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Hike to stunning Big Bluff and if you want to camp out spend the night under the stars along the Centerpoint Trail in the Ponca Wildnerness.
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. As you hike along the trail in the Ponca Wilderness, keep an eye out for camp spots if you'd like to make it an overnight. NOTE: Camping is not permitted on Big Bluff (source: NPS.gov).
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 night's rest because the hike out is a tough one! The trek back down at dusk or night can be very dangerous if you're not careful. Make sure you let people know you're heading up and and don't forget to bring a headlamp for the way back
Leave No Trace
