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
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Big Bluff via the Centerpoint Trailhead Reviews
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
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
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
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!
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
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