Just a few other people. We were the only ones on the trail that we saw. Follow this old road until you see the first obvious fork to the right. Its also home to waterfalls, rocky hikes, mountain views, valleys, the states only herd of elk, and so much more! 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. Thanks so much for reading! Park at the Center Point trailhead. Theres also a dead tree on the bluff that has years upon years of buzzard stuff lacquered over it. The parking lot for the Centerpoint Trailhead fills up quickly. And it may not be the best for small kiddos, unless you can keep them right by your side. Are you looking for an incredible hike with epic views and relatively minimal scrambling in the Ozarks? The differences between your fall and summer pics are so stunning! And similar to West Virginia, we think this area is majorly underrated and a hidden gem! big bluff goat trail deaths. The trail is an old logging trail and can be rocky at times. 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! Each is a beautiful and unique experience. Centerpoint Trail continues straight here if by chance you are uninterested in the view from the cliff. There's a spur off the Centerpoint Trail called Goat Trail, which leads to Big Bluff, a bluff over 500 ft tall and considered the tallest bluff along the Buffalo River. If you have more time to spend in this region, here are some ideas of things to do before or after your hike. Home / / big bluff goat trail deaths. Restaurants near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail: Attractions near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail: 99% of travelers recommend this experience. At a corner I saw a horse path and decided to follow it. 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! Also, wed love to hear if youve hiked the Goat Trail in Arkansas or if it is on your bucket list! Such beautiful views reminds me a lot of the hikes we do on the NSW South Coast of Australia very similar views. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. The fork to the right is NOT MARKED with an obvious trail sign but takes you to the Big Bluff (Goat Trail). Very rocky getting down but doable. 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. 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 the Centerpoint Trailhead, it is about a 1-hour hike to the spur trail that takes you out onto Big Bluff. I think this is my favorite Big Bluff photo because it really shows just how big thisbluff is. Loving your adventures and loving these views too! Youll know you made it when you see the rocky ledge that curves around the bluff, with open and incredible views of the Buffalo National River! These cabins range in size and cost, but feature kitchens and amenities to make you feel right at home! Great views, great scenery,. I would love to get to Arkansas . If you turn left, you continue on the trail that will take you all the way to Hemmed-in-Hollow. Although there are several ways to . The best reason for going in the spring, though, is the sheer beauty of springtime in the Ozarks. 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. At 550-ft tall, Big Bluff is just thatbig. I didnt feel the hill out was as bad as it was made out to be either. J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. The trail is tight in places (where it gets the Goat Trail name) and not suitable for young children. Well worth it, but don't underestimate the hike out. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The main Centerpoint Trail is easy to hike and is through the trees. Its pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. Dogs are not allowed on the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, as well as on many of the trails nearby. Thank you! However, the Buffalo National River is just one of the many things to see and do in this area. The Goat Trail starts about 2.5 miles down. Looking for more things to do in Arkansas? 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. He lived, but it still wasnt a good idea. Taking in a panoramic view while gettingsome shade! Nice trail well maintained. While youre in the area, there are other great hikes. Enjoy the view but use extreme caution on Big Bluff. 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. On the way back, the hike is all uphill, which makes it a bit harder, but minus a couple pretty steep sections, which had us huffing and puffing a bit, its not too difficult. This is the main Centerpoint Trail. We hope to get to hike Goat Trail again sometime when the weather is better, and we have more time to enjoy the view. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. 2023 Buffalo Outdoor Center. 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. When researching this hike we saw this hike called a variety of names. Super tight view all the same. Truly awesome place for hiking. The views are definitely worth the hike. Although you are way above the river on the bluffs, I felt like the bluffs were wide enough to feel safe and it was not slippery at all. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan A rugged, strenuous hike through the Ponca Wilderness to one of Buffalo National River's most expansive vistas. A slip could break your leg or neck. And now back to the bluff There are a few caves where thebluff overhangs. No restrooms there, but a decent gas stop and convenience store was just a short distance before we got there. She's a road trip aficionado, an avid hiker, lover of learning + culture and an all-around wanderess. Haha we love you! 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). Users of the outdoors website All Trails rated Cougar Crest 4.5 out of 5 stars and listed it as "moderate." Related Articles Cant wait to start travelling around the US again! Don't ignore the climb back out. It almost looks like a beehive. With million-dollar views, you wont regret your decision to bring your camera and your sense of adventure to trek this iconic hike in the Ozark Mountains. