Chuck’s Blog- “Trails Less Traveled: Red Bluff Overlook”
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- Chuck Dovish
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The trail to Red Bluff Overlook in the middle portion of the Buffalo National River is, without a doubt, the shortest trail in our “Trails Less Traveled” series. How about 40 feet or so to the overlook? Think y’all can handle that?
Red Bluff Overlook, located about three to four miles downstream from Gilbert is where the Buffalo River makes a dramatic horseshoe curve that allows you to look upstream and downstream at the same time. It really and truly is quite the spectacular sight!
Directions for getting to the overlook can be obtained from the Gilbert General Store, which is quite the experience in itself! After maneuvering a couple or three dirt roads, look for a little pull-off parking area on the right. There, you’ll notice an impressive pile of rocks — if they’re still standing — and that’s where you’ll spot the short path to the overlook.
Although the path is short, it is very steep with loose gravel. So, if you’re not careful, one could easily slide down to where the 200 ft drop-off is — and that would really mess up your day! So, my advice would be to wear shoes with a good grip and leave the flip-flops at home. Also, you may want to leave any small children at home as well. This area is not, I repeat, NOT kid-friendly!
Red Bluff Overlook will premiere during our “Trails Less Traveled” digital series on Arkansas PBS and Exploring Arkansas social media platforms Wednesday, July 8, at 2 p.m., including Facebook, YouTube and on the Engage Arkansas PBS App, available for free in the App Store and Google Play Store. Want to see it —or share it — on a bigger screen? Watch AR PBS-1 in primetime on Thursday evening after “Doc Martin” to see the full segment on broadcast!
Getting ready to make your own visit to this short but incredible trail? Don’t miss a chance to enter to win an Arkansas PBS prize pack! From now to Aug. 12, whenever you watch a segment and, then, share a photo on the Engage Arkansas PBS app, you’ll be entered to in a random drawing for an exciting collection of Arkansas PBS and “Exploring Arkansas” swag and/or experiences. Check out details and rules at myarkansaspbs.org/exploringarkansas.
