http://blog.gregdisch.com/2009/05/06/lost-valley-eden-falls-buffalo-national-river/. Just looking for a day hike in the Fayetteville area? more, "Eureka Rocket" Golf Cart Eureka Springs City Tour, 70-Minute Guided Downtown Eureka Springs Walking Tour, ELVIS: Story of a King - Admission Ticket, Illusionist Rick Thomas - Mansion of Dreams. Say we want to camp at a walking distance of the trail head. living on the road in our. While the craggy rock may be your destination, theres plenty to enjoy along the way. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Whitaker Point Trail . Here are a few recommendations for lodging! Very easy out and back trail. Sweet home Alabama! The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. There were several people we saw coming and going on the hike, but we did get to the crag with about 10 minutes of alone time. You will need an AllTrails+ membership to download maps, which is $35.99 a year and so worth it! The path starts to the left of the big stone across the road. You will love hiking the Whitaker Point Trail in Arkansas. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Going north on route 16, take a right (east) onto Cave Mount Road (County Road 5). Great post, thanks for sharing!! I've heard this place can be very busy certain times of the year, and especially on weekends. It's a 2.9 mile hike that will take around 2 hours, depending on how much you love taking photos. At an elevation of 2,753 feet above sea level, hikers will be able to see fall foliage for miles in all directions. The trail ranks #1 on AllTrails for hikes in Arkansas and is said to be one of the states most photographed sites. Saw wild blueberries along the trail. We hiked the trail in the fall, specifically in early November, and most of the leaves had already fallen from the trees. 8 am 5 pm | Nov Feb. Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River. But these massive rock structures are opportunities to enjoy a repeating pattern of beauty in nature rather than cause for disappointment. We didnt find the trail hard to follow, especially since we could see people up ahead, but if its less busy or youre hiking in the dark, keep an eye out for them! While it is gravel and dirt and youd want to be careful if it has rained or may be icy, our van had no problem getting to the trailhead. We were living in Compton at the time, so the drive to Ponca in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness to hike to Whitaker Point, known interchangeably as Hawksbill Crag, was easily accomplished. The fall colors were amazing. Required fields are marked *. Download Trail Map Directions from Ponca Take Hwy 43 South to Hwy 21. This site is one of Arkansas' most-photographed spots, and it is no surprise why. Hi Josy! Where to Experience the Best of Fall Foliage in Arkansas Hi Hannah! Whitaker Point Trail Ozark Adventures We're visiting our fin, Things to do in Hot Springs National Park, What to bring on the Whitaker Point Trail, Things to know before hiking the Whitaker Point Trail, Our experience hiking the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag, Where to stay near the Whitaker Point Trail, Other spots to check out near the Whitaker Point Trail. Hawksbill Crag is an amazing, bucket list kind of hiking experience. Waterfalls were dried up but overlooks were very nice - pictures do not do justice. The fall crowds tend to die down after Thanksgiving providing hikers with more solitude on the local trails. This hike is very popular, especially in the summer and fall around peak foliage. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! 605 West Main The least humid month is April (55.7% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (65.5%). The rewards are the Crag, the rock formations and the views at the end. Due to its unique shape, this rock overlooking scenic Buffalo River country is also called Hawksbill Crag. The hike starts with a descent, and there is little incline throughout the trail until the very end. Hi there! But, for all its fame, Whitaker Point is still the peoples place. An inspiring spot where one can do some soul searching or enjoy quality time with friends or family in one of Arkansass prettiest places. Go left and ascend to visit Whitaker Point or go right and visit the waterfall as well. I took the route coming from the south, and did not have difficulty driving on those roads. We have hiked it a few times. Hi Lasma thanks for reading. The hike itself is up and down a handful of ravines and across the bluff summit. Amazing view! If youre planning on getting an epic solo picture, dont go on the weekend. Gorgeous views, just wow. Hawksbill Crag is the name of that massive rock you've seen in any and all photos of the Whitaker Point trail. On your way to Whitaker Point, theres also a lookout right before the actual viewing spot that is much smaller, but it would convince you that its the main point as you approach it. The best time to photograph the crag is early in the morning or mid-to-late afternoon, once the sun is behind you. It is even more grand in person. Overall, I really enjoyed hiking the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag. For about 6 miles we passed other dirt roads and saw houses along the way, causing me to reflect that there were people who lived there and drove that rough road regularly. ), we made it to the base of County Road 5, which takes you to the trailhead.We hesitated continuing the drive, as we werent even sure if there would be views on the hike, but after seeing the clouds thin a bit, we began the trek up the gravel road.To our surprise, the drive up wasnt bad at all! April's average wind speed of around 6.9 knots (7.9 MPH or 12.7 KPH) is considered "a light breeze.". The trees were brightly colored and leaves were falling in droves, so heavily and constantly that it seemed the branches should be bare. I bet you and your family would enjoy hiking the Whitaker Point Trail. Having a headlamp is not only one of the 10 hiking essentials, but is especially important if you plan to start your hike before sunrise or finish after sunset. This hike and view are amazing and Hawksbill Crag may be one of the most photographed spots in Arkansas. Even though you gain most of the elevation on the way back, its pretty gradual and definitely not too strenuous! Well marked. If you do bring food, make sure you have bags to put your trash in so you can pack out what you brought. You better get there via Highway 16 as it is a level road. How to Reach Hawksbill Crag Hiking the Whitaker Point Trail, Fall Road Trip Idea: Camp & Hike to Hawksbill Crag in the, What to Wear Hiking: Perfect Spring Hiking Outfit Ideas for, Plan a Weekend Getaway to Mount Magazine State Park- the. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2023 Adventures of A+K. On a subsequent hike, Matt enlisted the help of Alishas sisters to set the stage to propose to [], [] Whitaker Point, Upper Buffalo Wilderness Whitaker Point, alias Hawksbill Crag, is always dramatic and romantic. Required fields are marked *. You can choose from RV sites, a tent area, or a platform tent, where you can pay extra to have a bed. Some of them have steep drop-offs. The group faithfully followed, but Garrett and I decided to try searching the other direction. Weekdays earlier in the morning are quieter. All creek beds were dry. Looking for other trails near Whitaker Point? Solid out and back hike that the path is easily identifiable. They camp in their Aliner often and love wandering the world. Although drones are allowed in the Ozark National Forest, since the Whitaker Point Trail is in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, drones are not allowed. I was immersed in the power of that vista, and the awareness of the enormity of the space surrounding me made me momentarily dizzy. It was an easy hike with some gradual dips and rises in the trail, but it felt good to be hiking and heading toward a spectacular destination, one of Arkansass most recognizable natural locations. Go early; bring food and a backpacking chair. Colors become the most vivid in the last two weeks of October. This site is one of Arkansas most-photographed spots, and it is no surprise why. But fear not the lower Buffalo is floatable year round and stretches of it (like the short easy stretch between Buffalo Point and Rush) are as beautiful as the upper Buff. You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. No wonder. There is a parking area at the trailhead. Rocky and a little muddy. Go about two miles to the Boxley Bridge that crosses the Buffalo River. After about 4 miles you will see a parking area. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. As long as there hasnt been heavy rain or snow recently, you should be just fine getting up there! I started the hike in the late-afternoon and lingered there until almost sunset. Follow CR 5 until you reach the trailhead. Whitaker Point Trail, Ozark National Forest Pettigrew. Please keep in mind that some of the roads leading to the trailhead may be dirt or gravel. While not a spectacular trail it is a "must do" because it is the highest point in Arkansas! Very picturesque! Trail is a bit of a challenge. The Happiness Function, LLC 2023. Youll hear the water if the falls are running. Additionally, dogs are allowed on the trail. Do not come with a small two wheel drive car. You can do it with a 2WD if you go slow. Its also pretty cool that you can reach such a cool location with a relatively short hike. Ozark Mountains Vacation Rentals | Airbnb There is parking along the road at the Whitaker Point trailhead. Come check it out! This is not a leisurely lets chit chat the whole way kind of trail. Whitaker's Point, tucked away in the Ozarks, is