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Then, hike the Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) in Arkansas! Luckily, we started early, but definitely be cautious of the heat + humidity that hits the Ozarks in the summer. (function() { 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. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Once youve parked your car, youll see the National Park Service trail sign. Find more places to camp along the Arkansas Buffalo River (Upper District) here. The hike from Centerpoint Trailhead to Big Bluff is approximately 6 miles round-trip. 8 am 5 pm | Nov Feb. Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River. The river water has a clear, blue color, which contrasted super nicely with the yellow and orange leaves we witnessed. The Centerpoint trail is broad and easy to walk, although like so many trails in mountainous Buffalo River country, its basically uphill all the way back (2.5 miles). Required fields are marked *. It is also not a place for older kids or adults, for that matter, with a penchant for risk taking or horseplay. 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. When you look out, you can see the gorgeous Ozark Mountains and then further down to the Buffalo River and this is the spot where it makes a perfect horseshoe bend. This, ladies + gentlemen, is my favorite view in Arkansas. These views are amazing. Buffalo Outdoor Center Those views are incredible and definitely (I would assume) worth the hike! If you love hiking in the wilderness, then youll love hiking the Centerpoint Trail to Big Bluff. I have never been big into hiking but the more I see these photos, the more I want to get out there and do it full on. Then the trail dips down for the next 1.5 miles or so and then comes back up. Goat trail is on the right and it had no marking. (Sa. FREE apps we use to plan outdoor adventures, 5 Best Places to Camp Along the Arkansas Buffalo River (Upper District), 12 Hiking Trails in Arkansas You Cannot Miss, The Perfect Weekend at Mount Nebo State Park, Plan the Best Weekend at Devils Den State Park, The Ultimate Guide to Petit Jean State Park, How to Reach Hawksbill Crag Hiking the Whitaker Point Trail, Lost Valley Trail: Incredible Hike to Cob Cave and a Waterfall . Keep your footing. Ashlee Fechino is an outdoor recreation and travel writer and founder of The Happiness Function. You should especially avoid that when the water is high. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! Unfortunately, we picked one of the hottest days of the year. Because they look so vastly different, Im going to share them separately so you can see the difference. Looks like a great place to hike and some amazing views for your rewards. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Nice trail. We'll be sharing monthly travel tips and our favorite places to help you plan the best road trips, hiking, and camping! hike out is a bit steep in places. All the rain that we get in springtime makes for beautiful, lush trees, wildflowers are beginning to bloom and the river is higher. The mountains that surround the area are also very beautiful! 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. Thanks for sharing. Besides, the long hike out will be a struggle for them (and you). Ozark Cabins has quite a few properties around the Buffalo National River, including some right across from the trailhead. We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our website. event : evt, Good grief, dont try to jump off a cliff into the river. It is open year-round. 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. You can do it! Nice views. 90 minute drive got us to the Centerpoint trailhead. For our first trip to Northwest Arkansas, we only had the opportunity to hike one trail. Id love to visit this place twice so itll be hard to choose even when to go once. What restaurants are near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail? 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. Wed highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map for the route youre hiking before you go. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. It is not recommended for kids or those afraid of heights. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( A little muddy at spots, and steep climb coming back, but absolutely worth the trek. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo at over 500 ft. tall. All Rights Reserved. Spring is my favorite time of year to go anywhere in the Ozarks for multiple reasons. Next time we'll go earlier in the year. Now going back to your car is an uphill incline. Love Arkansas? If you begin this hike in the afternoon, please carry a light source just in case you hike out after dark. Your photos are stunning by the way! You can take a look at the map below before heading out. 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 youre going and when to turn around. 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! Designed & Developed by SoloPine.com, The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. Its the spring, and theres no better place in the world to be. She is also an avid collector of tacky fish whatnots, slightly chipped teapots, and other old things. Nice to see a comment from you! Big Bluff is absolutely a trail that should not be missed. 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. The Goat trail EASILY provides one of the BEST scenic views of the Buffalo River. Dogs are only allowed at campgrounds, on the river, and on the gravel bars, but must be on leash. We started about 6:00 and it took us about an hour and a half to get down to the base of the trail. 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. Awesome trail run today. Dont over-pace yourself on the first half, the trip back will demand your stamina lol I was and am still scared of heights. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, there are compelling reasons to add , When confronted with a patch of edible mushrooms in the woods, especially rare and delicious ones, we are often overcome , A couple of weekends ago, Eric and I, accompanied by friends John and Sammy, drove four hours southeast to explore . This isnt the best hike for someone with a crippling fear of heights.TRAIL TIPS: As always, take plenty of water. 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. callback: cb We entered at Center Point trail. Buzzards frequent this area and youllfind feathersalong the trail. Length : 6 miles roundtrip, 4 hours. 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. Shortly after our arrival at Big Bluff, it became quite clear that a storm was rolling in, and fast. Great view. And the highlight of our time there was hiking the Goat Trail to Big Bluff (watch our experience)! The Goat trail EASILY provides one of the BEST scenic views of the Buffalo River. One should not jump off of cliffs. 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. But please dont lean over and topple onto the ground below. That being said, the view from Goat Trail down into the valley below is utterly stunning and well worth the hike. This crazy formation is inside one of the overhangs. The later inthe year you get, the lower the Buffalo River gets. Weve been in the spring, summer and fall. After about 10 minutes or so, youll reach a cool rocky outcropping that has a hole in it. 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! 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. About 0.25 miles from the Goat Trail turn off, youll reach Big Bluff! The majority of this trail strolls through the forest. On paper it might seem that way, but in action it's just a gorgeo. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Get a FREE packing list and gear guide from us detailing exactly what we take on a camping and hiking trip! You can choose from RV sites, a tent area, or a platform tent, where you can pay extra to have a bed. 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. Have a great hike next time you go, Ashlee & Pablo. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream What an incredible view! Lots of unsuspecting swimmers have been washed away. To arrive at the Goat Trail you must first start at the Centerpoint trailhead. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Had we visited a week or two sooner, we can only imagine how even more gorgeous it wouldve been! The trail map claims 3 miles to the start of Big Bluff from the Center-point Trail Head. This was one of my top five hikes ever!! All Rights Reserved. Not super wet until you hit the couple of runoff areas. All Rights Reserved. Its challenging but Im not an athlete and it was just hard enough. To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead. Youll know when you get to Big Bluff because the views of the Buffalo are epic! Based on reviews, I was nervous about the height and narrowness of the bluffs and the hike on the way out. Paige Wunder is based in the Ozarks where she lives with her husband. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. The trail's destination is the Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. Four months ago, Eric and I took a weekend trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas for one last hurrah just before his knee surgery. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. 3. 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. 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. This campground is RV-friendly, clean, has fantastic bathrooms, and is open year-round. Took lots breaks on the way back but it was very doable. While this is a relatively short hike, you may want to bring snacks and food to keep you fueled during the trek. The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. One of the advantages of fall is the ability to catch some pretty amazing views at the beginning of the trail. Same trail in same trial out. 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. Big Bluff Goat Trail | northern Arkansas | - YouTube Welcome back! forms: { The hike itself is mostly downhill . a snack to enjoy at the end of the trail. These views show, not only how narrow the ledge gets, but also how tall that bluff is above you. Thanks for your support! Nor is it the place for a beer fest or the intake of any other substance that can alter your balance and/or judgement, even if its a Dramamine. { Loved the hike back up. 3.5 miles north of Ponca, on hwy 43. They camp in their Aliner often and love road trips and hiking. Learn how your comment data is processed. Why Camping at Buffalo Point Campground is Awesome! Well done to your Mum for doing this! If you start this hike in the afternoon, carry a light source just in case you're out after dark. We hope it helps you plan an epic adventure in the Buffalo National River! Hello from the Florida Keys! Despite the wet and cold end to our hike, the view from Big Bluff was well worth it. There are two campgrounds relatively close to the Centerpoint Trailhead. There are already a lot of great resources out there to help provide you with . Yes, its beautiful. Incredible photography! Trail was a little muddy but nothing terrible. The trail is virtually all downhill on the way to the Bluff and Goat Trail. on: function(evt, cb) { The trail got a little confusing when you get to the intersection between goat trail and center point. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 6.5 miles sounds like the perfect distance for a day trip , Had no idea you could see such beauty in Arkansas. I have to add this to my list of my must-do hikes so I dont forget. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Hi Beverley thanks for reading and commenting. Happy hiking! Great hiking. We are so happy Arkansas / Campgrounds. The Goat Trail and Big Bluff. It was so beautiful! Relatively easy hike for this 6 mile round trip trek. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! fantastic, breathtaking and simply a must see! We were there in the fall and the river was almost dry. Your email address will not be published.