail travels mostly downhill, so it's important to conserve energy, drinking water, and snacks for the uphill hike back to your car. Her goal is to help inspire people to build a life they love by sharing how simple and fun it is to travel locally, connect with nature, and explore off-the-beaten-path. Speaking of trees, one of the great privileges of being out on Big Bluff is the chance to see the large, aged junipers that somehow manage to grow along the trails edge, clinging to what seems like nothing but sheer rock and very little soil. The spur trails connect the Centerpoint trail with the Chimney Rock Trail, Sneeds Creek Trail, Big Bluff Trail, Compton Loop Trail, and Hemmed-in Hollow Trail. When you look out, you can see the gorgeous Ozark Mountains and then further down to the Buffalo River and this is the spot where it makes a perfect horseshoe bend. Thats not a joke. So, if you see any of the following, youre in the right place: The hike from Centerpoint to Big Bluff starts from the Centerpoint Trailhead outside of Ponca, AR. There are several connector routes to different hiking trails in the Buffalo River Valley, making it a very easy place to spend a lot of time outdoors. If camping during the winter, there are vault toilets. I would love to get to Arkansas . I have to add this to my list of my must-do hikes so I dont forget. Before you read any further, we wanted to clear up the trails name. Never been to Arkansas but would love to visit this trail. Big Bluff is part of the Buffalo River Trail, so don't think the trail will simply end. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. Have a great hike next time you go, Ashlee & Pablo. Awesome trail. Great views, great scenery,. This location does not have a restroom. This hiking seems fun in Arkansas. It is best to get here around sunrise or close to sunset to have the best chance to see some elk. . She is married to an expat Argentine, Pablo! The Centerpoint Trailhead is located five minutes or 3.3 miles north of Ponca, Arkansas, off AR HWY 43 N. Ponca is an adorable mountain town in the middle of (almost) nowhere within the upper Buffalo National River. Hike Big Bluff also known as Goats Trail in Arkansas - YouTube (Recommended) It's quite a hike from the Camp Grounds but doable. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. It is also not a place for older kids or adults, for that matter, with a penchant for risk taking or horseplay. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Its an out and back hike, so you will return the same way as you came.One important thing we wanted to mention about this trail is its name. Karen you will make it to the Ozarks! Attractions & Museums from $12.77 per adult WhoDunnit Hoedown: Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Branson 112 Dinner and Show Tickets from $50.19 per adult The area Hwy 43 Firetower Road junction Buffalo National River, Compton, AR 72624 Full view Best nearby Attractions 6 within 6 miles Buffalo National River Park 292 1.5 miNational Parks From here, it's about a 1/4-mile hike out to the start of Big Bluff. There's a spur off the Centerpoint Trail called Goat Trail, which leads to Big Bluff, a bluff over 500 ft tall and considered the tallest bluff along the Buffalo River. Its the spring, and theres no better place in the world to be. The majority are first-come, first-served and some are free to stay at. The trail is downhill all the way to Big Bluff, so the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill. Buzzards tend to be the wildlife one sees on Big Bluff or at least an abundance of the gray down feathers youll find scattered about where they roost. Despite being managed by the National Park Service, hiking the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, as well as accessing the rest of the Buffalo National River is free! Big Bluff Goat Trail | northern Arkansas | - YouTube Amazing trial, its a little rough going down to the spot, all downhill just watch your step! Trail maps say big bluff is just .8 miles long before it abruptly ends, but this is far from the truth. This trail will take you all the way to Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls if you want to lump those two sites into one day.TRAILHEAD LOCATION: The hike to Big Bluff starts at the Centerpoint Trailhead which is located near Possum Trot right off of Highway 43.TRAIL DIFFICULTY: This trail is decently steep and once you get to Big Bluff it becomes just a narrow, rocky ledge. It takes 4 to 5 hours to complete the round-trip hike, most of which is along the Centerpoint Trail, the trailhead for which is located 3 miles north of Ponca on Hwy 43. Hiking back was no joke! Centerpoint to Goat Trail: A View Worth the Hike | Trails for Two Also, wed love to hear if youve hiked the Goat Trail in Arkansas or if it is on your bucket list! Youll probably want bug spray in the summer. Taking on a good hike is a great way to do that and would definitely consider this one when I am in the Arkansas area. big bluff goat trail deaths . Youll start to walk along a more narrow trail, with a rock wall on your left. Nice views. The trail ends at the juncture of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. 6.5 miles sounds like the perfect distance for a day trip , Had no idea you could see such beauty in Arkansas. We arrived at the Centerpoint Trailhead bright and early on a Monday morning in November. We hope yall have a blast! The trailhead is located on the right at 3.5 miles. We left our little hikers at home for this one as its definitely more of a challenge and a bit treacherous at spots. Then, hike the Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) in Arkansas! It sounds a little scary trying to navigate the small ledge near the end of the hike, but definitely an adventure and if it gives great views, then definitely worth it. I think this is my favorite Big Bluff photo because it really shows just how big thisbluff is. A lot of parking at trailhead and it was muddy when I went but over all was good (12/18/2022). Youll have fun. You should especially avoid that when the water is high. We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our website. Beautiful weather and scenery! When the waters are higher, you can notice how beautifully turquoise the water is. Had we visited a week or two sooner, we can only imagine how even more gorgeous it wouldve been! } Make reservations at recreation.gov online or on the app. She's a road trip aficionado, an avid hiker, lover of learning + culture and an all-around wanderess. That being said, the view from Goat Trail down into the valley below is utterly stunning and well worth the hike. Parking lot is pretty decent, not to busy, saw about 3-4 different groups. This crazy formation is inside one of the overhangs. If youre hiking in the Ponca area, you might enjoy checking out these other hiking trails: Check back soon for new articles about hiking in the Buffalo National River, Ponca Wilderness, Ozark National Forest, and Northwest Arkansas! Since we started the hike early and were the first ones on the trail, we had Big Bluff all to ourselves, which made the experience even better! Name, age Date Location, comments Jesse Sky Bergman, 9: May 16, 1988: Stalked and killed by a four-year-old male cougar at Catface Mountain in British Columbia near Tofino. This is the main Centerpoint Trail. Would do again! Round trip 6.5 miles is a good morning hike, and I like the option to add on. If youre looking for a big view of the Buffalo River combined with a world-class geologic experience, then Big Bluff and its narrow Goat Trail is your kind of place. After some of our close friends explored the state earlier this year, we realized how gorgeous it was and made it a top priority for the fall on our way back to Texas.We kicked off our time in the state mountain biking and exploring Bentonville before heading down to the Buffalo National River area for some hiking. You can do it! I mentioned the simple, white sign in the summersection of the post that says Goat Trail the photo above and below this are of the sign. It is not recommended for kids or those afraid of heights. Located near Ponca, Arkansas, and within the Buffalo National River National Park boundaries, this incredible 6-mile hike (out and back) has roughly 1,000 feet of total elevation gain along with one of the tallest bluffs in the area.

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