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This trail is quickly becoming one of the most popular in the state, & for good reason. The view at end is well worth it. Bring bug spray! 3. One of the advantages of fall is the ability to catch some pretty amazing views at the beginning of the trail. I like to do Easy/moderate hikes admist stunning natural beauty, ozarks looks just ideal! Based on reviews, I was nervous about the height and narrowness of the bluffs and the hike on the way out. Get more stories delivered right to your email. And , Many people love mushrooms. Pets are not permitted on trails in the Ponca Wilderness of Buffalo National River. Note that with no foliage on the trees it's pretty warm out. If that parking lot fills up, there is another parking lot across the road that seems to be privately owned and they charge a fee to park there.We started our hike at sunrise on a Monday and were the first car in the parking lot. Trail is wide enough where you wont ever be too terribly close to the ledge. Unfortunately, we picked one of the hottest days of the year. November 17, 2022 November 17, 2022 thesuitcaseagent 1 Comment on Center Point / Big Bluff Goat Trail. Make sure you go past the hole in the rock for the best part of the whole trail. If you make a purchase with Amazon.com through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you. What attractions are near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail? Come along for the hike as we climb to the top of Arkansas' famous "Goat Trail". If you stay the night, be very careful when moving along . It almost looks like a beehive. But the best part is that its all located on a great property with a store for your adventure needs and access to tons of activities, like kayaking, ziplining, mountain biking, and close proximity to hikes! Some scrambling might be required, depending on how far across the bluffs you want to go. Being from St. Louis, where the weathermen are always predicting rain that never comes, we simply packed our raincoats and hoped to finish the hike before the storm came in. You will have a BLAST hiking in the Ozarks. Since the return hike is all uphill, youll definitely want some water, especially if you hike on a hot, sunny day! After soaking in the views for a bit and snapping tons of photos, we headed back on the Goat Trail to the Centerpoint Trail. The trail is an old logging trail and can be rocky at times. Beautiful weather and scenery! Have a great hike next time you go, Ashlee & Pablo. Although you are way above the river on the bluffs, I felt like the bluffs were wide enough to feel safe and it was not slippery at all. We hiked this trail the other day. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Description : The first two miles of this Ozarks trail meanders through deep Ozarks forest and leads to the Big Bluff that is over 500 feet tall. Youll know when you get to Big Bluff because the views of the Buffalo are epic! Big Bluff demands we all be on our best behavior in exchange for enjoying one of the most lofty views of the Buffalo National River accessible by hiking trail. The differences between your fall and summer pics are so stunning! He lived, but it still wasnt a good idea. Follow along on her adventures - big and small - across this beautiful world. We started early in the day to ensure we got parking in the lot. It was a little over 6.5 miles roundtrip taking the Goat Trail to the Big Bluff with around a 1000 ft. descent going in and a 1000 ft. ascent coming back. Found out about this hike while doing my research for our trip to the Buffalo National River area. I want to do Big Bluff in the spring next year so I can see the river at a nice, high point so you can really see thathorseshoe bend! I love hiking and exploring new trails. It's difficult coming down and even harder coming back up. Some of these trees have been dated to over 800 years old by the National Park Service, so take a few moments to pause and wonder at these tenacious, gnarled sentinels as they watch over the bluff and the river. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Once youve parked your car, youll see the National Park Service trail sign. You most likely wont see any while youre there, but they do roam somewhere out there!Once getting onto the Goat Trail, the scenery starts to get more interesting. It is not advisable to bring children, liquor, or reckless behavior on this hike. Nine of those deaths took place in 2014. You can see the Buffalo River Valley and all of its glory. This iconic hike is located within the Ponca Wilderness, which is a very remote area in Northern Arkansas. We hear that the trail takes about 3-4 hours for most people to complete this hike, but plan extra time if you want to stop for snacks or if you like to take your time hiking.If youre visiting the Buffalo National River, we couldnt recommend this trail more! These views show, not only how narrow the ledge gets, but also how tall that bluff is above you. 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. It takes 4 to 5 hours to complete the round-trip hike, most of which is along the Centerpoint Trail, the trailhead for which is located 3 miles north of Ponca on Hwy 43. Big Bluff is part of the Buffalo River Trail, so dont think the trail will simply end. From here, its about a 1/4-mile hike out to the start of Big Bluff. If you begin this hike in the afternoon, please carry a light source just in case you hike out after dark. Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Awesome trail. On Tuesday, I decided to make my second hike out to the "big" bluff (this week). Same song, different spillway. The first summer visit we made here, Matt and I got up early, picked up my parents and set off for a day trip. Are you looking for an incredible hike with epic views and relatively minimal scrambling in the Ozarks? Seriously, watch that water coming down out of the mountains. Hotels near Fort Smith Municipal Airport (FSM), Motels near Fort Smith Municipal Airport (FSM), Things to do near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail, Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park, Budapest Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna, Half Day Zanzibar Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve Snorkeling Tour, Small-Group Dallas and Fort Worth City Sightseeing Tour, Venice City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, 3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, Make Your Own Pizza in Rome - Pizza Making with a local Chef, Amber Cove & Taino Bay Shore Excursion, Private Charter on Blue Sky Catamaran, *NEW* BUFFALO RIVER VALLEY VIEWS-5MIN FROM PONCA! Its a downhill trek until you get to the Goat Trail, but it never felt super steep. J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. Because they look so vastly different, Im going to share them separately so you can see the difference. Never been to Arkansas but would love to visit this trail. This hiking seems fun in Arkansas. All rights reserved. Wed highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map for the route youre hiking before you go. The gravel parking area at Centerpoint Trailhead can accommodate 20-25 vehicles. Karen you will make it to the Ozarks! We love our Camelbak bladder for hikes because it stores a ton of water and its easy to drink while moving. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Lots of unsuspecting swimmers have been washed away. You could likely squeeze through this hole, but wed suggest going down below it on the more traditional trail to get around it. Having a headlamp is not only one of the 10 hiking essentials, but is especially important if you plan to start your hike before sunrise or finish after sunset. It is not advisable to bring children, liquor, or reckless behavior on this hike. How cool is that?! From the trailhead 3 miles north of Ponca, AR, it's about a 6 mile hike and about 900 feet down to the Goat Trail and is one of Arkansas' must see locations.. The majority are first-come, first-served and some are free to stay at. Follow this old road until you see the . October 20, 2021. You should go forth and explore the Natural States breathtaking beauty. We were there in the fall and the river was almost dry. The surgery would leave him unable to walk for two months and unable to hike for even longer. Not super wet until you hit the couple of runoff areas. Loving your adventures and loving these views too! We absolutely loved it! The hike itself is mostly downhill . From here it is a rough trail that continues down the ridgeline to intersect the Old River Trail. big bluff goat trail deaths. These cabins range in size and cost, but feature kitchens and amenities to make you feel right at home! While the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, as well as the Buffalo National River, is accessible year round, specific times of the year and certain weather will make the trail more enjoyable.Because the trail has drop offs and exposed areas, which we will discuss more in a second, we would not recommend hiking this trail if it has rained a lot or if there is any ice, as the rocky ledges may be slick and you could accidentally slip and injure yourself.Visiting the Buffalo National River in the late spring or early summer will be your best bet to see lots of waterfalls. It was muddy but oh so worth it! The hike out will burn your legs for days. You will need an AllTrails Pro membership to download maps, which is $30 a year and so worth it! We hope it helps you plan an epic adventure in the Buffalo National River! Its challenging but Im not an athlete and it was just hard enough. Just dont fall off. This, ladies + gentlemen, is my favorite view in Arkansas. Where were the goats though?? You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. She is married to an expat Argentine, Pablo! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Located 30 miles west of downtown St. Louis, Babler State Park is home to an impressive 2,400-acre old-growth forest ecosystem. Come along with us as we start at the Buffalo Outdoor Center Cabins, wake up early to take on the Center Point Trial to the Goat Trail eventually reaching the site of interest, Big Bluff, and give you our takeaways from the hike.What is the most sketchy hike you have ever done? SUBSCRIBE TO NOMADIC WEEKENDERS ON YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/c/NomadicWeekenders?sub_confirmation=1Shoot location listed below: Buffalo National River, Arkansas, USA Ozark National Forest, Arkansas, USA Center Point Trail, Arkansas, USA Goat Trail, Arkansas, USA Big Bluff, Arkansas, USAEquipment and software used to make this video listed below: DJI Mavic Air Canon Rebel T6i iPhone XS GoPro Hero 7 Black Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2017Get to know the Nomadic Weekenders:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadicweekenders/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NomadWeekenders Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NomadicWeekenders/ Check out our blog: https://www.nomadicweekenders.com/ We unfortunately only had one day in the area, but we tried to squeeze in as much as we could. The area was incredibly remote and quiet. 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. It's very steep, and very dangerous. When you get out to the bluff it does get a little narrow my 11 year old didn't feel comfortable going thru that spot so we turned around there maybe 100yds from the end. