A slip could break your leg or neck. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. It's approximately 6.5 miles round trip and moderately hard due to the loose rocks and incline. Hiking to Big Bluff: The hike takes from 4 to 5 hours to complete round trip if you're in decent shape. Users of the outdoors website All Trails rated Cougar Crest 4.5 out of 5 stars and listed it as "moderate." Related Articles This campground is RV-friendly, clean, has fantastic bathrooms, and is open year-round. That being said, the view from Goat Trail down into the valley below is utterly stunning and well worth the hike. 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. Lots of awesome views definitely a day well spent. Love Arkansas? The trail is downhill all the way to Big Bluff, so the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill. The next day we woke up and left our packs in the tent by the river and hiked up to the falls. It is one of our absolute favorite hikes in the Ozarks (along with hiking the Whitaker Point Trail). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Where were the goats though?? With that being said, hundreds of people safely enjoy Big Bluff every year, so if you feel this is a hike for you, then the physical workout youll get is worth the stunning river view. To arrive at the Goat Trail you must first start at the Centerpoint trailhead. 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! Check us out on YouTube! 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. The trail is an old logging trail and can be rocky at times. Even if you dont make it to the narrow ledge this is still a super spectacular view! Theres another small section though the trees and then you start to notice the trees to your right start to thin out and on your right, you start to see a bluff rise above you and then it opens up. I wasn't sure we would be up to tackling it but hubby and I are so glad we did. The best! This isnt the best hike for someone with a crippling fear of heights.TRAIL TIPS: As always, take plenty of water. Thanks so much for reading! The view at end is well worth it. Since this is a little over 6-mile hike, that makes it a more pleasant experience. To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead. The view from the top is spectacular, but the hike has its dangers. The trail crosses on a shelf of the bluff, which has a great view of the valley but which is narrow at points. dont go if its wet. Maumelle Campground. You can find more info about where dogs are allowed at the Buffalo National River here. Goat Trail to Big Bluff Trail Stats The Goat Trail to Big Bluff is 5.9 miles roundtrip and has an elevation change of 1,076 feet. Besides, the long hike out will be a struggle for them (and you). Although there are several ways to . I love hiking and exploring new trails. The trail is tight in places (where it gets the Goat Trail name) and not suitable for young children. This crazy formation is inside one of the overhangs. So the return trip was pretty tiring. Head down the gravel path, which turns into an old homestead road covered in leaf litter. Wow! Awesome trail run today. It was so foggy you could not see the river or the mountains, we waited an hour and the fog had lifted. Great view. The Goat Trail to Big Bluff is just one of the many things to do in the Buffalo National River area! But even more importantly, make sure you have bags to put your trash in so you can pack out what you brought. It is important to note that Goat Trail is not a place for those afraid of heights. What a beautiful spot for hiking. From this fork is where the rocky bluff begins so you can hike to Big Bluff along the Goat Trail. event : evt, Then, hike the Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) in Arkansas! Loving your adventures and loving these views too! The views are definitely worth the hike. 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. Incredible photography! Again, avoid is a strong word. We arrived to the goat trail at about 9 AM. This trail is quickly becoming one of the most popular in the state, & for good reason. Steep 2.5 mile hike out- but the trail is beautiful and worth the effort. Want to report conditions for this trail? This is the main Centerpoint Trail. Hiking the Big Bluff Goat Trail from the Centerpoint Trailhead is about a 6 mile hike. Hikers wishing to access the beach, Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Bluffs, Panorama and Spring trails will need to ford the Big Sur River. Trail was a little muddy but nothing terrible. 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! We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Theres also a dead tree on the bluff that has years upon years of buzzard stuff lacquered over it. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Bluffs along Buffalo National River Flickr/Buffalo Outdoor Center Good grief, don't try to jump off a cliff into the river. Would do again! The parking lot for the Centerpoint Trailhead fills up quickly. 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. And it may not be the best for small kiddos, unless you can keep them right by your side. We hear that the trail takes about 3-4 hours for most people to complete this hike, but plan extra time if you want to stop for snacks or if you like to take your time hiking.If youre visiting the Buffalo National River, we couldnt recommend this trail more! You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. The Goat Trail is the narrow ledge trail that spurs off of the Centerpoint Trail and takes you out onto Big Bluff. There will be a tree with signage telling you to go to the right to start the Goat Trail. As we mentioned above, there are some ledges, some of which are somewhat narrow, especially at Big Bluff. Just a few other people. