Whitaker Point/Hawksbill Crag

"If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else" - Marvin Gaye

Difficulty - ✹✹✹ (out of 5)

Scenic Beauty - ✰✰✰✰✰ (out of 5)

Directions - click here

If I had to choose one, and only one, hike to recommend to someone making their first trip to the Ozarks it would be Whitaker Point.  Whitaker Point (aka Hawksbill Crag) is probably the most famous and photographed spot in the Ozarks and consists of a triangular shaped outcrop jutting out from the side of a cliff in Newton County near the Ponca, Boxley valley.  The trail itself is a moderate 3 mile out and back and is suitable for most people.  It's beautiful, it's breathtaking, it's remote and is the quintessential Ozark hiking destination.

Inside Info - This is one of the most picturesque and serene places in Arkansas and the shot of the crag is one of the most sought after photo ops in the Ozarks.  The trailhead can be found 6 miles down a gravel road after turning off Arkansas highway 21.   Be advised that this is a very steep, very narrow and bumpy road and the first 2 miles are best suited for a 4 wheel or all wheel drive with a high clearance.  2 wheel drive cars can make it but suffice it to say it will be a very bumpy ride.  When you arrive at the trail head there will be a small parking area on both sides of the road and the trail is marked by a large stone with an inscription on it.   It's a beautiful hike through dense forest near cliffs and even has a side hike down a small cliff that has a waterfall and cave.  This can tend to be crowded on weekends so weekdays are usually your best bet to see it alone or in small numbers.  Keep in mind that this is a high cliff area with heights over 100 feet and there have been numerous deaths due to falls at this location.  The cliff edges have a gentle slope and can be slick and deceiving so extreme caution needs to be observed here.  Please keep a tight grip on small children and pets in this area and don't stray too far to the edge to get the perfect selfie. This is a perfect place to sit and soak it all in and lose your cares.

Final Word - No hiking vacation in Arkansas is complete without a trip to Whitaker Point.  The trail is only moderately difficult with the most strenuous part being the last half mile on the hike back to the parking area since it is all uphill.  Practically anyone with modest fitness and without mobility issues can make this hike but just take a bottle of water and take your time.  You'll enjoy it immensely but please be careful.  Falls off the crag are always fatal so keep your wits and make good choices.

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Trailhead Pic

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