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. A lot of parking at trailhead and it was muddy when I went but over all was good (12/18/2022). big bluff goat trail deaths . The fork to the right is NOT MARKED with an obvious trail sign but takes you to the Big Bluff (Goat Trail). After about 2.6 miles, youll reach a clearing with a campfire ring, where you will want to hang a right to take Goat Trail along the edge of Big Bluff. Dont over-pace yourself on the first half, the trip back will demand your stamina lol With million-dollar views, you wont regret your decision to bring your camera and your sense of adventure to trek this iconic hike in the Ozark Mountains. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? There is little to no cellphone reception in the area except at the top of the hill near the trailhead. The weather is cooler, there are little to no bugs, and the area is quieter. Pass Ponca and travel up a significant uphill. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. The hardest part of the trail looks like an old gravel bed with a lot of loose rocks. Also, wed love to hear if youve hiked the Goat Trail in Arkansas or if it is on your bucket list! Get a FREE Camping & Hiking Packing List! If you start this hike in the afternoon, carry a light source just in case you're out after dark. This campground is RV-friendly, clean, has fantastic bathrooms, and is open year-round. Even if you dont make it to the narrow ledge this is still a super spectacular view! Wed suggest starting the hike early so you can enjoy the bluff without a lot of people, which will make it feel safer and more enjoyable.Although, we will agree, if you do not like heights, you may not love Big Bluff. Luckily, we started early, but definitely be cautious of the heat + humidity that hits the Ozarks in the summer. Although there are several ways to reach Goat Trail, which follows along the edge of Big Bluff, Centerpoint Trail is arguably the most popular route. This was one of my top five hikes ever!! Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Paige Wunder is based in the Ozarks where she lives with her husband. There are over 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatn Penin, One of our favorite ways to experience a new place, Things to do in Hot Springs National Park, What to bring to hike the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, Things to know before hiking the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, Our Experience Hiking the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, Where to stay to hike the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, Other spots to check out in the Buffalo National River. Amazing trial, its a little rough going down to the spot, all downhill just watch your step! { The Goat Trail is the narrow ledge trail that spurs off of the Centerpoint Trail and takes you out onto Big Bluff. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. All writing and photos belong to For the Love of Wanderlust unless otherwise stated, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on StumbleUpon (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Flipboard (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Things to Do in Eureka Springs - Arkansas's Hippie Town, Travel Backpack Review: Classic 28L Bag by CabinZero, The Elephant House - Edinburgh, Scotland - A Harry Potter Pilgrimage, 7 Types of Exploration You Should Try At Least Once. We also saw some deer. We heard that the trail is very popular and can get busy, so we wanted to experience it on a weekday and arrived early to hopefully avoid crowds.After parking and waiting a bit for it to get lighter out, we hit the trail! From the very start of the Goat Bluff section though had AMAZING views and was so much fun. I wasn't sure we would be up to tackling it but hubby and I are so glad we did. Is Goat Trail over the Buffalo National River the most dangerous hike in the United States? Definitely recommend! Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo at over 500 ft. tall. Well worth it, but don't underestimate the hike out. We got there later in the morning and luckily saw a couple, but from quite a distance. Today was our last hike of our weeks vacation in the Buffalo National River park, and we started at the Centerpoint trail head. Incredible photography! This creek level is OK. Feel free to splash around in water levels two or three times this highjust know that flash flooding is a real problem in the springtime, and water levels can rise suddenly. Like 900 ft. Go down the goat trail to enjoo ok y one of the best views in the Ozarks. So the return trip was pretty tiring. A great hike for a group. If you love hiking in the wilderness, then youll love hiking the Centerpoint Trail to Big Bluff. This is the main Centerpoint Trail. In her spare time she enjoys driving to the nearest creek to sit a while. But even more importantly, make sure you have bags to put your trash in so you can pack out what you brought. This trail will take you all the way to Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls if you want to lump those two sites into one day.TRAILHEAD LOCATION: The hike to Big Bluff starts at the Centerpoint Trailhead which is located near Possum Trot right off of Highway 43.TRAIL DIFFICULTY: This trail is decently steep and once you get to Big Bluff it becomes just a narrow, rocky ledge. I have to add this to my list of my must-do hikes so I dont forget. Happy hiking! Great views after the two mile mark though! While youre in the area, there are other great hikes. Once you hit this spot, youre SO close to Big Bluff! Now going back to your car is an uphill incline. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. Looking for more things to do in Arkansas? You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Big Bluff is part of the Buffalo River Trail, so don't think the trail will simply end. Big Bluff & The Goat Trail (Compton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo at over 500 ft. tall. In this hiking guide were sharing all of the details about hiking to Big Bluff on the Goat Trail, including where to start, trail stats, things to know before you go, our experience, as well as some other spots to check out nearby. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The river water has a clear, blue color, which contrasted super nicely with the yellow and orange leaves we witnessed. Fun fact, the Goat Trail gets its name from the descendents of goats that were brought there by pioneers and these goats either escaped or were released. You come to a Y in the trail and the campground sits in the middle of the Y. Ashlee holds a BS degree in Biology and MS in Environmental Policy & Sustainability and is passionate about the outdoors. That being said, the view from Goat Trail down into the valley below is utterly stunning and well worth the hike. Twenty campers died in a flash flood in 2010. Follow this old road until you see the first obvious fork to the right. What a beautiful hike!! Required fields are marked *. Thanks for sharing. Dont avoid these gorgeous places. And it may not be the best for small kiddos, unless you can keep them right by your side. This hike is not recommended for children under 12 years old. The best reason for going in the spring, though, is the sheer beauty of springtime in the Ozarks. 8 am 5 pm | Nov Feb. Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River. If camping during the winter, there are vault toilets. The spur trail (Goat Trail) to Big Bluff is off to the right of the fire ring. I have an 8 year old thats an experienced hiker that I will bring back. Fall, winter, and spring are excellent times of the year to hike in the Ponca Wilderness. This 4.5-mile hike summits a 1,347-foot peak with stunning views over Montaa de Oro. The surgery would leave him unable to walk for two months and unable to hike for even longer. When researching this hike we saw this hike called a variety of names. Speaking of trees, one of the great privileges of being out on Big Bluff is the chance to see the large, aged junipers that somehow manage to grow along the trails edge, clinging to what seems like nothing but sheer rock and very little soil. You should especially avoid that when the water is high. Hiking to Big Bluff: The hike takes from 4 to 5 hours to complete round trip if you're in decent shape. Users of the outdoors website All Trails rated Cougar Crest 4.5 out of 5 stars and listed it as "moderate." Related Articles The Springtime Jonquil Festival In Arkansas Thats Unlike Any Other, Spend A Magical Evening Savoring This Wine And Fondue Experience In Arkansas, Arkansas Oldest Drive-In Theater Is Hiding In A Small Town And Youll Want To Visit, Dine At The Historic Spot In Arkansas Where The Legendary Gangster Al Capone Drank Whiskey, Here Are The 6 Biggest Risks Living In The State Of Arkansas, This Recent Arkansas Phenomenon Is Shrouded In Mystery And Baffling Geologists, 10 Terrifying Things In Arkansas That Can (And Just Might) Kill You, This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Arkansas Is Perfect For A Summer Day. The Centerpoint trail is broad and easy to walk, although like so many trails in mountainous Buffalo River country, its basically uphill all the way back (2.5 miles). At 550 feet, its the larges bluff face between the Rockies and Appalachians. So, if you see any of the following, youre in the right place: The hike from Centerpoint to Big Bluff starts from the Centerpoint Trailhead outside of Ponca, AR. This 5-mile out and back hike ventures up a coastal canyon at the south end of Montaa de Oro State Park. haha. Dogs are only allowed at campgrounds, on the river, and on the gravel bars, but must be on leash. Those views are incredible and definitely (I would assume) worth the hike! The man explained that everyone came from the other side walking a lot but that in 10 minutes we would be there. Attractions & Museums from $12.77 per adult WhoDunnit Hoedown: Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Branson 112 Dinner and Show Tickets from $50.19 per adult The area Hwy 43 Firetower Road junction Buffalo National River, Compton, AR 72624 Full view Best nearby Attractions 6 within 6 miles Buffalo National River Park 292 1.5 miNational Parks I looked back from the narrow, rock ledge part of the trail and captured this adorable photo. Your email address will not be published. Took lots breaks on the way back but it was very doable. You can take a look at the map below before heading out. This is a popular hike and can be pretty busy on the weekends. As for photography, weve found the best time to capture Big Bluff is in the afternoon once the sun has moved into mid-afternoon position, say 3:00 PM or so. } AllTrails rates this trail as hard; however, I would argue that it is more of a moderate hike. This is where the trail corridor opens up into a large, rounded flat area with a fire ring that directionally is at about one oclock on your right. Views from the bluffs are incomparable, and it served as the perfect place to catch up on some reading on a beautiful sunny day. It poured the entirety of the hike back to our car, ironically ceasing only once we arrived at the parking area. The Centerpoint Trail leads into the rugged Ponca Wilderness of Buffalo National River. Would love to hike the Big Bluff Goat Trail with my family! Lots of awesome views definitely a day well spent. Buffalo Outdoor Center is a proud recipient of the 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice award. Why Camping at Buffalo Point Campground is Awesome! You are two hearty hikers to do that in the rain! Haha we love you! The goat trail is narrow, but is not dangerous if you are paying attention. She loves sharing her adventures both big & small. Youll hear and read the route called different names, but they all mean the same thing. It is downhill almost the whole way, and we ran into plenty of other hikers already headed back from the cliff. