Red Bluff overlook - Buffalo National River - Exploring Northwest Arkansas

01/01/2017

Red Bluff overlook - Buffalo National River

I've seen pictures of the Red Bluff Overlook for many years but few people attempt to provide directions to this unique spot. Red Bluff (which isn't really all that red) is an interesting spot along the Buffalo National River where the river makes a dramatic horseshoe curve that allows you to look both up stream and downstream at the same time. It's a dramatic view that is pretty easy to get to but I think I see why people don't promote it a lot -- because it has the potential to be a pretty dangerous.

Getting There

To get there, go to the small community of Gilbert along the Buffalo National River. Gilbert is a bustling little river stop during the height of floating season and is just downstream from Tyler Bend. Most of the buildings here date back tot he early 1900s - -and it's just 3 miles off of Highway 65.

When you get to Gilbert, there is a "T" intersection at the General Store. Turn LEFT at the General Store onto Osborne Road (the road to the right leads down to the River). Drive up the hill for a couple of miles (road turns to gravel just as you leave town), turn RIGHT onto Tomahawk Slab Road and follow it for a little more than a mile and then turn RIGHT onto Mercy Road. There is no sign for Mercy Road, but it's a pretty large triangle intersection so easy to spot. Go for about 3/4 of a mile down Mercy Road (stay left at the V) and there is a spot where the road dips down and then there is a fairly large pull-off parking area on the right. Park here. This is a pretty good road for a gravel road and we made it easily in our 2WD vehicle.

From the parking area, there is a little trail that leads a bit down the hill to a couple of different overlook areas -- both only a few yards from the parking area.

WORD OF WARNING. There is a lot of loose gravel at the overlook area and the only thing between you and a 200 foot fall is an old Cedar Tree. If you choose to go here; like many of the bluffs along the Buffalo River, be VERY careful.