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. Its very steep, and very dangerous. It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo at over 500 ft. tall. We hope to get to hike Goat Trail again sometime when the weather is better, and we have more time to enjoy the view. From Boxley, Arkansas (the junction of Highways 21 & 43 in Buffalo National River), travel north on Highway 43 to Ponca, Arkansas. Now going back to your car is an uphill incline. Hwy 43 Firetower Road junction Buffalo National River, Compton, AR 72624. From that entry point most of the trail is . 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. Youll hear and read the route called different names, but they all mean the same thing. Difficulty : Moderate to Strenuous. You will need an AllTrails Pro membership to download maps, which is $30 a year and so worth it! Overall a great trail despite the death of the last huge incline going out. I have an 8 year old thats an experienced hiker that I will bring back. Good grief, dont try to jump off a cliff into the river. It was so beautiful! Some scrambling might be required, depending on how far across the bluffs you want to go. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! 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. Come along with us as we start at the Buffalo Outdoor Center Cabins, wake up early to take on the Center Point Trial to the Goat Trail eventually reaching the site of interest, Big Bluff, and give you our takeaways from the hike.What is the most sketchy hike you have ever done? SUBSCRIBE TO NOMADIC WEEKENDERS ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/NomadicWeekenders?sub_confirmation=1Shoot location listed below: Buffalo National River, Arkansas, USA Ozark National Forest, Arkansas, USA Center Point Trail, Arkansas, USA Goat Trail, Arkansas, USA Big Bluff, Arkansas, USAEquipment and software used to make this video listed below: DJI Mavic Air Canon Rebel T6i iPhone XS GoPro Hero 7 Black Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2017Get to know the Nomadic Weekenders:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadicweekenders/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NomadWeekenders Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NomadicWeekenders/ Check out our blog: https://www.nomadicweekenders.com/ } While youll rarely see a wild goat on Big Bluff these days, a few feral goats do still roam the upper Buffalo River wilderness. Your email address will not be published. Buffalo Outdoor Center is literally right across the highway. But it is a gradual incline the whole way. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Have fun. We arrived at the Centerpoint Trailhead bright and early on a Monday morning in November. There were plenty of spots when we got there (8AM) and when we left (noon). Haha we love you! Just dont fall off. Youll probably want bug spray in the summer. We were there in the fall and the river was almost dry. 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. We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our website. The majority are first-come, first-served and some are free to stay at. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. (Recommended). If you love hiking in the wilderness, then youll love hiking the Centerpoint Trail to Big Bluff. Hi Alex yes, it is definitely a bucket list hike! You could likely squeeze through this hole, but wed suggest going down below it on the more traditional trail to get around it. Please read ourfull disclosurefor more information. Its truly something to marvel at. : Jake Thomas Gardipee, 5 It sure looks like it was worth it for those stunning views though. My mom has a serious fear of heights, but Im so super proud of her because she made it to the amazing overview you see below! 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. 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. However, the Goat Trail runs along this cliff face at around 340 feet above the river. Hi Uncle Burt! 2015 - Solo Pine. 360122 N 932147 W The trail ends at the juncture of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. But don't let that scare you. 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. Hiking back was no joke! the hike in is nothing spectacular but man the destination cant be beat! We were the only ones on the trail that we saw. Thanks for reading. Head down the gravel path, which turns into an old homestead road covered in leaf litter. 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. You can see a list of the sites, as well as their season dates, amenities, and other details here! I was and am still scared of heights. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The summer will also be a great time to see the trees with their lush green color!We hiked the trail in the fall, specifically in early November, and got the last glimpses of fall colors before the leaves fell. 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. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as MileValue.com, Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Definitely recommend! Note that with no foliage on the trees it's pretty warm out. All the rain that we get in springtime makes for beautiful, lush trees, wildflowers are beginning to bloom and the river is higher. Big Bluff is part of the Buffalo River Trail, so dont think the trail will simply end. 6.5 mile roundtrip and gorgeous views this looks like my kinda hike hehe. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Highly recommend, for older/experienced hikers. Trees line the path and near the top they open up to views of the mountains surrounding you. I didnt know such a trail existed in this part of the country. Despite the wet and cold end to our hike, the view from Big Bluff was well worth it. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Absolutely incredible views but the return hike is challenging. Shortly after our arrival at Big Bluff, it became quite clear that a storm was rolling in, and fast. And now back to the bluff There are a few caves where thebluff overhangs. