This hiking seems fun in Arkansas. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona How to Hike Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) in Arkansas 2015 - Solo Pine. Our response to COVID-19: Our team is committed to providing a safe and memorable experience for guests and staff. 2023 Buffalo Outdoor Center. Buzzards frequent this area and youllfind feathersalong the trail. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. One is that the weather is much milder, meaning youll sweat less and be able to squeeze more into one day while staying somewhat comfortable. Nor is it the place for a beer fest or the intake of any other substance that can alter your balance and/or judgement, even if its a Dramamine. If that parking lot fills up, there is another parking lot across the road that seems to be privately owned and they charge a fee to park there.We started our hike at sunrise on a Monday and were the first car in the parking lot. She's a road trip aficionado, an avid hiker, lover of learning + culture and an all-around wanderess. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Such beautiful views reminds me a lot of the hikes we do on the NSW South Coast of Australia very similar views. 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! The main Centerpoint Trail is easy to hike and is through the trees. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. hike out is a bit steep in places. The Centerpoint Trail is mostly a forested walk, with the occasional view through the trees of the surrounding area at the beginning. Have a great hike next time you go, Ashlee & Pablo. The trail got a little confusing when you get to the intersection between goat trail and center point. Looks like such a lovely hike!! Hike Big Bluff also known as Goats Trail in Arkansas - YouTube Contact Us, 8 am 6 pm | Mar Oct Ashlee Fechino is an outdoor recreation and travel writer and founder of The Happiness Function. The campground does not have showers. 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. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. It is not recommended for kids or those afraid of heights. There is really only one long stretch back up hill that is hard, but otherwise the climb back up wasnt that bad. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Hikers wishing to access the beach, Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Bluffs, Panorama and Spring trails will need to ford the Big Sur River. The Centerpoint trail is broad and easy to walk, although like so many trails in mountainous Buffalo River country, its basically uphill all the way back (2.5 miles). To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead. Happy hiking! As a lover of all things travel, Paige Wunder is falling in love with the world one destination at a time. The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. 3. But the best part is that its all located on a great property with a store for your adventure needs and access to tons of activities, like kayaking, ziplining, mountain biking, and close proximity to hikes! As you can see on the map above, as well as on the AllTrails page, the hike to Big Bluff is all downhill, which means that youll be going all uphill on the way back.We had read reports beforehand that said it was a hard hike, but we didnt find the elevation gain to be that brutal on the hike back, but we did have a cooler, cloudy day, which helped!You start the hike at the Centerpoint trailhead in Compton, Arkansas before splitting off onto the Goat Trail, which takes you to Big Bluff, a cool, rocky bluff. } Its truly something to marvel at. Come on an email adventure with us! At 550 feet, its the larges bluff face between the Rockies and Appalachians. However, the thunder started shortly after we hit trail. Because they look so vastly different, Im going to share them separately so you can see the difference. The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. So the return trip was pretty tiring. Youll know you made it when you see the rocky ledge that curves around the bluff, with open and incredible views of the Buffalo National River! While youll rarely see a wild goat on Big Bluff these days, a few feral goats do still roam the upper Buffalo River wilderness. Super tight view all the same. Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 big bluff goat trail deaths - madinahmining.com Required fields are marked *. Pass Ponca and travel up a significant uphill. Centerpoint to Goat Trail: A View Worth the Hike | Trails for Two On paper it might seem that way, but in action it's just a gorgeous adventure you have to be a bit more careful at parts. Buffalo Outdoor Center is a proud recipient of the 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice award. dont go if its wet. Hi Sarah! The Goat Trail takes hikers along the narrow edge of Big Bluff with a sheer vertical drop to the Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas. Pets are not permitted on trails in the Ponca Wilderness of Buffalo National River. From here, it's about a 1/4-mile hike out to the start of Big Bluff. A little muddy, but no traction needed. Only reason for the 4 stars is the return was all uphill the whole way and that snow and ice on the trail was much more an issue. The Big Bluff, otherwise known as the Goat Trail, sits 550' above the Buffalo National River and the trail is only about 4 feet wide. 6.5 miles sounds like the perfect distance for a day trip , Had no idea you could see such beauty in Arkansas. The surgery would leave him unable to walk for two months and unable to hike for even longer. There are no permits required or day-use fees. I looked back from the narrow, rock ledge part of the trail and captured this adorable photo. We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our website. 