Signal Hill - Mt. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so be prepared to go to the restroom in advance or go in the woods, but make sure to pack out any toilet paper! Good place to have them. Several hikers with walking sticks. Dogs are allowed on a leash and there were plenty of other people on the trail. It is a convenient location for a weekend getaway! 100% of travelers recommend this experience. living on the road in our. Plan Your Visit. About half-way to the crag youll cross a wet-weather creek where you can choose to go left or right, either of which direction will take you to the crag. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2023 Adventures of A+K. 2023 Buffalo Outdoor Center. 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!" Take a few moments to appreciate its grandeur at a distance before hiking on around and stepping out onto the lofty perch it affords. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you going on your way along the trail. If youre planning on getting an epic solo picture, dont go on the weekend. We returned on the same trail, which amounted to about a 3-mile hike. Catch Arkansas' foliage on top of the state's highest point Signal Hill. Oooh this looks great fun!! To beat the crowds, avoid weekend hikes and plan a trip early in the day. We hope you have a great hike . Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point Trail Upper Buffalo Wilderness Ozark National Forest Phone: (479) 284-3150 (Big Piney District Office) Emergency: Newton County Sheriff - (870) 446-5124 Closest Towns: Fallsville, Ponca. Check out our article on adventure photography gear we use to take stunning photos! Keep an eye on children and pets near the bluff edges. 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. While there is a parking area at the trailhead off of County Road 5, warm weekend days may cause you to park along the road. The humidity can be as high as 85% and is usually well over 65%. On a warm weekend day, you may have to park along the road. Wear layers to regulate your temperature. The Whitaker Point trailhead is accessible by car only. Its a fairly easy hike after driving ~6 miles up a gravel road from the paved highway. Many nearby attractions outside of the park are within short driving distances. 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. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Forest Supervisor's Office 605 West Main Russellville AR 72801 (479)964-7200 Visitor Information: 479-280-8162 Due to the crowds, which werent even that bad, he had to wait in line for a bit to stand on the rock so we could get a photo. Most folks go to the right, where the trail follows the creek for a bit, then turns left at a waterfall ledge. This is a good trail to pack a couple of bottled waters per person, as folks tend to linger along the way and at the crag. While the craggy rock may be your destination, theres plenty to enjoy along the way. + Leaflet | OpenStreetMap contributors Co Rd 406 Kingston, AR 72742 Get Directions View Map 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. Itms on my bucket list, thanks for sharing! Hike to Whitaker Point | Buffalo Outdoor Center Well marked trail. The jostling crowd made me nervous. 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. As always, we recommend having the 10 essentials on you when doing any hike, but here are a few key items we want to point out that will especially help you during this hike! It is even more grand in person. Lots of people. There is a trail sign before the bridge crossing the Buffalo River, where you turn off AR 21 onto County Road (CR 5). http://www.buffaloriver.com/current-river-level/. This site is one of Arkansas most-photographed spots, and it is no surprise why. This is a dog friendly hike and our slightly overweight beagle did just fine. All Rights Reserved. I love hiking while I travel, such a great way to see the country. When we reached the end of parked cars and still saw no sign of the trailhead, we halted in uncertainty. The hike is difficult in spots due to the steepness and rocks/tree roots, but much of the hike is not strenuous. ), 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! Similar to the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, the trail is downhill to Hawksbill Crag. . It's called Buffalo River country around here and people like me daydream about being there while working in our offices. I love the way the crag juts out so far so you can see all the views! We had fun. Share. The online reviews had discouraged me to visit in a sedan, however I am glad to have ventured out. It took us(me and my husband plus a 15, 13 and 10 year old) about two hours to complete and thats with a few water breaks and some time at the point admiring the view. About 1/4-mile from the trailhead, youll pass the Cave Mountain Church & Cemetery on the right. It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Hawksbill Crag (Ponca) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. After about 4 miles you will see a parking area. If you enjoy solitude in nature, we recommend visiting during the middle of the week. While not a spectacular trail it is a "must do" because it is the highest point in Arkansas! This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. The trail was well marked and dry. Whitaker Point Arkansas Ozark Travel Photography Tips | ScottymanPhoto World-class photographers have sought to capture it in the prime of every season. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Those views from the edges are amazing. Very picturesque! These cabins range in size and cost, but feature kitchens and amenities to make you feel right at home! We hiked Whittakers point on a Saturday morning. 