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Youll start to walk along a more narrow trail, with a rock wall on your left. Be sure to continue on past the rock formation with the eyehole to access the Goat Trail. The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. There is a dedicated parking lot for the hike which has room for probably about 15 cars. 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! Make reservations at recreation.gov online or on the app. Enjoy the view but use extreme caution on Big Bluff. It was an awesome experience. 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 :). Find more places to camp along the Arkansas Buffalo River (Upper District) here. Fall, winter, and spring are excellent times of the year to hike in the Ponca Wilderness. A rugged, strenuous hike through the Ponca Wilderness to one of Buffalo National River's most expansive vistas. From the Centerpoint Trailhead, it is about a 1-hour hike to the spur trail that takes you out onto Big Bluff. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. 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.. In and out down-sloping gravel trail that could pose a challenge to some hiking back out. Today was our last hike of our weeks vacation in the Buffalo National River park, and we started at the Centerpoint trail head. esprit criminel saison 15 reid; pfsense not seeing interface; how tall is tahani the good place; Hello world! The Centerpoint to Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River. 8 am 5 pm | Nov Feb. Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River. Keep your footing. The Buffalo Outdoor Center also offers cabin rentals if camping isnt your cup of tea. I turned around about 3 miles on at the hole in the rock cause I was getting pretty tired and it seemed too sketchy for my Midwestern self. They are also allowed on a few trails, including the Tyler Bend Campground trails (Spring Hollow, Buck Ridge, and Rock Wall in the Middle District) and all three Buffalo Point Campground trails (Forest Trail, Overlook Trail, and Campground Trail in the Lower District). On Tuesday, I decided to make my second hike out to the "big" bluff (this week). In summer, its hard to get this view through all of the leaves. You most likely wont see any while youre there, but they do roam somewhere out there!Once getting onto the Goat Trail, the scenery starts to get more interesting. If you begin this hike in the afternoon, please carry a light source just in case you hike out after dark. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? It is an out and back trail, approximately 3 miles each way. We started early in the day to ensure we got parking in the lot. Dont avoid these gorgeous places. Before you read any further, we wanted to clear up the trails name. (Sa. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? 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. I like to do Easy/moderate hikes admist stunning natural beauty, ozarks looks just ideal! 43 from the Fire Tower Road intersection. The area was incredibly remote and quiet. Nine of those deaths took place in 2014. Dont over-pace yourself on the first half, the trip back will demand your stamina lol Its challenging but Im not an athlete and it was just hard enough. Also, wed love to hear if youve hiked the Goat Trail in Arkansas or if it is on your bucket list! Why Camping at Buffalo Point Campground is Awesome! The mountains that surround the area are also very beautiful! Big Bluff & The Goat Trail (Compton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Nice to see a comment from you! This is where the trail corridor opens up into a large, rounded flat area with a fire ring that directionally is at about one oclock on your right. Thanks for sharing. With breathtaking views of the river, mountains, and bluff at the end, it combines so many of the things that make the Buffalo National River special! 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. My wife and I drove down from Springfield Mo after friends told us how great this hike was. About 0.25 miles from the Goat Trail turn off, youll reach Big Bluff! 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. Great photos! Small gravel parking lot. Its a downhill trek until you get to the Goat Trail, but it never felt super steep. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. From the very start of the Goat Bluff section though had AMAZING views and was so much fun. The payout at the end of the strenuous hike is a wide open view of the Buffalo National River, plus a geological wonder. Its pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. Go out as early as you can because a) tiny parking lot and b) massive numbers of NPCs taking up space and being rude. I had to strip down when I got to the rocky ledge at 2.5mi or so & stayed that way the whole time. Taking in a panoramic view while gettingsome shade! These views show, not only how narrow the ledge gets, but also how tall that bluff is above you. 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. They camp in their Aliner often and love road trips and hiking. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. The sheer face of a cliff is certainly not where you want to be during a thunderstorm, so we and some fellow hikers found shelter in a hollowed-out part of the cliff nearby, hoping to wait it out. Required fields are marked *. Truly awesome place for hiking. Simply enter your email to get adventures from across the world, inspiration + conversations about all things travel delivered right to your inbox! Based on reviews, I was nervous about the height and narrowness of the bluffs and the hike on the way out. Snow melting but not muddy. Trail is nicely marked, going back up is not that bad! 