Amazing trial, its a little rough going down to the spot, all downhill just watch your step! The payoff is the bluffs, which are beautiful. By closing this banner or interacting with our site, you acknowledge and agree to our privacy policy. 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). We left our little hikers at home for this one as its definitely more of a challenge and a bit treacherous at spots. This post contains affiliate links, which means well receive a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you. As a lover of all things travel, Paige Wunder is falling in love with the world one destination at a time. These views are amazing. The majority are first-come, first-served and some are free to stay at. Ashlee holds a BS degree in Biology and MS in Environmental Policy & Sustainability and is passionate about the outdoors. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. highly encourage everyone to see this. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Fun fact, the Goat Trail gets its name from the descendents of goats that were brought there by pioneers and these goats either escaped or were released. Buffalo Outdoor Center is an adventure lovers dream! Big Bluff is absolutely a trail that should not be missed. Where were the goats though?? We did encounter a herd of wild boars, but they ran off right away. The man explained that everyone came from the other side walking a lot but that in 10 minutes we would be there. We love hiking in the late fall and during the middle of the week to beat the crowds. I crossed the river 4 or 5 times from one side to the other and walked for an hour without finding anyone. 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. Check out our article with FREE apps we use to plan outdoor adventures hiking, camping, and road tripping all the time! 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! The Centerpoint Trailhead is located approximately 3 miles north of Ponca, AR, directly across Hwy. Rocky, so wear boots if you like your ankles to work for you absolutely worth the hike out. This hike is not recommended for children under 12 years old. The trail becomes a bit more choose your own adventure in some areas, where you can climb up some rocks to continue on the trail, or stick to the more traditional trail. I would love to get to Arkansas . As always, we recommend having the 10 essentials on you when doing any hike, but here are a few key items we want to point out that will especially help you during this hike! Its funny how the world replicates its landscapes over on the other sides of the world!! All rights reserved. The view of the Buffalo River from Big Bluff. While the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, as well as the Buffalo National River, is accessible year round, specific times of the year and certain weather will make the trail more enjoyable.Because the trail has drop offs and exposed areas, which we will discuss more in a second, we would not recommend hiking this trail if it has rained a lot or if there is any ice, as the rocky ledges may be slick and you could accidentally slip and injure yourself.Visiting the Buffalo National River in the late spring or early summer will be your best bet to see lots of waterfalls. } This trail features steep, rocky, and uneven terrain. 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! Truly awesome place for hiking. ); The goat trail is narrow, but is not dangerous if you are paying attention. Ive visited Big Bluff multiple times now. It gets its name from the feral descendants of domesticated goats (brought here by pioneers) who either escaped captivity or were turned loose in the wilderness and eventually became wild. 90 minute drive got us to the Centerpoint trailhead. Steep 2.5 mile hike out- but the trail is beautiful and worth the effort. Check out our blog for more close by . The Centerpoint to Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River. 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. The trail is downhill all the way to Big Bluff, so the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill. It is also not a place for older kids or adults, for that matter, with a penchant for risk taking or horseplay. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Buffalo Outdoor Center is literally right across the highway. I bet going in the summer or fall is just as beautiful as each other. 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. We were the only ones on the trail that we saw. And for goodness sake, please dont drink and boat. This campground is RV-friendly, clean, has fantastic bathrooms, and is open year-round. The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. She is married to an expat Argentine, Pablo! 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. Head down the gravel path, which turns into an old homestead road covered in leaf litter. The hike out will burn your legs for days. Your email address will not be published. Definitely recommend! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The view is spectacular and I did not find it as dangerous as the web says. Goat Bluff Trail Moderate 4 (84) Buffalo National River Photos (88) Directions Print/PDF map Length 3.0 miElevation gain 275 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 3.0-mile out-and-back trail near Compton, Arkansas. Description : The first two miles of this Ozarks trail meanders through deep Ozarks forest and leads to the Big Bluff that is over 500 feet tall. The parking lot for the Centerpoint Trailhead fills up quickly. Your photos are stunning by the way! We absolutely loved it! This crazy formation is inside one of the overhangs. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. (Recommended). Thanks for reading. Home / / big bluff goat trail deaths. Looks like a great hike . To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead. Having a headlamp is not only one of the 10 hiking essentials, but is especially important if you plan to start your hike before sunrise or finish after sunset. Hiking back was no joke! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. While this is a relatively short hike, you may want to bring snacks and food to keep you fueled during the trek. 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. October 20, 2021. Contact Us, 8 am 6 pm | Mar Oct Since the return hike is all uphill, youll definitely want some water, especially if you hike on a hot, sunny day! 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! There are a few names for hiking to this specific viewpoint in Buffalo National River. Next time we'll go earlier in the year. It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo at over 500 ft. tall. I like to do Easy/moderate hikes admist stunning natural beauty, ozarks looks just ideal! 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. The hike from Centerpoint Trailhead to Big Bluff is approximately 6 miles round-trip. So the return trip was pretty tiring. Techno-Tainment Combo in Branson, Dublin's Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies, Great Woodsman Zipline Canopy Tour Branson. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. He was correct. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. what does greyson mean in the bible In her spare time she enjoys driving to the nearest creek to sit a while. 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. Great view. The view from the bluffs in breathtaking as you stand right at the edge and overlook the buffalo. All Rights Reserved. } Hi Marianne thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Get a FREE Camping & Hiking Packing List! Required fields are marked *. Parking lot is pretty decent, not to busy, saw about 3-4 different groups. 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 you'll be going all uphill on the way back. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Looks like such a lovely hike!! Yes, but a leash is recommended, especially on Big Bluff which has some narrow sections with steep drops to one side. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Hike Final thoughts CenterPoint Trail to Goat Trail to Big Bluff The trail to Big Bluff covers 5.9 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,076 feet. There is really only one long stretch back up hill that is hard, but otherwise the climb back up wasnt that bad. One should not jump off of cliffs. This trail is quickly becoming one of the most popular in the state, & for good reason. Same song, different spillway. This is not a place for folks with vertigo or a dislike of heights. Why Camping at Buffalo Point Campground is Awesome! What an incredible view! Hi Sarah! The Goat Trail is the narrow ledge trail that spurs off of the Centerpoint Trail and takes you out onto Big Bluff. 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 :). For our first trip to Northwest Arkansas, we only had the opportunity to hike one trail. I want to do Big Bluff in the spring next year so I can see the river at a nice, high point so you can really see thathorseshoe bend! Just avoid the risky behaviors that could endanger your life, health, and safety. A little muddy, but no traction needed. My papa bear on the trail to the right, and Matt is barely visible to the right. However, the Buffalo National River is just one of the many things to see and do in this area. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! Bringing a lunch and have a picnic at the Bluff is a memory that we will cherish. 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. Thanks for reading. Loved the hike back up. })(); The Happiness Function is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, which are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other affiliate sites. forms: { It can be easy to miss. Designed & Developed by SoloPine.com, The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. callback: cb Looking for a good home base to explore the Buffalo National River and hike the Goat Trail to Big Bluff? 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. Way in seemed harder than the way out Lots of rocks to clamber over. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. You can take a look at the map below before heading out. The Springtime Jonquil Festival In Arkansas Thats Unlike Any Other, Spend A Magical Evening Savoring This Wine And Fondue Experience In Arkansas, Arkansas Oldest Drive-In Theater Is Hiding In A Small Town And Youll Want To Visit, Dine At The Historic Spot In Arkansas Where The Legendary Gangster Al Capone Drank Whiskey, Here Are The 6 Biggest Risks Living In The State Of Arkansas, This Recent Arkansas Phenomenon Is Shrouded In Mystery And Baffling Geologists, 10 Terrifying Things In Arkansas That Can (And Just Might) Kill You, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Arkansas Is Perfect For A Summer Day. She is also an avid collector of tacky fish whatnots, slightly chipped teapots, and other old things. You can find more info about where dogs are allowed at the Buffalo National River here. It is important to note that Goat Trail is not a place for those afraid of heights. Based on reviews, I was nervous about the height and narrowness of the bluffs and the hike on the way out. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. 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! Super pretty and worth it. The views of the Buffalo River were great. This location does not have a restroom. 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. Trails at Andrew Molera State Park allow for bicycling and hiking. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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. We got there later in the morning and luckily saw a couple, but from quite a distance. Thank you! I love hiking the view is always worth the trek! Hi Beverley thanks for reading and commenting. Thanks for the great guide. You will have a BLAST hiking in the Ozarks. AllTrails rates this trail as hard; however, I would argue that it is more of a moderate hike. Big Bluff & The Goat Trail (Compton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. One of the advantages of fall is the ability to catch some pretty amazing views at the beginning of the trail. Youll know when you get to Big Bluff because the views of the Buffalo are epic! 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. Wed suggest starting the hike early so you can enjoy the bluff without a lot of people, which will make it feel safer and more enjoyable.Although, we will agree, if you do not like heights, you may not love Big Bluff. We started early in the day to ensure we got parking in the lot. Published by on October 31, 2021. 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. The trail is virtually all downhill on the way to the Bluff and Goat Trail. 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. } We arrived at the Centerpoint Trailhead bright and early on a Monday morning in November. If you start this hike in the afternoon, carry a light source just in case you're out after dark. The trailhead is located on the right at 3.5 miles. Dont avoid these gorgeous places. The "Goat Trail" to Big Bluff is narrow and dangerous; visitors should proceed with extreme caution when hiking this section of trail. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream We skipped the falls so that we would have some daylight to set up camp. Required fields are marked *. I love hoking & camping. Trail maps say big bluff is just .8 miles long before it abruptly ends, but this is far from the truth. When researching this hike we saw this hike called a variety of names. The trail map claims 3 miles to the start of Big Bluff from the Center-point Trail Head. We got a later start than expected due to spending extra time on Hawks Bill Crag and Glory Hole Falls trails. a snack to enjoy at the end of the trail. This is the main Centerpoint Trail. Relatively easy hike for this 6 mile round trip trek. Follow this old road until you see the . Youll hear and read the route called different names, but they all mean the same thing. Youll have fun. It's approximately 6.5 miles round trip and moderately hard due to the loose rocks and incline. Youll start to walk along a more narrow trail, with a rock wall on your left. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Restaurants near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail: Attractions near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail: 99% of travelers recommend this experience. The footbridge will be re-installed in late-Spring 2023. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! This creek level is OK. Feel free to splash around in water levels two or three times this highjust know that flash flooding is a real problem in the springtime, and water levels can rise suddenly. 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 I would love to hike the Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) in Arkansas. Cant wait to start travelling around the US again! Now going back to your car is an uphill incline. 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. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! Running water and flushing toilets operate seasonally. From here it is a rough trail that continues down the ridgeline to intersect the Old River 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. 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.. The mountains that surround the area are also very beautiful! Inside them are nice spots for some shade. From Boxley, Arkansas (the junction of Highways 21 & 43 in Buffalo National River), travel north on Highway 43 to Ponca, Arkansas. We'll be sharing monthly travel tips and our favorite places to help you plan the best road trips, hiking, and camping! Had we visited a week or two sooner, we can only imagine how even more gorgeous it wouldve been! 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. Seriously, watch that water coming down out of the mountains. Follow along on her adventures - big and small - across this beautiful world. 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. We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our website. We only saw about 6 people on our way back and ended up getting back to the van in about 3 hours. We camped at the base of the Hemmed in Hollow trail, by the river. 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. Average hiking time is 4 to 6 hours. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Make reservations at recreation.gov online or on the app. While youre in the area, there are other great hikes. This is the Little Missouri near Little Rock. This isnt the best hike for someone with a crippling fear of heights.TRAIL TIPS: As always, take plenty of water. Nice trail well maintained. With cabins, RV sites, and even lodges that can sleep 30+ people, there are a variety of accommodations. Thanks so much for reading! Would do again! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 6.5 miles sounds like the perfect distance for a day trip , Had no idea you could see such beauty in Arkansas. Thanks for reading and being such a loyal fan. Go out as early as you can because a) tiny parking lot and b) massive numbers of NPCs taking up space and being rude. From here, its about a 1/4-mile hike out to the start of Big Bluff. It is one of our absolute favorite hikes in the Ozarks (along with hiking the Whitaker Point Trail). It was an awesome experience. Thanks for the support. The Buffalo, situated down below, makes the perfect horseshoe bend. Thanks for sharing. That being said, the view from Goat Trail down into the valley below is utterly stunning and well worth the hike. At 550-ft tall, Big Bluff is just thatbig. You can choose from RV sites, a tent area, or a platform tent, where you can pay extra to have a bed. 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. Looks like a great place to hike and some amazing views for your rewards. 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. We hope to get to hike Goat Trail again sometime when the weather is better, and we have more time to enjoy the view. All Rights Reserved. This trail is also not a place for young children. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. As of last count, Beaver Lake had claimed 120 lives. Fantastic scenery! Park at the Center Point trailhead. Wow! About 0.25 miles from the Goat Trail turn off, youll reach Big Bluff! Four months ago, Eric and I took a weekend trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas for one last hurrah just before his knee surgery. Absolutely incredible views but the return hike is challenging. 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. 2023 Buffalo Outdoor Center. The next day we woke up and left our packs in the tent by the river and hiked up to the falls. After about 2.6 miles, youll reach a clearing with a campfire ring, where you will want to hang a right to take Goat Trail along the edge of Big Bluff. Length : 6 miles roundtrip, 4 hours. The payout at the end of the strenuous hike is a wide open view of the Buffalo National River, plus a geological wonder. Users of the outdoors website All Trails rated Cougar Crest 4.5 out of 5 stars and listed it as "moderate." Related Articles Awesome. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. Its the spring, and theres no better place in the world to be. Check out our channel to get outdoor adventure inspiration! This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. If you make a purchase with Amazon.com through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you. We arrived to the goat trail at about 9 AM. She is a writer, a mom, and a graduate student. Others don't. Never been to Arkansas but would love to visit this trail. The Goat trail EASILY provides one of the BEST scenic views of the Buffalo River. As long as youre cautious, youll be totally fine! Once youve parked your car, youll see the National Park Service trail sign. 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). I had to strip down when I got to the rocky ledge at 2.5mi or so & stayed that way the whole time. Hikers wishing to access the beach, Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Bluffs, Panorama and Spring trails will need to ford the Big Sur River. , Fungi are amazing. Each is a beautiful and unique experience. However, the Goat Trail runs along this cliff face at around 340 feet above the river. Here are a few recommendations for lodging near the hike, as well as the other activities nearby! The main Centerpoint Trail is easy to hike and is through the trees. 4699 AR 43 Hwy Its pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. The trail in doesn't really feel like it is as steep as it is hiking back out. The surgery would leave him unable to walk for two months and unable to hike for even longer. What restaurants are near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail? fantastic, breathtaking and simply a must see! The Goat Trail to Big Bluff is 5.9 miles roundtrip and has an elevation change of 1,076 feet. The Bluffs along Buffalo National River Flickr/Buffalo Outdoor Center Good grief, don't try to jump off a cliff into the river. We will definitely be adding more hikes in the Ponca Wilderness Area to our bucket list, such as a trek to the famous Hemmed in Hollow waterfall. It was a little over 6.5 miles roundtrip taking the Goat Trail to the Big Bluff with around a 1000 ft. descent going in and a 1000 ft. ascent coming back. Big Spring, Blue Spring, and Falling Spring, Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park: Suburban Mushroom Heaven, Three Creeks Conservation Area: A Columbia Favorite, Why I Mushroom Hunt: A Scientists Perspective on Foraging, Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Wild Mushrooms, Sustainable Mushroom Foraging, and Why its so Important, Whites Creek Trail: An Incredible Hub of Biodiversity. Its challenging but Im not an athlete and it was just hard enough. We recommend hiking with comfortable hiking shoes, wool socks, a sun hat, sunglasses, a daypack, and sweat-wicking clothes you can layer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Located 30 miles west of downtown St. Louis, Babler State Park is home to an impressive 2,400-acre old-growth forest ecosystem. Maumelle Campground. I never thought Arkansas had such beauty. Take caution if crossing it. there is a shorter hike alternative that is only 3 miles instead if 6 if you want less hiking. We love creating short videos so you can visualize the trail conditions before your trip. The Goat trail EASILY provides one of the BEST scenic views of the Buffalo River. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Big Bluff is an incredible hike in Northwest Arkansas that takes you to the aptly named, you guessed it, Big Bluff. 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. 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. 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. There is a dedicated parking lot for the hike which has room for probably about 15 cars.