Every year residents of Northwest Arkansas and the river valley hear about Beaver Lake tragedies on the local news. We did encounter a herd of wild boars, but they ran off right away. This 4.5-mile hike summits a 1,347-foot peak with stunning views over Montaa de Oro. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Nice views. The main Centerpoint Trail is easy to hike and is through the trees. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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 side trail that leads to an outcropping on the bluff is called the Goat Trail and is about 350 ft. tall. ! the hike in is nothing spectacular but man the destination cant be beat! 2015 - Solo Pine. The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. She's a road trip aficionado, an avid hiker, lover of learning + culture and an all-around wanderess. From here, it's about a 1/4-mile hike out to the start of Big Bluff. What hotels are near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail? The hike down to Big Bluff is relatively easy, though rocky. Big Bluff is part of the Buffalo River Trail, so dont think the trail will simply end. The goat trail is narrow, but is not dangerous if you are paying attention. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Would love to hike the Big Bluff Goat Trail with my family! 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Pin this hiking guide to help plan your adventure! The trail is an old logging trail and can be rocky at times. I wasn't sure we would be up to tackling it but hubby and I are so glad we did. on: function(evt, cb) { This iconic hike is located within the Ponca Wilderness, which is a very remote area in Northern Arkansas. It is open year-round. Wed highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map for the route youre hiking before you go. This 5-mile out and back hike ventures up a coastal canyon at the south end of Montaa de Oro State Park. The campground is a tent-only facility. The majority are first-come, first-served and some are free to stay at. At a corner I saw a horse path and decided to follow it. You are two hearty hikers to do that in the rain! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our website. 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. Great views after the two mile mark though! . The Bluffs along Buffalo National River Flickr/Buffalo Outdoor Center Good grief, don't try to jump off a cliff into the river. These views are amazing. There is a dedicated parking lot for the hike which has room for probably about 15 cars. 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. Bicycles are permitted only on authorized trails: Creamery Meadow and Ridge trails. Thanks for reading. Hi Beverley thanks for reading and commenting. 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. Good for your mom for getting up and out there, Im sure she liked the views once she got there, even if they were a little scary. You can do it! The trail is tight in places (where it gets the Goat Trail name) and not suitable for young children. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! As long as you are mindful of the ledge, most hikers will have no trouble enjoying this view safely. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. While youll rarely see a wild goat on Big Bluff these days, a few feral goats do still roam the upper Buffalo River wilderness. 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. 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. That being said, the view from Goat Trail down into the valley below is utterly stunning and well worth the hike. A lot of parking at trailhead and it was muddy when I went but over all was good (12/18/2022). Youll know when you get to Big Bluff because the views of the Buffalo are epic! This trail is also not a place for young children. These views show, not only how narrow the ledge gets, but also how tall that bluff is above you. Come along for the hike as we climb to the top of Arkansas' famous "Goat Trail". Thank you! J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. For our first trip to Northwest Arkansas, we only had the opportunity to hike one trail. The Centerpoint to Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River. It is an out and back trail, approximately 3 miles each way. Get a FREE Camping & Hiking Packing List! The trail is virtually all downhill on the way to the Bluff and Goat Trail. By closing this banner or interacting with our site, you acknowledge and agree to our privacy policy. Restaurants near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail: Attractions near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail: 99% of travelers recommend this experience. 2023 Buffalo Outdoor Center. OK, avoiding these spots is not a good idea. Although there are several ways to reach Goat Trail, which follows along the edge of Big Bluff, Centerpoint Trail is arguably the most popular route. Documented service animals welcome. Sharing our experiences in the wilderness and what we learn along the way. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. The views of the Buffalo River were great. Lots of unsuspecting swimmers have been washed away. Dont over-pace yourself on the first half, the trip back will demand your stamina lol Speaking of trees, one of the great privileges of being out on Big Bluff is the chance to see the large, aged junipers that somehow manage to grow along the trails edge, clinging to what seems like nothing but sheer rock and very little soil. 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. Despite the wet and cold end to our hike, the view from Big Bluff was well worth it. From the very start of the Goat Bluff section though had AMAZING views and was so much fun. Check us out on YouTube! Required fields are marked *. If you are not familiar with the area, we recommended downloading maps for offline use or having a topo map (we have this one). The trail map claims 3 miles to the start of Big Bluff from the Center-point Trail Head. Finally I found two people who were riding a horse and were heading towards the place and I followed them. Bring water and snacks, it helps to enjoy the final view :). 90 minute drive got us to the Centerpoint trailhead. 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. 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. Thanks for your support! With cabins, RV sites, and even lodges that can sleep 30+ people, there are a variety of accommodations. And similar to West Virginia, we think this area is majorly underrated and a hidden gem! 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. Check out our channel to get outdoor adventure inspiration! a snack to enjoy at the end of the trail. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! The trail in doesn't really feel like it is as steep as it is hiking back out. (Recommended). Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Thanks for the support. Centerpoint to Big Bluff Trail Overlook. Buffalo Outdoor Center is an adventure lovers dream! It sure looks like it was worth it for those stunning views though. Hi yall! 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 These cabins range in size and cost, but feature kitchens and amenities to make you feel right at home! Thanks for sharing. We also saw some deer. Techno-Tainment Combo in Branson, Dublin's Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies, Great Woodsman Zipline Canopy Tour Branson. 