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! One is that the weather is much milder, meaning youll sweat less and be able to squeeze more into one day while staying somewhat comfortable. 6.5 miles sounds like the perfect distance for a day trip , Had no idea you could see such beauty in Arkansas. I love hiking the view is always worth the trek! Thats the downside of being from a tropical country haha.. never getting to see changes of season at home. Awesome trail run today. It was our first hike in the area and we started later in the day than we should have. These are thing we (or our travel companions) have used and recommend specifically for the Big Bluff trail. You dont have to walk the last section of the trail to see the great views. Thank you! I bet going in the summer or fall is just as beautiful as each other. And similar to West Virginia, we think this area is majorly underrated and a hidden gem! After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! The payoff is the bluffs, which are beautiful. We hiked here mid-week during early December, and the weather was perfect. The side trail that leads to an outcropping on the bluff is called the Goat Trail and is about 350 ft. tall. I would love to hike the Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) in Arkansas. Very rocky getting down but doable. The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. And for goodness sake, please dont drink and boat. Stay warm up there! On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan It was so foggy you could not see the river or the mountains, we waited an hour and the fog had lifted. You can see a list of the sites, as well as their season dates, amenities, and other details here! About 0.25 miles from the Goat Trail turn off, youll reach Big Bluff! Trails at Andrew Molera State Park allow for bicycling and hiking. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is not very steep. Same trail in same trial out. Documented service animals welcome. As of last count, Beaver Lake had claimed 120 lives. For our first trip to Northwest Arkansas, we only had the opportunity to hike one trail. Trees line the path and near the top they open up to views of the mountains surrounding you. Next time we'll go earlier in the year. A rugged, strenuous hike through the Ponca Wilderness to one of Buffalo National River's most expansive vistas. If you have more time to spend in this region, here are some ideas of things to do before or after your hike. It gets its name from the feral descendents of domesticated goats (brought here by pioneers) who either escaped captivity or were turned loose in the wilderness and eventually became wild. . Youll have fun. This 1 2/3-mile hike offers a twist on the Bluff Trail, going along and just above the coast of Montaa de Oro State Park. With that being said, hundreds of people safely enjoy Big Bluff every year, so if you feel this is a hike for you, then the physical workout youll get is worth the stunning river view. There are no permits required or day-use fees. 6.5 mile roundtrip and gorgeous views this looks like my kinda hike hehe. What you should actually avoid is engaging in risky behavior. They camp in their Aliner often and love road trips and hiking. The trail got a little confusing when you get to the intersection between goat trail and center point. Small gravel parking lot. } Hope all is well up north. callback: cb Service animals permitted. The footbridge will be re-installed in late-Spring 2023. hike out is a bit steep in places. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks for the support. The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. The Buffalo National River and Ozark Mountains are incredibly scenic and reminded us a bit of driving around West Virginia. There are already a lot of great resources out there to help provide you with . In 2015, an intrepid hiker tried just that, fell through the hole, and had to be airlifted to the hospital. Overall a great trail despite the death of the last huge incline going out. It gets its name from the feral descendants of domesticated goats (brought here by pioneers) who either escaped captivity or were turned loose in the wilderness and eventually became wild. Awesome. Trail was a little muddy but nothing terrible. There are several connector routes to different hiking trails in the Buffalo River Valley, making it a very easy place to spend a lot of time outdoors. What hotels are near Big Bluff & The Goat Trail? Every year residents of Northwest Arkansas and the river valley hear about Beaver Lake tragedies on the local news. Big Bluff Trail leads out about a tenth of a mile before coming out on the face of Big Bluff. Great photos! Great views, great scenery,. Its pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. We camped at the base of the Hemmed in Hollow trail, by the river. To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead. Ozark Cabins has quite a few properties around the Buffalo National River, including some right across from the trailhead. Well done to your Mum for doing this! Matt took this photo and thats me walking along the narrow trail. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. What a beautiful spot for hiking. Love Arkansas? You will certainly get some great pics of the river, the bluffs and the hills beyond.