Granny Henderson’s Cabin: A Short Side Trip from the Centerpoint Trailhead
About two miles from the Centerpoint Trailhead, the trail splits. Turning right leads to Goat Bluff. After spending some time on the bluff, we backtracked to the junction and took the trail to the left toward Granny Henderson’s Cabin.
From that intersection, the trail trends steadily downhill and serves as a connector to both the Old River Trail (which leads to Hemmed in Hollow) and Sneed’s Creek Trail. The cabin itself sits roughly a mile from the Goat Bluff junction.
It’s just enough to remind you that this quiet detour still earns its place on the map.
Trail Snapshot
- Access: Centerpoint Trailhead
- Distance: ~1 mile from the Goat Bluff junction (as an add-on)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on return route
- Best Use: Short detour while hiking Goat Bluff or Hemmed in Hollow
Spotting Granny Henderson’s Cabin
As we followed the trail, I started to wonder when we would actually spot the cabin. It felt like we had been hiking longer than expected, and each step carried us a little farther from the trailhead. For a moment, I questioned whether this add-on hike was worth the extra effort.
Just as that doubt set in, Gail spotted the roof through the trees. The cabin sat tucked away to our left, partially hidden from the trail. We followed a short, rocky spur down toward it, and within a few steps, the structure came fully into view.
Up close, the cabin was in better shape than I expected. As I walked toward it, it felt almost welcoming. It wasn’t hard to imagine Granny Henderson living there—perhaps sitting on the porch watching hikers pass by, or just as likely chasing them off for disturbing her quiet corner of the woods.
Exploring the Cabin
We spent a little time wandering around the cabin and the nearby outbuilding, taking in what remained. Despite being unoccupied for years, the space felt remarkably intact. Parts of a potbelly stove still sat inside, along with scattered bottles and old cookware—small details that hinted at daily life without spelling it out. What struck me most was how untouched it all felt. Hikers who pass through have largely left these remnants in place, allowing the cabin to remain a quiet snapshot of the past rather than something picked apart piece by piece.
The Return Hike
Leaving the cabin, the character of the hike changes quickly. What had been an easy downhill walk on the way in becomes a steady climb back to the junction. Then, the final push up the old jeep road to the Centerpoint Trailhead which is noticeably steeper.
It’s not especially long, but after already hiking Goat Bluff or heading toward Hemmed in Hollow Falls, it demands a bit of effort and honest pacing.
The extra uphill is the price of this quiet detour.
Granny Henderson’s Cabin isn’t a destination that justifies a trip on its own, but as an add-on, it’s a worthwhile detour.
If you’re already hiking Goat Bluff or connecting toward Hemmed in Hollow Falls, the short side trip offers a glimpse of history and a moment of stillness before the climb back reminds you that you’re still very much on the trail.
Looking for more places to explore nearby? See our full guide to Arkansas hikes, waterfalls, and scenic escapes.