8 am 5 pm | Nov Feb. Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead. The hike from Centerpoint Trailhead to Big Bluff is approximately 6 miles round-trip. Hike to Big Bluff - National Park Service The trail is an old logging trail and can be rocky at times. You will need an AllTrails Pro membership to download maps, which is $30 a year and so worth it! The trail is virtually all downhill on the way to the Bluff and Goat Trail. Thanks for reading. It gets its name from the feral descendents of domesticated goats (brought here by pioneers) who either escaped captivity or were turned loose in the wilderness and eventually became wild. Service animals permitted. Learn how your comment data is processed. Centerpoint to Big Bluff Trail Overlook. FREE apps we use to plan outdoor adventures, 5 Best Places to Camp Along the Arkansas Buffalo River (Upper District), 12 Hiking Trails in Arkansas You Cannot Miss, The Perfect Weekend at Mount Nebo State Park, Plan the Best Weekend at Devils Den State Park, The Ultimate Guide to Petit Jean State Park, How to Reach Hawksbill Crag Hiking the Whitaker Point Trail, Lost Valley Trail: Incredible Hike to Cob Cave and a Waterfall . OK, avoiding these spots is not a good idea. Please do go and enjoy the view. The view at end is well worth it. Snow melting but not muddy. Camp on Big Bluff, Compton, Arkansas - The Outbound Fall, winter, and spring are excellent times of the year to hike in the Ponca Wilderness. The side trail that leads to an outcropping on the bluff is called the Goat Trail and is about 350 ft. tall. This allows us to continue publishing free travel and gear guides. 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. Parking lot is at a crossroads and the trail is clearly marked. 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. Big Bluff - Goat Trail - Always Pack Light She loves sharing her adventures both big & small. 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. Have fun. I bet going in the summer or fall is just as beautiful as each other. I love getting outdoors and into the wilderness. Although there are several ways to . 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! I like to do Easy/moderate hikes admist stunning natural beauty, ozarks looks just ideal! window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Big Bluff & The Goat Trail - Tripadvisor . There are over 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatn Penin, One of our favorite ways to experience a new place, Things to do in Hot Springs National Park, What to bring to hike the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, Things to know before hiking the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, Our Experience Hiking the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, Where to stay to hike the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, Other spots to check out in the Buffalo National River. Hi Uncle Burt! Pin this hiking guide to help plan your adventure! Others don't. The Bluffs along Buffalo National River Flickr/Buffalo Outdoor Center Good grief, don't try to jump off a cliff into the river. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The view from the bluffs in breathtaking as you stand right at the edge and overlook the buffalo. Steel Creek Campground is managed by the National Park Service. Keep your footing. This is the Little Missouri near Little Rock. He was correct. From Ponca, drive 3 miles north on Hwy 43 to the Centerpoint Trailhead, located at the Firetower Road junction. The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. It was neat to see them. We had to hustle cuz we were cutting it kind of close, and the snow and ice that had refrozen overnight did make it precarious but we made it just fine and were well rewarded :). Hwy 43 Firetower Road junction Buffalo National River, Compton, AR 72624. The first summer visit we made here, Matt and I got up early, picked up my parents and set off for a day trip. Your email address will not be published. You can do it! Wed highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map for the route youre hiking before you go. With cabins, RV sites, and even lodges that can sleep 30+ people, there are a variety of accommodations. Its a downhill trek until you get to the Goat Trail, but it never felt super steep. It's very steep, and very dangerous. We hope to get to hike Goat Trail again sometime when the weather is better, and we have more time to enjoy the view. 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. When she's not hiking in the mountains or planning a backpacking trip, she's taking a road trip or sampling some delicious craft beer. Looking for more things to do in Arkansas? The trail map claims 3 miles to the start of Big Bluff from the Center-point Trail Head. But don't let that scare you. jezebel spirit scriptures; 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. Why Camping at Buffalo Point Campground is Awesome! Youll probably want bug spray in the summer. Required fields are marked *. