Goat Trail?

I got to spend a couple of days araound the Ponca area last weekend. For those of you in the area you probably know that the fog was quite persistant. On Sat. I hike to what I think is the goat trail overlooking the Buffalo River. I never found any good maps or signs that called it that but it seems to fit the name anyway. The clouds broke for about an hour at midday and even though I didn't get any great shots I had a great time exploring the area. Since I got home and figured out where I was I know that there is much more to see in Newton County. Maybe next time.

On the previous day I hiked into Hemmed in Hollow. It was a totally grey day but still a fun hike and quite a climb on the way out. It was actually nice being there in Winter for the first time because I could actually see through the trees a little. There was a little water coming over the falls and still some ice at the bottom. I bet it would have been real nice a week earlier.

Thanks for sharing some of your beautiful State with me.

(exif is in both jpgs if interested)

It looks like you had a very nice weekend. What lens did you use on the goat bluff image? I've never been up on the goat trail and look forward to our trip up there this spring. Karla and I plan to camp somewhere along the trail and spend some time doing star trails, sunrises and sunsets. Can't wait!

We hiked Hemmed in Hollow in the summer time and I thought that I was going to die climbing out of there. What a wonderful place!

Mike, the Goat Trail picture was taken with the olympus zd14-54 @14mm. I would have gone wider but I chose not to include the cabin just off the lower left that Zack mentioned.

There looks like a nice camp site just where the goat trail forks off of the main trail, about 1/4 mile from the bluff. I think there would be too many trees there to do star trail but if you want to hike out onto the ledge in the dark, that could be interesting.

I'm gutsy and have done my share of "stupid" pushing my luck situations, but may not push my luck out on that ledge at night. I'll wait till I get up there and check it out. Thanks for the lens and camp info. I'll clone out out the cabin.

Looks like you stretched your legs pretty good there Ken. From the sounds and looks of it you got in some good hikes. Sorry the fog messed up some of your time there but you got to see some pretty country.

I know one thing, none of you will bump into me on the goat trail! Me and heights don't get along too well.

Ken,
That shot brings back so many memories. I have hiked that trail numerous times and yes even in the dark before. Did you come down Centerpoint or hike in the back way? I love that area. Mike and Karla, if you don't mind company I would love to come with you in the spring.
Dottie

Dottie, would love for you to come with us. You can be our guide since we've never been!
Ken, great shots...Glad you got to do some exploring. Hemmed in Hollow trail is a beast in the summer with all the humidity. I would much prefer it in the winter!

Nice shots Ken; both are very well composed. I really like the lines and textures in the Hemmed-In Hollow shot. FYI.. the Goat Trail runs along Big Bluff, which I suppose is what the place is called from down on the river.
If you're ever down here in Arkansas on a weekend I'd be glad to show you some places.

John, thanks for the offer. I don't know when I might get back down there but it would be fun to tag around with someone who knows their way around.

Dottie, yes I did hike from the Centerpoint trailhead (down Centerpoint? I don't know all the local jargon) You're lucky to have so many fun hiking opportunities so close by.