Camp on Big Bluff
Details
Distance
6 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Parker Dodson
Spend the night under the stars on a 550' bluff above the gorgeous Buffalo National River.
This adventure begins at the Counterpoint Trailhead just north of Ponca, AR. Follow the trail downhill for about 2.7 miles until you reach a split in the trail. Take the trail off to the right and follow it for another .5 miles until you reach the Big Bluff area. There is a lot of area to explore along the edge of the bluff with several natural shelter areas. This area deserves your respect!
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. 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. If you stay the night, be very careful when moving along the ledge in the dark. The bluff faces to the west, so it is absolutely perfect for catching an amazing sunset. This is also one of the best star gazing spots around! Be sure to get a good nights rest because the hike out is a tough one!
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Reviews
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Great camping trip
You do have to pack gear in and out, but this is a fantastic overnight trip. Natural shelter offers protection from the elements, and the view of the river and forest is fantastic from the bluff.
5.0
Amazing Hike, Camping Was Meh
This view is absolutely incredible; got a great panorama from the Bluff, and the hike was extremely easy. If you want to camp here and kayak on Buffalo, stay at Steel Canyon Camp (3 min drive from this trail). To start this hike, drive to Centerpoint Trail head parking, then go roughly 1.5mi and take a right at the sign for Goat Trail. If you haven't seen the sign just keep walking on center point until you do. Then it's a short hike to the Bluff! ***DO NOT HIKE DOWN TO THE RIVER FROM THE BLUFF, IT TAKES HOURS TO GET BACK TO STEEL CANYON CAMP***
4.0
Awesome scenery
This a great camping spot and fairly easy to get to. I'd recommend bringing a hammock over a tent. It gets fairly crowded in the afternoon but most people head down before the sun sets. If you are in the area you don't want to miss this
5.0
Incredible View
We set camp in a cave then hiked up to the bluff to watch the sunset mid Fall. I'm just a beginner so I haven't had many opportunities like this one, but probably the most incredible thing I've ever seen!
5.0
Worth The Hike.
Definitely worth the hike. I highly recommend bringing trekking poles as the hike back becomes really steep at certain points. Bring good hiking shoes that have a rubber toe as the trail is mostly rocks and you can easily hurt your toe. Overall, definitely worth seeing!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Backpacking Along the Buffalo River
Hike to Scenic Big Bluff
Camp along the Buffalo National River via Steel Creek
Hike to Steel Creek Overlook
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