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There is a dedicated parking lot for the hike which has room for probably about 15 cars. If you stay the night, be very careful when moving along . Dont over-pace yourself on the first half, the trip back will demand your stamina lol The view from the top is spectacular, but the hike has its dangers. The payout at the end of the strenuous hike is a wide open view of the Buffalo National River, plus a geological wonder. Round trip 6.5 miles is a good morning hike, and I like the option to add on. listeners: [], The most popular hiking destination from Centerpoint is Big Bluff, which features a panoramic vista of the Buffalo River and surrounding wilderness. It was muddy but oh so worth it! Very muddy but the views at the end are worth it! As long as you are mindful of the ledge, most hikers will have no trouble enjoying this view safely. You can take a look at the map below before heading out. Hi Marianne thanks for reading and leaving a comment. The next day we woke up and left our packs in the tent by the river and hiked up to the falls. The private lot appeared to not be open during our visit since the main parking area still had lots of spots open.Whatever lot you decide to park in, make sure to NOT park on the main road as we have read many reports of people being towed. Follow this old road until you see the first obvious fork to the right. We unfortunately only had one day in the area, but we tried to squeeze in as much as we could. We love creating short videos so you can visualize the trail conditions before your trip. We arrived to the goat trail at about 9 AM. This is a video and some pictures of Big Bluff/Goats trail/bluff in Arkansas. Thanks for reading. The Buffalo National River is home to a few more traditional campgrounds. From here, its about a 1/4-mile hike out to the start of Big Bluff. Are you looking for an incredible hike with epic views and relatively minimal scrambling in the Ozarks? She is also an avid collector of tacky fish whatnots, slightly chipped teapots, and other old things. 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 5-mile out and back hike ventures up a coastal canyon at the south end of Montaa de Oro State Park. However, the Goat Trail runs along this cliff face at around 340 feet above the river. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! I was and am still scared of heights. Same song, different spillway. 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. fantastic, breathtaking and simply a must see! This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. Big Bluff Goat Trail | northern Arkansas | - YouTube Its pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. You dont have to walk the last section of the trail to see the great views. I had to strip down when I got to the rocky ledge at 2.5mi or so & stayed that way the whole time. 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. This, ladies + gentlemen, is my favorite view in Arkansas. However, the trail was pretty rocky at times, so make sure you have good shoes and keep an eye on where youre stepping so you dont trip!After about 45 minutes to 1 hour of hiking on the Centerpoint Trail, youll reach an open area with a fire ring to the left and trails straight ahead (which we hear goes to the river) and to the right. The river water has a clear, blue color, which contrasted super nicely with the yellow and orange leaves we witnessed. Big Bluff Trail leads out about a tenth of a mile before coming out on the face of Big Bluff. If you begin this hike in the afternoon, please carry a light source just in case you hike out after dark. As for photography, weve found the best time to capture Big Bluff is in the afternoon once the sun has moved into mid-afternoon position, say 3:00 PM or so. Want to report conditions for this trail? Centerpoint Trail continues straight here if by chance you are uninterested in the view from the cliff. After soaking in the views for a bit and snapping tons of photos, we headed back on the Goat Trail to the Centerpoint Trail. The views from the Goat Trail are incredible. They camp in their Aliner often and love road trips and hiking. This hike is one of the most popular hikes in the Buffalo National River and its no surprise why, as it features some of the best things the area has to offer: river views, mountains, and unique rock outcroppings. In summer, its hard to get this view through all of the leaves. there is a shorter hike alternative that is only 3 miles instead if 6 if you want less hiking. You are two hearty hikers to do that in the rain! Although you are way above the river on the bluffs, I felt like the bluffs were wide enough to feel safe and it was not slippery at all. You come to a Y in the trail and the campground sits in the middle of the Y. We arrived at the Centerpoint Trailhead bright and early on a Monday morning in November. Your email address will not be published. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? Unfortunately, after checking the radar, it seemed the storm would be raging for a while once it started, so we and the others started to high-tail it out of there. Took lots breaks on the way back but it was very doable. Check out our other articles related to hiking and camping in Arkansas: Feel free to leave us a comment below if you have any questions. This is not a place for folks with vertigo or a dislike of heights. This trail features steep, rocky, and uneven terrain. (Recommended). I have to add this to my list of my must-do hikes so I dont forget. Bicycles are permitted only on authorized trails: Creamery Meadow and Ridge trails. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. From here it is a rough trail that continues down the ridgeline to intersect the Old River Trail. The fork to the right is NOT MARKED with an obvious trail sign but takes you to the Big Bluff (Goat Trail). Big Bluff is part of the Buffalo River Trail, so dont think the trail will simply end. What a beautiful spot for hiking. Great views after the two mile mark though! The Happiness Function, LLC 2023. 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. Now going back to your car is an uphill incline. We hope yall have a blast! 