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! Avoid the stress of forgetting camping and hiking essentials with our handy guide. Because they look so vastly different, Im going to share them separately so you can see the difference. 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. Centerpoint Trail continues straight here if by chance you are uninterested in the view from the cliff. This, ladies + gentlemen, is my favorite view in Arkansas. I bet going in the summer or fall is just as beautiful as each other. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. As a lover of all things travel, Paige Wunder is falling in love with the world one destination at a time. Paige Wunder is based in the Ozarks where she lives with her husband. The trail's destination is the Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. There are about 800 Rocky Mountain elk, which were brought to the area to replace the Eastern elk that had gone extinct. Pin this hiking guide to help plan your adventure! (Recommended) It's quite a hike from the Camp Grounds but doable. The hardest part of the trail looks like an old gravel bed with a lot of loose rocks. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! The surgery would leave him unable to walk for two months and unable to hike for even longer. In this guide were sharing everything you need to know before hiking the Goat Trail to Big Bluff in the Buffalo National River, including trail stats, what to bring, and more!Despite living in Texas for the majority of our lives, we never visited Arkansas and boy, were we missing out! It almost looks like a beehive. Our response to COVID-19: Our team is committed to providing a safe and memorable experience for guests and staff. Bring bug spray! "TINY CABIN", View all hotels near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail on Tripadvisor. The Buffalo National River and Ozark Mountains are incredibly scenic and reminded us a bit of driving around West Virginia. Length : 6 miles roundtrip, 4 hours. Hope all is well up north. If you have more time to spend in this region, here are some ideas of things to do before or after your hike. Luckily, we started early, but definitely be cautious of the heat + humidity that hits the Ozarks in the summer. Thanks for the great guide. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! more, The Haygoods: Branson's Most Popular Show, The Petersens at The Little Opry Theatre in Branson, Admission ticket to The Texas Tenors in Branson, Beyond The Lens! At 550-ft tall, Big Bluff is just thatbig. Big Bluff is an incredible hike in Northwest Arkansas that takes you to the aptly named, you guessed it, Big Bluff. 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. This was one of my top five hikes ever!! The man explained that everyone came from the other side walking a lot but that in 10 minutes we would be there. on: function(evt, cb) { This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. I didnt feel the hill out was as bad as it was made out to be either. Nice views. Awesome trail. The Centerpoint to Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River. In this hiking guide were sharing all of the details about hiking to Big Bluff on the Goat Trail, including where to start, trail stats, things to know before you go, our experience, as well as some other spots to check out nearby. She loves sharing her adventures both big & small. Don't ignore the climb back out. Seriously, watch that water coming down out of the mountains. It is not very steep. The trailhead is located on the right at 3.5 miles. 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. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! Karen you will make it to the Ozarks! We did encounter a herd of wild boars, but they ran off right away. 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. Well done to your Mum for doing this! Big Bluff Trail leads out about a tenth of a mile before coming out on the face of Big Bluff. Centerpoint to Big Bluff Trail Overlook. Awesome. But please dont lean over and topple onto the ground below. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Big Bluff Goat Trail | northern Arkansas | - YouTube Welcome back! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. hike out is a bit steep in places. more information Accept. The first summer visit we made here, Matt and I got up early, picked up my parents and set off for a day trip. This is the Little Missouri near Little Rock. The best reason for going in the spring, though, is the sheer beauty of springtime in the Ozarks. She is married to an expat Argentine, Pablo! At 550 feet, its the larges bluff face between the Rockies and Appalachians. Thankfully, between working on an eastern time schedule and both of us being fairly fast hikers, we've been able to get in some solid trail time after work. You will have a BLAST hiking in the Ozarks. Goats and Buzzards The Goat Trail is the narrow ledge trail that spurs off of the Centerpoint Trail and takes you out onto Big Bluff. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We'll be sharing monthly travel tips and our favorite places to help you plan the best road trips, hiking, and camping! We founded The Happiness Function to show you how to seek fulfillment outdoors through an active lifestyle, hiking, camping, and road-tripping in the USA. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. In addition to the massive bluff, it overlooks one of the most stunning views of the Buffalo River, especially in the spring when the water is higher. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona All Rights Reserved. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. There is not much cell service in the area and its helpful to track your progress on the trail, as well as verify the route if needed. It is not advisable to bring children, liquor, or reckless behavior on this hike.