one of the most iconic spots in Arkansas. The photos are beautiful and your post gives me all the information I need to plan a hike there . Well make planning your next adventure much easier! The area right around the trailhead can fit probably around 25 cars or so. However the 5 mile road to the trailhead is terrifying if you get there from Highway 21 (from Ponca). If you want to take the time to research Arkansas trails and waterfalls this is the best collection of books available: My two favorite things to do in the area would be a float on the upper Buffalo and take the short hike into Lost Valley. US Arkansas Boxley 4.9 155 votes Whitaker Point Road number 5, Boxley , Arkansas 72740 USA 12 Photos Free Free to Visit Independent Not Wheelchair Accessible No Wifi Add to Trip "Best Place in Arkansas to Get Kissed!" The views in the Fall with the changing colors is breathtaking. Please read ourfull disclosurefor more information. Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. Check back soon for new articles about exploring the Ozark National Forest, Northwest Arkansas, and the Upper Buffalo! People arriving parked and began walking the same direction. Thanks for reading and feel free to message us if you have questions hiking in the Ozarks! We enjoyed the views at the end. 1. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. There is a large sign that describes the hike, but the actual trailhead is across the road from the sign. The drive out . Must drive about 20 minutes on a gravel country road to get there. After turning around, we joined a line of cars beginning to ascend the gravel road up the mountain. Regardless of what name you hear, Whitaker Point and Hawksbill Crag do refer to the same hike.From our understanding, Whitaker Point is the name of the trail, while Hawksbill Crag is the name of the rocky cliff that the hike is most famous for. Such a great post. If Buffalo River lovers were pressed to name their favorite spot, well, this most scenic of Arkansas hiking trail icons might just take first place. . There is a small parking lot. Upon arriving to the trailhead youll find a small parking area. I love the photo of Pablo on the edge showing the vastness of the view and landscape. I have attached several pictures going to and at the point. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in this part of the Ozark National Forest. What a spectacular hike! Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 The following website will let you know whether the upper Buffalo is floatable as it varies with rainfall as do most all of the waterfalls. The day we had for this trail was a Saturday, so we made sure to be there earlier than later. We'll be sharing monthly travel tips and our favorite places to help you plan the best road trips, hiking, and camping! living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! The Whitaker Point trailhead is accessible by car only. The humidity can be as high as 85% and is usually well over 65%. It was quite a sight to see! Trail View the Whitaker Point Trail Map. All Rights Reserved. I love sharing travel tips to empower other to go any where. Nothing beats a cool, calm, quiet morning on a secluded . 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 1 What to know Follow the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag where you can overlook the valleys and scenery of the Buffalo National River. This sounds like an awesome hike! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Very easy parts and some nice steep parts. If wet or icy, an SUV is the best way to reach the trailhead. 1. Azalea Falls Lodge, Cabin & Beauty Lodge B&B, Boxley Valley Farmstay On The Beautiful Buffalo River, View all hotels near Hawksbill Crag on Tripadvisor, Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park, View all attractions near Hawksbill Crag on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA), Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour, Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah, Parga & Sivota Islands Blue Lagoon Cruise from Corfu, Skip The Line: Acropolis & Parthenon Ticket with Audio Tours, La Barca Cantina Cruise - El Plato Perfecto, Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour, Nara Afternoon Tour - Todaiji Temple and Deer Park from Kyoto. The road to the trailhead would also be very tricky if it has recently rained or is icy.With vast views of the surrounding mountains, late spring through summer is a great time to see the trees with their lush green color! Created with Sketch. When is the Best Time to Visit Arkansas (Advice From a Local) There is a sign with a small parking area. What is the closest or best town with hotels to stay in to hike Whitaker point? I love hiking while I travel, such a great way to see the country. It took us one hour to get to the cliff overlook and another hour to return