Big Bluff via the Centerpoint Trailhead
Compton, Arkansas
Details
Distance
6.21 miles
Elevation Gain
991 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Parker Dodson
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
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Big Bluff via the Centerpoint Trailhead Reviews
The hike to Big Bluff is almost all downhill so it goes fairly fast. The views on the bluff are unlike anything I have ever seen. You can see for miles. Make sure to be safe because it is a very tall bluff. The hike out is mostly uphill so be prepared
5.0
Amazing views, but saying it was a strenuous hike would be an understatement. Ledges of bluffs are narrow, so take your time and watch your step. Definitely my favorite hike in Arkansas.
5.0
Love this hike, love the site, but the National Park Service, who manages the bluff, explicitly prohibits camping on the bluff: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-to-big-bluff.htm
5.0
Beginner hike from the trailhead to the Goat trail. Once on the Goat Trail (about a mile on the edge of the bluff) it is more of intermediate to moderate hike simply because of the steep drop off. The hike offers incredible views of the Buffalo River and surrounding foothills of the Ozarks. If you're thinking about getting started into backpacking and wilderness adventures, this will get you hooked. One of the coolest things we did was hike down to the river after a night of camping. Recommend 10/10 must hike and camp for adventurers of all skill level!
5.0
The natural shelter “nook” provided an amazing place to camp!!!
5.0
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
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Centerpoint to Goat Trail
Backpacking Along the Buffalo River
Hike to Scenic Big Bluff
Camp along the Buffalo National River via Steel Creek
Hike to Steel Creek Overlook
Camp along the Buffalo National River
Community
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy