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Hike to Scenic Big Bluff

Compton, Arkansas

5.0/5
based on 7 reviews

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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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic
Wildlife

Hike to Scenic Big Bluff Reviews

This was one of the best views of the river that we saw. We started from Compton trailhead and went across to Centerpoint trailhead which took a while longer, but very worth it!

Bring your camera because Big Bluff is incredible. I definitely recommend bringing trekking poles and water for this hike. It can be steep and very rocky at some points.

Love this hike. It's one we always take Arkansas first time hikers. Easy on the way there. The hill on the way out will getcha. Some of the best views. On a still day, you can hear the Buffalo below.

Did this hike for the first time last weekend. Great views of the ozarks and Buffalo river. Great fall hike when the leaves are in peak color

Gorgeous views. Be prepared for the hike out. It's a doozy!

Great hike with an unbelievable view on the bluff

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Big Bluff via the Centerpoint Trailhead

Centerpoint to Goat Trail

Backpacking Along the Buffalo River

Camp along the Buffalo National River via Steel Creek

Hike to Steel Creek Overlook

Camp along the Buffalo National River