to the car. It is a convenient location for a weekend getaway! About 1/4-mile from the trailhead, youll pass the Cave Mountain Church & Cemetery on the right. In this guide were sharing everything you need to know before hiking the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag in Arkansas, including trail stats, what to bring, and more!If you Google top hikes in Arkansas, there is about a 99.9% chance youll see Whitaker Point towards the top of the list. We hiked Whittakers point on a Saturday morning. Turn right onto gravel road #9560 and go about 6 miles. ! The majority of the hike is in the woods and totally safe, but as you get closer to Hawksbill Crag, youll be walking close to the edge of the bluff, with small lookout areas to check out. About a mile into the hike, you will cross a small stream and notice a fork, and you will have to make a choice. Both will take you to the crag. The hike distance is very inconsistent on these reviews so I made sure to track it on my Apple Watch: Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, is a rock overhang in Northwest Arkansas offering a spectacular view of the Ozark National Forest. Trail splits off in a few places, but they all lead the same way. The Best Time to Visit Arkansas, United States for Weather, Safety Once that fills up, park off the side of the road. Adventure Guide | Buffalo Outdoor Center Kings Canyon Loop Trail Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) Glory Hole Waterfall Trail Horseshoe Canyon Ranch How to Prepare for this Arkansas Hiking Trip Packing List Camping Essentials (click here to subscribe to my newsletter and receive a free packing list for camping) Day Pack Water Reservoir Ten Essentials (see this article here) whitaker point, going for the first time - Arkansas Forum The trail is well-marked, and it look me 30 minutes to summit to the view point, and 20 minutes to descend. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. When setting your GPS on this location, make sure to not drive on County Road 3605 unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good ground clearance. Follow the same path you took back down. The view at the end is definitely worth it. I saw a lot of senior citizens like us on the trail. Many photographers hike in the pre-dawn darkness to be in place to capture the iconic sunrise. The trail is very shaded and pleasant even though we started at noon and the view is totally worth it! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Ozark Cabins has quite a few properties around the Buffalo National River, close to the Whitaker Point Trail. This is because the trail is very popular and gets crowded during the day. This area is full of spectacular views and lots of recreational adventures. Arkansas's Well-Known Hiking Destination: Whitaker Point These cabins range in size and cost, but feature kitchens and amenities to make you feel right at home! It is worth the trip. In the springtime the trail is lush with wildflowers and along the rimrock trail, a creek tumbles over the edge forming a triple waterfall area. Public libraries are one of our most important community resources. Pin this hiking guide to help plan your adventure! A bluffline can be a pretty thing, but also a dangerous one. Recent rain made for a bit of mud, but the trail was great, well maintained, easy to navigate. The views are incredible and the rock that juts out from the side of the bluff, called Hawksbill Crag, makes for some really cool photos. It was beautiful! Wind in Arkansas is usually calm. 4699 AR 43 Hwy You will see a sign for Whitaker's Point at this junction. The photo of Hawksbill Crag is epic! Beautiful views. We didnt even have our drawers fly open, which happens if we go on crazy rough roads. Whitaker Point Trail - Ponca, AR - Step Outside Contact Us to Book First time to BOC, Ponca and the upper Buffalo National River? The Buffalo National River is home to a few more traditional campgrounds. Does the north entrance on hwy 5 have severe potholes like the entrance from the south? If you enjoy solitude in nature, we recommend visiting during the middle of the week. . Great hike. The jostling crowd made me nervous. While the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag is accessible year round, specific times of the year and certain weather will make the trail more enjoyable and safer.Because the trails main attraction has drop offs, which we will discuss more in a second, we would not recommend hiking this trail if it has rained a lot or if there is any ice, as the crag may be slick and you could accidentally slip and injure yourself. Thanks for reading. Hiking Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) Arkansas in the Fall Mountain bike, hike, or horseback ride through one of the best places to experience fall in Arkansas. One of the most photographed spots in The Natural State is Whitaker's Point. Many people have mentioned that the road is very steep, consists of just gravel and dirt, and that they recommend having a vehicle that can handle this terrain. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Whitaker Point in the Arkansas Ozarks Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) is a 2.9 mile heavily hiked out and back trail located near Pettigrew, Arkansas. A sign at the trailhead describes the hike, and across the road to the east is the trailhead. Awesome hike! So nice to see you on our blog. We had the trail and Hawksbill Crag all to ourselves!! Tip: Cell signal may be spotty in the Ozark National Forest. The 1st 1/3 mile was a struggle for my front wheel drive Jetta but she pulled herself up the steep, loose rocked incline with tires spinning! Although the trail is rated as moderate, I found the trail to be fairly easy. Some waterfalls and the best float (Ponca to Pruitt) will be iffy this time of year. Overall, the hike is not difficult with a very rewarding view! what other attraction should i take into consideration? Yes, you will love hiking in Arkansas. Im Annie and I am a Chinese-born, American-raised, Southern-rooted gal with a passion for travel. Which entrance to Cave Mtn Rd is better for a two wheel drive vehicle? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Flickr/Granger Meador. Hiked it in November 2022. Even with some crowds on a Monday and the possible rough road, the low mileage and elevation gain, plus the epic views and unique Hawksbill Crag make this hike totally worth it! It's rocky, steep in some areas and tree roots abound across the trail. The crag overlooks Whitaker Creek and a huge valley stretching as far as you can see. It's called Buffalo River country around here and people like me daydream about being there while working in our offices. Amazing view! There have been a number of deaths over the years associated with Whitaker Point: this is not a trail on which it is advisable to take children, nor would any risky stunts for the sake of a cool picture be wise. Coming from Fayetteville, Arkansas, I passed through Boston, and then took Highway 16 and Cave Mountain Road all the way to the trailhead. There are two country roads that lead to the trailhead: one from the north and the other from the south. CR 5 is a gravel road. With that being said, weekends are very busy. Thanks for the great guide! South entrance off of 16 or North entrance off of 21? The Hawksbill Crag is an Arkansas treasure deep into the Ozark National Forest. You go through a forest for the majority of the hike, which was losing lots of leaves, but the leaves that remained had a really cool orange color. This spot is an absolute Arkansas gem! Take your time, wear good hiking shoes, pack a couple snacks, and lots of water. We stood on the platform of rock to take pictures, but I had to get close to the tip to take a picture of the view and even then a nearby man photobombed my efforts. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I have a feeling you would love the Ozark Mountains! Today the river is floatable and some falls are flowing in the state. It's the sight of many proposals (including one during my first trip) and the opening scene to Disney's "Tuck Everlasting.". At the top is a 400 square feet stone . Even in summer, a rich green view over Buffalo River country awaits at trails end, with the hike along the way being mostly shaded. It would have been impossible to get a solitary snapshot, let alone try to take a series of careful photographs from different angles. What an incredible trail to go on! So to clarify, you take the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag. Trailhead was fine getting to, road was dry and bumpy. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Cabin in Harrison Cozy Buffalo River Cabin Getaway with hot tub! Wear layers to regulate your temperature. The gravel road on the way up was enough to make a person have second thoughts! Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The weather is hot by late May and stays hot well into September. Very hot and very humid. Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) [The Ultimate Hiker's Guide] We stayed a while up there and got some great photos. The Whitaker Point Trail is located in Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area in the Ozark National Forest, which covers 1.2 million acres in Northern Arkansas. Buffalo Outdoor Center is a proud recipient of the 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice award. We came in from the north (not sure if the path from the south would be better). Discover the best rental cabins and springtime adventures in Arkansas! While we tend to prefer the more off the beaten path spots, we also like to see the iconic places when we explore.
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