The Happiness Function

This article shares a detailed guide for hiking the Centerpoint to Big Bluff Trail in Buffalo National River, Arkansas.

Located near Ponca, Arkansas, and within the Buffalo National River National Park boundaries, this incredible 6-mile hike (out and back) has roughly 1,000 feet of total elevation gain along with one of the tallest bluffs in the area.

Said to have “million-dollar views,” this iconic hike in the Ozark Mountains is worth trekking with your camera and a sense of adventure.

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Let’s Clear up the Trail Name

We wanted to clarify the trail name before you read any further. There are a few names for hiking to this specific viewpoint in Buffalo National River. I saw it called a few different things on Instagram, so here it goes.

So, if you see any of the following, you’re in the right place:

• Big Bluff (Goat Trail)
• Goat Trail
• Centerpoint to Goat Trail
• Centerpoint Trail to Big Bluff
• Goat Trail to Big Bluff along the Centerpoint Trail

Hiking the Centerpoint Trail to Big Bluff (Goat Trail)

The hike from Centerpoint to Big Bluff starts from the Centerpoint Trailhead outside of Ponca, AR.

It is one of our absolute favorite hikes in the Ozarks (along with hiking the Whitaker Point Trail).

Where is the Centerpoint Trailhead?

The Centerpoint Trailhead is located five minutes or 3.3 miles north of Ponca, Arkansas, off AR HWY 43 N.

Ponca is an adorable mountain town in the middle of (almost) nowhere within the upper Buffalo National River.

Centerpoint Trailhead Map

Once you’ve parked your car, you’ll see the National Park Service trail sign. Before heading out, you can look at the map below.

Cell reception is limited in the area except at the top of the hill near the trailhead.

If you are not familiar with the area, we recommend downloading maps for offline use or having a topo map (we have this one).

Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) Details

• Distance: 6 miles round trip (O&B) hike
• Elevation Gain: 1,076 feet of elevation
• Route Type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Are dogs allowed: No
• Is there a fee to hike: No, there is no entrance fee to enter or hike in Buffalo National River

How Do You Get to Big Bluff (Goat Trail)?

To get to the Goat Trail, start the hike from Centerpoint Trailhead.

Head down the gravel path, which turns into an old homestead road covered in leaf litter. This is the main Centerpoint Trail. The main Centerpoint Trail is easy to hike and is through the trees. Follow this old road until you see the first obvious fork to the right.

The fork to the right is NOT MARKED with an obvious trail sign but takes you to the Big Bluff (Goat Trail). From this fork is where the rocky bluff begins, so you can hike to Big Bluff.

You’ll know when you get to Big Bluff because the views of the Buffalo are epic. You can see the Buffalo River Valley and all of its glory.

Watch Our Centerpoint to Goat Trail YouTube

Here is a super short video showing where to turn off the Centerpoint Trail to get to Big Bluff (it is not well-marked).

Other Things To Consider While Hiking the Goat Trail

This iconic hike is located within the Ponca Wilderness, a very remote area in northern Arkansas. To stay safe, consider a few things before your journey.

There are wild boars (we saw them).

There are no bathrooms – prepare and always Leave No Trace.

Prepare for no cellphone reception.

There are steep cliffs along Big Bluff – use extreme caution.

The Bluff trail follows a steep, rocky, narrow ledge toward the trail’s end.

The hike is not recommended for children or people afraid of heights.

The trail is downhill all the way to Big Bluff, so the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill.

You’ll probably want bug spray in the summer.

Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

If you miss the turn to get on the Goat Trail, the trail will lead you all the way to Compton, Arkansas, which you don’t want to do (unless you plan to). So be sure to plan ahead and have a map (link to topo map we have).

Bring plenty of water and a snack.

Best Time of Year to Hike

Fall, winter, and spring are excellent times of the year to hike in the Ponca Wilderness. The weather is cooler, there are little to no bugs, and the area is quieter.

We love hiking in the late fall and during the middle of the week to avoid any crowds. This is a popular hike and can be pretty busy on the weekends.

What To Bring Hiking

We recommend hiking with comfortable hiking shoes, wool socks, a sun hat, sunglasses, a daypack, and sweat-wicking clothes you can layer.

Wearing layers helps regulate body temperature when hiking, keeping you warm or cool, depending on the weather.

Get a FREE packing list and gear guide from us detailing exactly what we take on a camping and hiking trip!

Camping Nearby

There are two campgrounds relatively close to the Centerpoint Trailhead.

Buffalo Outdoor Center – is literally right across the highway. This campground is RV-friendly and clean, has fantastic bathrooms, and is open year-round.

The Buffalo Outdoor Center also offers cabin rentals if camping isn’t your cup of tea.

Steel Creek Campground – is managed by the National Park Service. The campground is a tent-only facility. It is open year-round. Running water and flushing toilets operate seasonally. If camping during the winter, there are vault toilets. The campground does not have showers.

Make reservations at recreation.gov online or on the app.

Find more places to camp along the Arkansas Buffalo River (Upper District) here.

Our Experience

We hiked here mid-week during early December, and the weather was perfect. We encountered a herd of wild boars, but they ran off immediately. It was neat to see them. We also saw some deer. The area was remote and quiet. We were the only ones on the trail that we saw.

If you’re hiking in the Ponca area, you might enjoy checking out these other hiking trails:

• Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag
• Lost Valley Trail
• Glory Hole Trail
• Hideout Hollow Trail
• Hemmed in Hollow Trail

Check back soon for new guides about hiking in the Buffalo National River, Ponca Wilderness, Ozark National Forest, and Northwest Arkansas.

Ashlee & Pablo

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