As long as youre cautious, youll be totally fine! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. A lot of parking at trailhead and it was muddy when I went but over all was good (12/18/2022). 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! I love getting outdoors and into the wilderness. Follow this old road until you see the first obvious fork to the right. 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. We got a later start than expected due to spending extra time on Hawks Bill Crag and Glory Hole Falls trails. 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. So the return trip was pretty tiring. 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. It was muddy but oh so worth it! Next time we'll go earlier in the year. 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. It was our first hike in the area and we started later in the day than we should have. Thanks for the support. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? Centerpoint Trail continues straight here if by chance you are uninterested in the view from the cliff. , Fungi are amazing. 8 am 5 pm | Nov Feb. Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River. The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. Since this is a little over 6-mile hike, that makes it a more pleasant experience. This iconic hike is located within the Ponca Wilderness, which is a very remote area in Northern Arkansas. Simply enter your email to get adventures from across the world, inspiration + conversations about all things travel delivered right to your inbox! Be sure to continue on past the rock formation with the eyehole to access the Goat 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. The hike itself is mostly downhill . 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. When we set out in the morning, there was rain in the forecast. J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. Come on an email adventure with us! Once you hit this spot, youre SO close to Big Bluff! 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. This was one of my top five hikes ever!! Since the return hike is all uphill, youll definitely want some water, especially if you hike on a hot, sunny day! Inside them are nice spots for some shade. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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 This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. 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. Its almost time to hit the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, but before you go, here are a few more things to be aware of, including some rules, parking info, and more! 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 . The trail got a little confusing when you get to the intersection between goat trail and center point. In and out down-sloping gravel trail that could pose a challenge to some hiking back out. big bluff goat trail deaths . The payout at the end of the strenuous hike is a wide open view of the Buffalo National River, plus a geological wonder. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is a popular hike and can be pretty busy on the weekends. Also, wed love to hear if youve hiked the Goat Trail in Arkansas or if it is on your bucket list! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our website. 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. In her spare time she enjoys driving to the nearest creek to sit a while. Loving your adventures and loving these views too! AllTrails rates this trail as hard; however, I would argue that it is more of a moderate hike. 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. Follow along on her adventures - big and small - across this beautiful world. The Centerpoint Trail leads into the rugged Ponca Wilderness of Buffalo National River. 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. You'll have a very scenic look over the Buffalo River valley, the river flows all the way through the Ozark Mountains, but exercise extreme caution as people have died falling off the trail. Hwy 43 Firetower Road junction Buffalo National River, Compton, AR 72624. It is not advisable to bring children, liquor, or reckless behavior on this hike. Well worth it, but don't underestimate the hike out. In fact, its so big that it has the distinction of being the tallest sheer bluff face found between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. There are already a lot of great resources out there to help provide you with . We camped at the base of the Hemmed in Hollow trail, by the river. a snack to enjoy at the end of the trail. Nice views. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Stay warm up there! There is a dedicated parking lot for the hike which has room for probably about 15 cars. Nice trail well maintained. I wasn't sure we would be up to tackling it but hubby and I are so glad we did. It almost looks like a beehive. Consequently, plan extra time on the hike out as it's all uphill. Check out our blog for more close by . In 2007, a man really did that. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! She loves sharing her adventures both big & small. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as MileValue.com, Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. A slip could break your leg or neck. Then the trail dips down for the next 1.5 miles or so and then comes back up. Length : 6 miles roundtrip, 4 hours. Others don't. Before headingback up to the top, Matt, my dad and I joined my mom with her awesome view, ate a granola bar and soaked it all in. Never been to Arkansas but would love to visit this trail. It is an out and back trail, approximately 3 miles each way. Check out our channel to get outdoor adventure inspiration! the hike in is nothing spectacular but man the destination cant be beat! Bringing a lunch and have a picnic at the Bluff is a memory that we will cherish. My papa bear on the trail to the right, and Matt is barely visible to the right. You can choose from RV sites, a tent area, or a platform tent, where you can pay extra to have a bed. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Nice trail. Nine of those deaths took place in 2014. The trailhead is located on the right at 3.5 miles. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. If you were to visit her, she'd try to feed you cornbread. This campground is RV-friendly, clean, has fantastic bathrooms, and is open year-round. The trail map claims 3 miles to the start of Big Bluff from the Center-point Trail Head. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Highly recommend, for older/experienced hikers. haha. Awesome trail. We love our Camelbak bladder for hikes because it stores a ton of water and its easy to drink while moving. The Buffalo National River and Ozark Mountains are incredibly scenic and reminded us a bit of driving around West Virginia. Please do go and enjoy the view. Big Bluff is part of the Buffalo River Trail, so dont think the trail will simply end. The Goat Trail starts about 2.5 miles down. While youll rarely see a wild goat on Big Bluff these days, a few feral goats do still roam the upper Buffalo River wilderness. Published by on October 31, 2021. This looks like an amazing place to hike. Make sure you go past the hole in the rock for the best part of the whole trail. 