If you have more time to spend in this region, here are some ideas of things to do before or after your hike. Required fields are marked *. The differences between your fall and summer pics are so stunning! At a corner I saw a horse path and decided to follow it. the hike in is nothing spectacular but man the destination cant be beat! Follow this old road until you see the first obvious fork to the right. Woo! Nice views. Paige Wunder is based in the Ozarks where she lives with her husband. You can watch our experience on the trail here to get a better idea of how the trail is. We unfortunately only had one day in the area, but we tried to squeeze in as much as we could. When the waters are higher, you can notice how beautifully turquoise the water is. It poured the entirety of the hike back to our car, ironically ceasing only once we arrived at the parking area. From here it is a rough trail that continues down the ridgeline to intersect the Old River Trail. 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. The Buffalo National River is home to a few more traditional campgrounds. J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. After about 10 minutes or so, youll reach a cool rocky outcropping that has a hole in it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. Youll hear and read the route called different names, but they all mean the same thing. Besides, the long hike out will be a struggle for them (and you). 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! Since this is a little over 6-mile hike, that makes it a more pleasant experience. I would love to get to Arkansas . Required fields are marked *. You will have a BLAST hiking in the Ozarks. However, the Buffalo National River is just one of the many things to see and do in this area. Today was our last hike of our weeks vacation in the Buffalo National River park, and we started at the Centerpoint trail head. We entered at Center Point trail. Spring is my favorite time of year to go anywhere in the Ozarks for multiple reasons. Looks like a great place to hike and some amazing views for your rewards. There is not much cell service in the area and its helpful to track your progress on the trail, as well as verify the route if needed. 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. 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. I crossed the river 4 or 5 times from one side to the other and walked for an hour without finding anyone. Buffalo Outdoor Center 90 minute drive got us to the Centerpoint trailhead. Yes, its beautiful. We are so happy Arkansas / Campgrounds. Are you looking for an incredible hike with epic views and relatively minimal scrambling in the Ozarks? You can choose from RV sites, a tent area, or a platform tent, where you can pay extra to have a bed. Follow along on her adventures - big and small - across this beautiful world. Would do again! There is a dedicated parking lot for the hike which has room for probably about 15 cars. Documented service animals welcome. It is open year-round. I have been experimenting with easy hikes lately and I love being in nature. Since the area is managed by the National Park Service, drones are not allowed in the Buffalo National River, including on the Goat Trail to Big Bluff. The trail ends at the juncture of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. 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. event : evt, Thankfully, between working on an eastern time schedule and both of us being fairly fast hikers, we've been able to get in some solid trail time after work. Looks like a great hike . Haha we love you! As a lover of all things travel, Paige Wunder is falling in love with the world one destination at a time. 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.
The Big Bluff Trail, AR | Drive The Nation } That being said, the view from Goat Trail down into the valley below is utterly stunning and well worth the hike. 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. 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/ Bringing a lunch and have a picnic at the Bluff is a memory that we will cherish. 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. The trail map claims 3 miles to the start of Big Bluff from the Center-point Trail Head. 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. 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! While the official distance is 5.9 miles on All Trails, our GPS tracked us at just shy of 7 miles. It almost looks like a beehive. there is a shorter hike alternative that is only 3 miles instead if 6 if you want less hiking. Despite the wet and cold end to our hike, the view from Big Bluff was well worth it. Its also home to waterfalls, rocky hikes, mountain views, valleys, the states only herd of elk, and so much more! If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Thanks for reading and being such a loyal fan. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! A slip could break your leg or neck. The campground does not have showers. Relatively easy hike for this 6 mile round trip trek. 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. The trail is virtually all downhill on the way to the Bluff and Goat Trail. Pin this hiking guide to help plan your adventure! Shortly after our arrival at Big Bluff, it became quite clear that a storm was rolling in, and fast. We recommend hiking with comfortable hiking shoes, wool socks, a sun hat, sunglasses, a daypack, and sweat-wicking clothes you can layer. You most likely wont see any while youre there, but they do roam somewhere out there!Once getting onto the Goat Trail, the scenery starts to get more interesting. Hope all is well up north. Looking for more things to do in Arkansas? This was one of my top five hikes ever!! 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. The next day we woke up and left our packs in the tent by the river and hiked up to the falls. In 2015, an intrepid hiker tried just that, fell through the hole, and had to be airlifted to the hospital. 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. Come on an email adventure with us! But please dont lean over and topple onto the ground below. We founded The Happiness Function to show you how to seek fulfillment outdoors through an active lifestyle, hiking, camping, and road-tripping in the USA. He lived, but it still wasnt a good idea. To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead.
Centerpoint to Goat Trail: A View Worth the Hike | Trails for Two Hi Sarah! The area was incredibly remote and quiet. We heard that the trail is very popular and can get busy, so we wanted to experience it on a weekday and arrived early to hopefully avoid crowds.After parking and waiting a bit for it to get lighter out, we hit the trail! We were the only ones on the trail that we saw. It was so beautiful! Once you hit this spot, youre SO close to Big Bluff! 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). And similar to West Virginia, we think this area is majorly underrated and a hidden gem! How cool is that?! window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { From that entry point most of the trail is . 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. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Service animals permitted. The hike itself is mostly downhill . ! 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). Yes, but a leash is recommended, especially on Big Bluff which has some narrow sections with steep drops to one side. Big Bluff Trail leads out about a tenth of a mile before coming out on the face of Big Bluff. Youll have fun. 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! 6.5 mile roundtrip and gorgeous views this looks like my kinda hike hehe.
The Suitcase Agent - Center Point / Big Bluff Goat 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 Goat trail EASILY provides one of the BEST scenic views of the Buffalo River. The view from the bluffs in breathtaking as you stand right at the edge and overlook the buffalo. Thank you! The gravel parking area at Centerpoint Trailhead can accommodate 20-25 vehicles. The view of the Buffalo River from Big Bluff. Bring water and snacks, it helps to enjoy the final view :). } The Centerpoint Trail leads into the rugged Ponca Wilderness of Buffalo National River. There are about 800 Rocky Mountain elk, which were brought to the area to replace the Eastern elk that had gone extinct. Wearing layers helps regulate your body temperature when hiking to keep your body warm or cool, depending on the weather. (Recommended). These views show, not only how narrow the ledge gets, but also how tall that bluff is above you. 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.