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Hawksbill Crag via Whitaker Point Trail

Kingston, Arkansas

4.5/5
based on 18 reviews

Details

Distance

2.68 miles

Elevation Gain

594 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Parker Dodson

This is a stunning 3 mile round trip hike that leads to the most photographed, and quite honestly the most beautiful spot in all of Arkansas.

Hawksbill Crag aka Whitaker Point is one of the most popular hiking spots in all of Arkansas and only ~60 miles from Fayetteville. However, doing the hike early in the morning provides one of the best places of all time to watch a sunrise. You begin at the trail marker which is straight across from the parking area and marked by a larger bolder with carvings in it. The trail is a slight downhill hike almost the entire way to the point. This trial is very clearly marked and is well maintained due to the high number of visitors that come to this spot each year. The trail follows the bluff line all the way to the point providing some great photographing spots along the way. Please be very careful around this area! Once you reach the point, take the time to sit and enjoy the beauty of the sunrise as the valley below fills with clouds.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers

Hawksbill Crag via Whitaker Point Trail Reviews

A well trafficked Easy and beautiful hike. Perfect for families and people of all ages.

I have hiked, climbed, caved, camped, and Mtn biked the Ozarks since the mid 90's. Hawksbill crag is by far not the greatest hike of Arkansas. There are endless super hikes in Arkansas. Pedestal Rocks/Kings Bluff, Sam's Throne, Richland Creek, Cave Creek, White Rock Mtn, Quachita Mtns, Devil's Den, Lake Leatherwood, Hemmed In Holler, Buffalo River, etc, etc, etc.

The pictures are better than the real thing. That’s not saying much though. My only hang up is that it is almost identical to Yellow Rock except the trail to Yellow Rock is better. It’s pretty, yeah, but anticlimactic.

The hike isn’t too bad and the view is amazing. Go early in the morning to avoid more people on the trail and to get better photo opportunities.

we struggled to find the location at first. if you look the wrong way, you will miss the sign! if you go from Ponca, turn right before the Buffalo River Bridge!!! it's a steep 6 mile Rocky dirt road up to the top with no restrooms, water or anything. all there is includes parking and an info board. the trail is on the left side of the street from the info board. this hike, as a hiking photographer, stilopping to shoot, and wearing pounds of gear, took 2.5 hours to reach the end, 1 hour to come back. on the trail, not many places to relieve yourself to beware!! the path is a tough one. little ones may have trouble, non experienced hikers will get exhausted, my buddy and I did on the way back!!! but there are so many overhangs where you have clearing to see pure beauty of our precious world!!!!

Super easy hike! The area can get pretty busy, so it's best to try and get there early to watch the sun come up or stay late and watch it go down. Great views and an awesome place to get away for a bit. Be careful though!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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