Centerpoint Trail to Big Bluff (Goat Trail) Hiking Guide
The Goat Trail is a narrow ledge that runs across Big Bluff high above the Buffalo River, which the Park Service counts among the park's most expansive vistas. To reach it, hikers follow the Centerpoint Trail down an old wagon road through the Ponca Wilderness, then branch onto the ledge. The Park Service calls the whole outing strenuous and the Goat Trail itself narrow and dangerous.
Distance and Elevation
The Park Service puts the round trip from the Centerpoint Trailhead to Big Bluff at about 6 miles and says most hikers take four to six hours. AllTrails lists the Centerpoint to Goat Trail route at 5.9 miles with 908 feet of gain, while another of its pages shows 921 feet. The trail runs mostly downhill on the way in, so nearly all of that climbing waits for the return. The full Centerpoint Trail keeps dropping to the river, nearly 1,300 feet in all, for anyone continuing past the bluff junction.
On the Goat Trail
The park calls the ledge narrow and dangerous and asks hikers to use extreme caution there. AllTrails describes Big Bluff as the tallest bluff along the Buffalo at over 500 feet. Walk single file, step aside only where the shelf is wide, and give anyone coming the other way room to pass. If you are uneasy with heights, the views from the Centerpoint Trail's descent are a fine turnaround point. Camping is allowed along the Centerpoint Trail but banned on the bluff.
Centerpoint Trailhead
The trailhead sits about 3 miles north of Ponca on Highway 43, directly across from the Fire Tower Road intersection. Its gravel lot holds 20 to 25 vehicles and has no restroom. That is a small lot for one of the park's most popular hikes, so on clear fall weekends plan to arrive early or carpool.
Pacing the Climb Out
The park names Centerpoint and Big Bluff as one of its most frequent rescue locations, warning that steep ground and poor preparation bring on dehydration, exhaustion and heat illness. It recommends conserving energy, water and snacks for the uphill return and carrying a light if you start in the afternoon. On warm days start early, and turn around if the group is already tired at the bluff.
Dogs, Hunters and Other Rules
No pets are allowed on trails in the Ponca Wilderness; documented service animals are the exception. Bicycles are banned in designated wilderness. Hunting is permitted across most of Buffalo National River under Arkansas Game and Fish rules, and the state's modern gun deer season opens in mid-November, so wear some orange from then on.
Hiking tips for Centerpoint Trail to Big Bluff (Goat Trail)
- Get to the 20-25 car lot early on fall weekends.
- Treat the trip as uphill-heavy and save water for the climb back to Highway 43.
- Walk the Goat Trail single file and stay on the inside of the ledge.
- Pack a headlamp if you start after lunch.
- Carry a topographic map; several wilderness trails branch off Centerpoint.
Nearby trails to explore
- Hemmed-In Hollow Trail
- Lost Valley Trail (Buffalo National River)
- Glory Hole Falls Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Big Bluff is the kind of view people like to share, and the small Centerpoint lot rewards carpools. Use TrailMates to find hikers driving up Highway 43, set a meeting time in the event's group chat, and walk the Goat Trail with a group that keeps an eye on each other. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.