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. It is not very steep. When you get out to the bluff it does get a little narrow my 11 year old didn't feel comfortable going thru that spot so we turned around there maybe 100yds from the end. } This looks like a great hike to do, but Im really not great with heights so Im not sure how Id feel about some of the narrow ledges and paths. Bringing a lunch and have a picnic at the Bluff is a memory that we will cherish. Note that with no foliage on the trees it's pretty warm out. Very rocky getting down but doable. It is open year-round. Check out our other guides: Before embarking on your adventure, please review theLeave No Trace principlesto ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come!These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in! It is not advisable to bring children, liquor, or reckless behavior on this hike. Categories . We got a later start than expected due to spending extra time on Hawks Bill Crag and Glory Hole Falls trails. On paper it might seem that way, but in action it's just a gorgeo. From the Centerpoint Trailhead, it is about a 1-hour hike to the spur trail that takes you out onto Big Bluff. The majority are first-come, first-served and some are free to stay at. haha. Love Arkansas? Truly awesome place for hiking. Thank you! The views look outstanding in the sun shine and your pictures really bring the images to life as they jump off the page at me, Wow, such beautiful views! Since the return hike is all uphill, youll definitely want some water, especially if you hike on a hot, sunny day! The Goat Trail to Big Bluff is just one of the many things to do in the Buffalo National River area! Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. Again, avoid is a strong word. Although there is a perspective from the far eastern side of the Goat Trail (behind where the hiker in the photograph is walking) that is better suited for morning photography as its a west-facing shot. In fact, its so big that it has the distinction of being the tallest sheer bluff face found between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains. The Goat trail EASILY provides one of the BEST scenic views of the Buffalo River. Also, wed love to hear if youve hiked the Goat Trail in Arkansas or if it is on your bucket list! These are thing we (or our travel companions) have used and recommend specifically for the Big Bluff trail. Technically this route is the Centerpoint Trail to the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, but we have seen it called the Big Bluff Trail, Goat Trail, Centerpoint to Goat Trail, and other names, which made it a bit confusing to understand if they were the same or not.In this guide well call it the Goat Trail to Big Bluff to keep things shorter, but we wanted to mention its various name combinations so youre not confused. The payoff is the bluffs, which are beautiful. What an incredible view! Find more places to camp along the Arkansas Buffalo River (Upper District) here. The Buffalo Outdoor Center also offers cabin rentals if camping isnt your cup of tea. With million-dollar views, you wont regret your decision to bring your camera and your sense of adventure to trek this iconic hike in the Ozark Mountains. The gravel parking area at Centerpoint Trailhead can accommodate 20-25 vehicles. The campground is a tent-only facility. The view of the Buffalo River from Big Bluff. OK, lets talk about the ledge trail (or Goat Trail) on Big Bluff for a moment. If you turn right, youll see a sign on a tree that simply says Goat Trail and you follow it to Big Bluff. Its the spring, and theres no better place in the world to be. I searched the Big Bluff Goat Trail in Google and it took me to a place where many people were bathing in the river but zero signs of a hike. Goat Bluff Trail | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails The trail is downhill all the way to Big Bluff, so the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill. It is best to get here around sunrise or close to sunset to have the best chance to see some elk. Where were the goats though?? Will definitely hike it again. The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. AllTrails rates this trail as hard; however, I would argue that it is more of a moderate hike. We had our hearts set on the well-known Centerpoint to Goat Trail, a 5.9 mile out and back trail whose destination is a famously breathtaking view of the Buffalo River. November 17, 2022 November 17, 2022 thesuitcaseagent 1 Comment on Center Point / Big Bluff Goat Trail. While this is a relatively short hike, you may want to bring snacks and food to keep you fueled during the trek. Trail is nicely marked, going back up is not that bad! Hi yall! Your email address will not be published. The trail is rocky, and the way back is almost entirely uphill, but it is a trail accessible to most hikers just make sure to wear sturdy shoes. I have been experimenting with easy hikes lately and I love being in nature. We booked an RV site here the night before hiking the Goat Trail to Big Bluff and while we didnt get to enjoy the amenities due to arriving late, the property is VERY nice, the bathrooms are clean, and they even have a store and restaurant on site. Matt took this photo and thats me walking along the narrow trail. Absolutely incredible views but the return hike is challenging. ! Come along for the hike as we climb to the top of Arkansas' famous "Goat Trail". You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. The trail's destination is the Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. The majority of this trail strolls through the forest. On Tuesday, I decided to make my second hike out to the "big" bluff (this week). On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream