Buffalo National River · Arkansas

Centerpoint Trail

3.4 mi of trail, end to end · about 30 ft of climbing · 1,100 ft of descent · 1,050 ft–2,170 ft

2,170 ft 1,050 ft · 3.4 mi high 2,170 ft

Hike to Big Bluff the Park Service's write-up

4-6 Hours · no dogs

Start Centerpoint Trailhead

The expansive view of the Ponca Wilderness and Buffalo River from Big Bluff
The expansive view of the Ponca Wilderness and Buffalo River from Big Bluff Photo: Aaron Bates

A rugged, strenuous hike through the Ponca Wilderness to one of Buffalo National River's most expansive vistas.

The Centerpoint Trail begins in the heart of the Ponca Wilderness, gradually winding down an old wagon road descending nearly 1,300 ft to the Buffalo River. During the descent, the trail offers outstanding panoramic views of the Buffalo River and the rugged Ozark Mountains that surround it. The Centerpoint Trail is considered to be a strenuous hike. The trail is steep in areas, especially on the hike out; visitors will need to plan to take the entire day to hike this trail due to the rough wilderness terrain. The trail intersects with many of the other trail systems in the Ponca Wilderness creating multiple spur trails for the more adventurous hiker. The spur trails connect the Centerpoint trail with the Chimney Rock Trail, Sneeds Creek Trail, Big Bluff Trail, Compton Loop Trail, and Hemmed-in Hollow Trail. The "Goat Trail" to Big Bluff is narrow and dangerous; visitors should proceed with extreme caution when hiking this section of trail. The Centerpoint Trail also offers a less strenuous hike to the popular Hemmed-in Hollow Falls. Visitors will still need to allow an entire day to complete the hike to Hemmed-in Hollow Falls via the Centerpoint Trail. Note: Backcountry camping is permitted along the Centerpoint Trail and within the Ponca Wilderness, but not on Big Bluff.

WARNING: The Centerpoint Trail/Big Bluff is one of the most frequent Search & Rescue (SAR) locations at Buffalo National River. Steep and strenuous trail conditions, coupled with a hiker's lack of preparation, can lead to dehydration, overexertion/exhaustion, and heat related illness.

Pets Pets are not permitted on trails in the Ponca Wilderness of Buffalo National River. Documented service animals welcome.

Accessibility This trail features steep, rocky, and uneven terrain. Service animals permitted.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 48 trails in Buffalo National RiverFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.