Hike to Scenic Big Bluff
Compton, Arkansas
Details
Distance
6 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Seth Cagle
Panoramic views of the Buffalo River Valley. Impressive bluff formations. Opportunities to camp along the trail. 6 miles round trip. Great for groups.
The hike starts at the Centerpoint Trailhead and follows a clearly defined trail for 3 miles (approximately one hour) with mostly downhill or flat terrain and views through the trees of the rolling Ozark landscape. When you are almost to Big Bluff, the trail opens up into a large round area with a fire pit in the middle. At this point the trail splits into two paths. Take the trail to the right at about 2 o' clock. The trail will narrow down and quickly start following the bluff wall and before long lead you to your ultimate destination, Big Bluff.
The Bluff offers many spots to sit and chill to take in the panoramic scene as well as the beautiful rock formations. In the spring and summer, you can watch people in kayaks and canoes float down the Buffalo River just below you. This spot is great year round. In the spring and summer the valley turns into a lush jungle of wildlife and vegetation, a mix of bold colors in autumn, and winter offers the chance of a snow covered landscape. For those seeking beautiful starry skies, you can make your way out onto the bluff at night for unhindered views of the stars and even possibly a peek at the milky way due to low light pollution at this remote location. Use caution and make sure to have a good flashlight or headlamp though, because hiking along a bluff line with steep cliffs can be dangerous in the dark.
Easy parking for the hike to Big Bluff is located off of AR highway 43 approximately 3 miles north of Ponca, AR and is marked as the Centerpoint Trailhead.
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Hike to Scenic Big Bluff Reviews
Leave No Trace
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