This isnt the best hike for someone with a crippling fear of heights.TRAIL TIPS: As always, take plenty of water. Awesome trail run today. The Goat Trail to Big Bluff is just one of the many things to do in the Buffalo National River area! It is not very steep. Head down the gravel path, which turns into an old homestead road covered in leaf litter. big bluff goat trail deaths 93% of travelers recommend this experience. You can see a list of the sites, as well as their season dates, amenities, and other details here! The Centerpoint Trail is mostly a forested walk, with the occasional view through the trees of the surrounding area at the beginning. It is best to get here around sunrise or close to sunset to have the best chance to see some elk. Want to report conditions for this trail? 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 and The Goat Trail - Ponca, AR - stepoutside.org (Recommended). 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. The Centerpoint to Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River. Next time we'll go earlier in the year. All Rights Reserved. Youll have fun. The surgery would leave him unable to walk for two months and unable to hike for even longer. Hi yall! 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. We love our Camelbak bladder for hikes because it stores a ton of water and its easy to drink while moving. } For our first trip to Northwest Arkansas, we only had the opportunity to hike one trail. Trail maps say big bluff is just .8 miles long before it abruptly ends, but this is far from the truth. 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! You can watch our experience on the trail here to get a better idea of how the trail is. It is an out and back trail, approximately 3 miles each way. Taking in a panoramic view while gettingsome shade! The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. Thanks for reading. Spring is just magic. Happy hiking! We hope yall have a blast! 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! 10 Most Dangerous Spots In Arkansas Nature - OnlyInYourState Now going back to your car is an uphill incline. Wow! What restaurants are near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail? What gorgeous views! The trail is an old logging trail and can be rocky at times. Small gravel parking lot. Enjoy the view but use extreme caution on Big Bluff. 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. In and out down-sloping gravel trail that could pose a challenge to some hiking back out. Our response to COVID-19: Our team is committed to providing a safe and memorable experience for guests and staff. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The hike itself is mostly downhill . Contact Us, 8 am 6 pm | Mar Oct The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. The Happiness Function, LLC 2023. The view at end is well worth it. It is open year-round. 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. Check out our blog for more close by . Like 900 ft. Go down the goat trail to enjoo ok y one of the best views in the Ozarks. You could likely squeeze through this hole, but wed suggest going down below it on the more traditional trail to get around it. 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! I didnt feel the hill out was as bad as it was made out to be either. 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. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? And now back to the bluff There are a few caves where thebluff overhangs. Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 This trail is also not a place for young children. Head down the gravel path, which turns into an old homestead road covered in leaf litter. Awesome trail. If you turn left, you continue on the trail that will take you all the way to Hemmed-in-Hollow. Absolutely incredible views but the return hike is challenging. There are a few names for hiking to this specific viewpoint in Buffalo National River. This location does not have a restroom. Hiking the Big Bluff Goat Trail from the Centerpoint Trailhead is about a 6 mile hike. Thanks for reading and being such a loyal fan. The gravel parking area at Centerpoint Trailhead can accommodate 20-25 vehicles. After about 10 minutes or so, youll reach a cool rocky outcropping that has a hole in it. 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. This iconic hike is located within the Ponca Wilderness, which is a very remote area in Northern Arkansas. Overall a great trail despite the death of the last huge incline going out. A great hike for a group. Have fun. The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. Dont avoid these gorgeous places. I love getting outdoors and into the wilderness. Hope all is well up north. Buffalo River Trail: Steel Creek Campground to Villines Homestead, Buffalo River Trail from Kyles Landing Campground, Ponca Wilderness and Buffalo National River Loop, Buffalo River Paddle Route: Ponca to Kyles Landing, Paige Falls, Broadwater Hollow, Thunder Canyon via Cecil Cove Trail, Buffalo River Trail: Steel Creek Campground to Erbie Campground, Kyles Landing to Camp Orr via Buffalo River Trail, Buffalo River Trail: Compton to Ponca Backpacking Route. 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. Shortly after our arrival at Big Bluff, it became quite clear that a storm was rolling in, and fast. Relatively easy hike for this 6 mile round trip trek. Running water and flushing toilets operate seasonally. After soaking in the views for a bit and snapping tons of photos, we headed back on the Goat Trail to the Centerpoint Trail. THIS IS NOT A PLACE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. Nine of those deaths took place in 2014. Not super wet until you hit the couple of runoff areas. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. If you are not familiar with the area, we recommended downloading maps for offline use or having a topo map (we have this one). a snack to enjoy at the end of the trail. Get a FREE packing list and gear guide from us detailing exactly what we take on a camping and hiking trip! I have an 8 year old thats an experienced hiker that I will bring back. The next day we woke up and left our packs in the tent by the river and hiked up to the falls. It's difficult coming down and even harder coming back up. 6.5 mile roundtrip and gorgeous views this looks like my kinda hike hehe. Big Bluff is part of the Buffalo River Trail, so dont think the trail will simply end. Average hiking time is 4 to 6 hours. The campground is a tent-only facility. The trail is downhill all the way to Big Bluff, so the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill. The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as MileValue.com, Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Loving your adventures and loving these views too! 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. 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. Incredible photography! We absolutely loved it! In her spare time she enjoys driving to the nearest creek to sit a while. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Same trail in same trial out. Hiking the Big Bluff Goat Trail on the Buffalo River The trail's destination is the Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. Will definitely hike it again. From Boxley, Arkansas (the junction of Highways 21 & 43 in Buffalo National River), travel north on Highway 43 to Ponca, Arkansas. Walking along the bluff is a fun and more unique hiking experience and the views of the river as it winds through the area are hard to beat! If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. The goat trail is narrow, but is not dangerous if you are paying attention. The Buffalo Outdoor Center also offers cabin rentals if camping isnt your cup of tea. From the Centerpoint Trailhead, it is about a 1-hour hike to the spur trail that takes you out onto Big Bluff. We camped at the base of the Hemmed in Hollow trail, by the river. 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. 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! This trail is quickly becoming one of the most popular in the state, & for good reason. The Goat Trail is the narrow ledge trail that spurs off of the Centerpoint Trail and takes you out onto Big Bluff. The majority are first-come, first-served and some are free to stay at. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Why Camping at Buffalo Point Campground is Awesome! Great photos! But don't let that scare you. In 2015, an intrepid hiker tried just that, fell through the hole, and had to be airlifted to the hospital. What hotels are near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail? Twenty campers died in a flash flood in 2010. November 17, 2022 November 17, 2022 thesuitcaseagent 1 Comment on Center Point / Big Bluff Goat Trail. J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. Karen you will make it to the Ozarks! It was an awesome experience. It's very steep, and very dangerous. Same song, different spillway. If you have more time to spend in this region, here are some ideas of things to do before or after your hike. Buzzards frequent this area and youllfind feathersalong the trail. Buffalo Outdoor Center is literally right across the highway. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 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. Also, wed love to hear if youve hiked the Goat Trail in Arkansas or if it is on your bucket list! It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo at over 500 ft. tall. I love hoking & camping. 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. While this is a relatively short hike, you may want to bring snacks and food to keep you fueled during the trek. Buffalo Outdoor Center is a proud recipient of the 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice award. Matt took this photo and thats me walking along the narrow trail. } Be sure to continue on past the rock formation with the eyehole to access the Goat Trail. Difficulty : Moderate to Strenuous. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Well worth it, but don't underestimate the hike out. 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 :). Its also home to waterfalls, rocky hikes, mountain views, valleys, the states only herd of elk, and so much more! I have to add this to my list of my must-do hikes so I dont forget.

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