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. Don't ignore the climb back out. Great hiking. I think this is my favorite Big Bluff photo because it really shows just how big thisbluff is. What a beautiful hike!! We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! The footbridge will be re-installed in late-Spring 2023. This location does not have a restroom. You will need an AllTrails Pro membership to download maps, which is $30 a year and so worth it! We camped at the base of the Hemmed in Hollow trail, by the river. I would love to get to Arkansas . I crossed the river 4 or 5 times from one side to the other and walked for an hour without finding anyone. Service animals permitted. Great photos! We hope yall have a blast! Same trail in same trial out. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo at over 500 ft. tall. Good grief, dont try to jump off a cliff into the river. The majority of this trail strolls through the forest. A rugged, strenuous hike through the Ponca Wilderness to one of Buffalo National River's most expansive vistas. Home / / big bluff goat trail deaths. When researching this hike we saw this hike called a variety of names. October 20, 2021. Want to report conditions for this trail? 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! 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. We planned to make it for sunrise at the bluff, so we hit the trail at about 6 am. highly encourage everyone to see this. Its very steep, and very dangerous. Each is a beautiful and unique experience. They camp in their Aliner often and love road trips and hiking. Goat Trail is on our list this fall! Your email address will not be published. { There is really only one long stretch back up hill that is hard, but otherwise the climb back up wasnt that bad. This crazy formation is inside one of the overhangs. In fact, its so big that it has the distinction of being the tallest sheer bluff face found between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains. Views from the bluffs are incomparable, and it served as the perfect place to catch up on some reading on a beautiful sunny day. Well worth it, but don't underestimate the hike out. Since the return hike is all uphill, youll definitely want some water, especially if you hike on a hot, sunny day! The Centerpoint to Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River. more information Accept. 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 differences between your fall and summer pics are so stunning! We hope to get to hike Goat Trail again sometime when the weather is better, and we have more time to enjoy the view. It is not recommended for kids or those afraid of heights. We left our little hikers at home for this one as its definitely more of a challenge and a bit treacherous at spots. 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. This is not a place for folks with vertigo or a dislike of heights. dont go if its wet. We are so happy Arkansas / Campgrounds. Big Bluff demands we all be on our best behavior in exchange for enjoying one of the most lofty views of the Buffalo National River accessible by hiking trail. 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. Avoid the stress of forgetting camping and hiking essentials with our handy guide. 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! Amazing trial, its a little rough going down to the spot, all downhill just watch your step! The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. While the official distance is 5.9 miles on All Trails, our GPS tracked us at just shy of 7 miles. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Truly awesome place for hiking. Those views are incredible and definitely (I would assume) worth the hike! The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. Amina you would have fun hiking here! Its the spring, and theres no better place in the world to be. Pass Ponca and travel up a significant uphill. To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead. Once youve parked your car, youll see the National Park Service trail sign. And now back to the bluff There are a few caves where thebluff overhangs. If camping during the winter, there are vault toilets. Youll probably want bug spray in the summer. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? Thanks for reading. Love Arkansas? Have fun. We got there later in the morning and luckily saw a couple, but from quite a distance. 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. Enjoy the view but use extreme caution on Big Bluff. Incredible photography! I never thought Arkansas had such beauty. Nice trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so be prepared to go to the restroom in advance (JB Trading Co is close by and has a gas station and convenience store) or go in the woods, but make sure to pack out any toilet paper! Please read ourfull disclosurefor more information. Super pretty and worth it. The trail is downhill all the way to Big Bluff, so the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill. Relatively easy hike for this 6 mile round trip trek. Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. Its pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. 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. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream You come to a Y in the trail and the campground sits in the middle of the Y. The trail's destination is the Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. It is not very steep. 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. Nice to see a comment from you! 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. Like 900 ft. Go down the goat trail to enjoo ok y one of the best views in the Ozarks. Nice trail well maintained. Its challenging but Im not an athlete and it was just hard enough. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Buffalo Outdoor Center 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! It's very steep, and very dangerous. Contact Us, 8 am 6 pm | Mar Oct Awesome trail run today. There were plenty of spots when we got there (8AM) and when we left (noon). Loving your adventures and loving these views too! The trail crosses on a shelf of the bluff, which has a great view of the valley but which is narrow at points. 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! 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. 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. forms: { Looks like such a lovely hike!! The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. Hotels near Fort Smith Municipal Airport (FSM), Motels near Fort Smith Municipal Airport (FSM), Things to do near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail, Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park, Budapest Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna, Half Day Zanzibar Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve Snorkeling Tour, Small-Group Dallas and Fort Worth City Sightseeing Tour, Venice City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, 3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, Make Your Own Pizza in Rome - Pizza Making with a local Chef, Amber Cove & Taino Bay Shore Excursion, Private Charter on Blue Sky Catamaran, *NEW* BUFFALO RIVER VALLEY VIEWS-5MIN FROM PONCA! There are a few names for hiking to this specific viewpoint in Buffalo National River. Great views, great scenery,. We started about 6:00 and it took us about an hour and a half to get down to the base of the trail. Now going back to your car is an uphill incline. A great hike for a group. Yes, but a leash is recommended, especially on Big Bluff which has some narrow sections with steep drops to one side. However, the thunder started shortly after we hit trail. 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. We love creating short videos so you can visualize the trail conditions before your trip. 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/ 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. This post contains affiliate links, which means well receive a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.