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Category: Hike Reports
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It was a spectacular Fall day for the 15 Trailblazers that made the journey to Ponca, Arkansas to hike to Big Bluff. The foliage was vibrant along Hwy 21 and was a special treat on the drive to and from. 

From the parking area the Centerpoint Trail is all downhill, easy, but a bit rocky, for about 2.7 miles. Great temperatures and clear blue skies made for picturesque views along the trail. There were many other hikers out enjoying this well-traveled trail too. Once on the Goat Trail, it was only about another quarter mile before the majestic bluffs came into view, along with the National Buffalo River. Plenty of opportunities for the perfect photo were in this area. 

Big Bluff is over 500 feet tall and considered the tallest along the Buffalo.  There are many interesting formations in the bluff line to be seen as you trek carefully along the steep side of the Goat trail. One may even crawl through a hole in the rock as a shortcut around the trail. It was just beyond this point that offered a perfect vantage point of the bluffs, the river, the Ozark Mountains, and, of course, the foliage. Here we found seating for lunch and enjoyed the views.

 It was good aerobic exercise on the return trek to the parking area. A gradual uphill climb of about 1000 feet for 3 miles. Several deep breaths, the kind that clean out your lungs, were taken along the way. Of course, it should be mentioned that sharing the trail with horseback riders along the way added even more interest. What a great day to get out and enjoy the beauty of Arkansas.

Picture Credits: Desiree, Peggy & Steve 

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