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! What an incredible view! The hike out will burn your legs for days. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Although there is a perspective from the far eastern side of the Goat Trail (behind where the hiker in the photograph is walking) that is better suited for morning photography as its a west-facing shot. The Centerpoint Trail is mostly a forested walk, with the occasional view through the trees of the surrounding area at the beginning. Very rocky getting down but doable. The Buffalo, situated down below, makes the perfect horseshoe bend. It is not recommended for kids or those afraid of heights. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Home / / big bluff goat trail deaths. Documented service animals welcome. Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Dont avoid these gorgeous places. However, the thunder started shortly after we hit trail. 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. The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. The majority are first-come, first-served and some are free to stay at. 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. Not super wet until you hit the couple of runoff areas. 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. 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. Way in seemed harder than the way out Lots of rocks to clamber over. There will be a tree with signage telling you to go to the right to start the Goat Trail. Its also home to waterfalls, rocky hikes, mountain views, valleys, the states only herd of elk, and so much more! 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. Matt took this photo and thats me walking along the narrow trail. Hi Alex yes, it is definitely a bucket list hike! The gravel parking area at Centerpoint Trailhead can accommodate 20-25 vehicles. Wearing layers helps regulate your body temperature when hiking to keep your body warm or cool, depending on the weather. Even with a fear of heights I was able to navigate the narrower parts of the Goat Trail. 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). The Goat Trail is the narrow ledge trail that spurs off of the Centerpoint Trail and takes you out onto Big Bluff. Buffalo Outdoor Center And , Many people love mushrooms. The Goat Trail to Big Bluffover the Buffalo National River. She is a writer, a mom, and a graduate student. Pin this hiking guide to help plan your adventure! The trail is downhill all the way to Big Bluff, so the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill. 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. Hikers wishing to access the beach, Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Bluffs, Panorama and Spring trails will need to ford the Big Sur River. The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. 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! The trail's destination is the Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. She is married to an expat Argentine, Pablo! This trail features steep, rocky, and uneven terrain. Enjoy the view but use extreme caution on Big Bluff. Get a FREE Camping & Hiking Packing List! Parking lot is pretty decent, not to busy, saw about 3-4 different groups. The Centerpoint Trailhead is located approximately 3 miles north of Ponca, AR, directly across Hwy. We hope it helps you plan an epic adventure in the Buffalo National River! The Centerpoint to Goat Trail is one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River. Big Bluff Trail leads out about a tenth of a mile before coming out on the face of Big Bluff. Find more places to camp along the Arkansas Buffalo River (Upper District) here. Youll have fun. Required fields are marked *. It was neat to see them. Trees line the path and near the top they open up to views of the mountains surrounding you. As of last count, Beaver Lake had claimed 120 lives. The trail ends at the juncture of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Its an out and back hike, so you will return the same way as you came.One important thing we wanted to mention about this trail is its name. Hiking back was no joke! Its a downhill trek until you get to the Goat Trail, but it never felt super steep. The later inthe year you get, the lower the Buffalo River gets. We entered at Center Point trail. If you start this hike in the afternoon, carry a light source just in case you're out after dark. It takes 4 to 5 hours to complete the round-trip hike, most of which is along the Centerpoint Trail, the trailhead for which is located 3 miles north of Ponca on Hwy 43. This trail will take you all the way to Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls if you want to lump those two sites into one day.TRAILHEAD LOCATION: The hike to Big Bluff starts at the Centerpoint Trailhead which is located near Possum Trot right off of Highway 43.TRAIL DIFFICULTY: This trail is decently steep and once you get to Big Bluff it becomes just a narrow, rocky ledge. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. The Goat Trail to Big Bluff is 5.9 miles roundtrip and has an elevation change of 1,076 feet. 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. The surgery would leave him unable to walk for two months and unable to hike for even longer. The next day we woke up and left our packs in the tent by the river and hiked up to the falls. Go out as early as you can because a) tiny parking lot and b) massive numbers of NPCs taking up space and being rude. 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). This is the main Centerpoint Trail. Again, avoid is a strong word. Thanks for the great guide. We started early in the day to ensure we got parking in the lot. 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 view of the Buffalo River from Big Bluff. The Buffalo National River is home to a few more traditional campgrounds. Its funny how the world replicates its landscapes over on the other sides of the world!! The view at end is well worth it. Big Bluff & The Goat Trail (Compton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo at over 500 ft. tall. Youll hear and read the route called different names, but they all mean the same thing. The view is spectacular and I did not find it as dangerous as the web says. Big Bluff is an incredible hike in Northwest Arkansas that takes you to the aptly named, you guessed it, Big Bluff. Would love to hike the Big Bluff Goat Trail with my family! These cabins range in size and cost, but feature kitchens and amenities to make you feel right at home! It sure looks like it was worth it for those stunning views though. Steel Creek Campground is managed by the National Park Service. On paper it might seem that way, but in action it's just a gorgeo. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This 4.5-mile hike summits a 1,347-foot peak with stunning views over Montaa de Oro. 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. Views from the bluffs are incomparable, and it served as the perfect place to catch up on some reading on a beautiful sunny day.