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. So nice to see you on our blog. The hike is downhill and moderately challenging with rocks, roots and crossing springs. Whitaker's Point, tucked away in the Ozarks, is one of the most iconic spots in Arkansas. Arkansas's Well-Known Hiking Destination: Whitaker Point Have you been looking for new camera gear to compliment your adventure travel photography? Whitaker Point Trail . The drive out . Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point - Kingston, AR Luis Ramirez/Google Time is of the essence, so let's rise early to catch the magnificent Arkansas sunrise at the Hawksbill Crag lookout point. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in this part of the Ozark National Forest. There is a hidden waterfall seasonally along the way. what other attraction should i take into consideration? Hiking Stats The Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag is an out and back trail that is 2.9 miles round trip and has 413 feet of elevation gain , making it relatively flat. Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) is a 2.9 mile heavily hiked out and back trail located near Pettigrew, Arkansas. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Click this link or use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! 21 to where it crosses the Buffalo River south of Boxley in Newton County. Such a beautiful place. Thanks for your support! The gravel road on the way up was enough to make a person have second thoughts! Travel, hiking, & food 3+ years in @brisketthevan The best time to photograph the crag is early in the morning or mid-to-late afternoon, once the sun is behind you. Arguably the most well-known hiking trail in Arkansas, Whitaker Point has been featured in movies and on magazine covers, is the site of many proposals, and attracts hikers from all over the country. 5. 25 min drive down a terrible road to the trailhead. South entrance off of 16 or North entrance off of 21? Are you hiking near Buffalo National River and Whitaker Point? Would not recommend a sedan. She currently resides in Mountain Home, Arkansas with her husband, Garrett, their daughter, Nenive, and two black cats. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Go about two miles to the Boxley Bridge that crosses the Buffalo River. The Happiness Function is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, which are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other affiliate sites. 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! If Buffalo River lovers were pressed to name their favorite spot, well, this most scenic of Arkansas icons might just take first place. Theres a long dirt/gravel road to get to the trailhead, but most vehicles can make it up the road. Gorgeous hike near Ponca and Jasper, AR. In the fall, the Whitaker Point trail is graced with the bright oranges and reds of turning maple leaves and other hardwood trees. Fall Road Trip Idea: Camp & Hike to Hawksbill Crag in the Ozarks While we tend to prefer the more off the beaten path spots, we also like to see the iconic places when we explore. Public libraries are one of our most important community resources. Many visitors have mentioned that the drive is difficult as the road is not paved and rough. If you've seen photos of this majestic crag and it's on your Arkansas hiking bucket list, we're sharing all the details! Fall is an amazing time to hike the Whitaker Point Trail. The Whitaker Point Trail is about a 1.5 hour drive from Fayetteville, Arkansas and closer to a 2 hour drive from Bentonville and Rogers. Here are a few recommendations for lodging! Hi there! Mount Magazine itself is the highest point sitting at a whopping 2,753 feet! The woman said she had hiked the trail as a child and pointed the way we had been walking, down the road that sloped gradually away from usthe wrong direction. 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. I have attached several pictures going to and at the point. We came in from the north (not sure if the path from the south would be better). A white sign marks the trail. Great hike! 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. Our favorite time of the year to hike Whitaker Point is in the fall or early winter to catch the leaves changing in the area. There is a little bit of a scramble up and down a rock wall to see the waterfall up close. There are quite a few developed campgrounds in the Ozark National Forest, ranging from $0-$10 a night and with different levels of amenities. The Whitaker Point Trail is about a 1.5 hour drive from Fayetteville, Arkansas and closer to a 2 hour drive from Bentonville and Rogers. Note: the 6 mile steep, rutted, gravel road up the mountain to the trailhead is the worst part of this hike. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We enjoyed this hike and our dog did too! I GUESSING it might be early October this year. Wearing a flamingo on his head, Owen Dyer of Bentonville filmed his Christmas bells are ringing, and these BellsDavid and Laura Bellare [] outdoors, and Alisha credits herself for taking Matt hiking for his first time; they hiked to Whitaker Point. 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. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as MileValue.com, Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Part of the trail is dangerous You will be fine if you stay focused on your footing. Beautiful morning indeed. 4699 AR 43 Hwy Beautiful views. Ozark Cabins has quite a few properties around the Buffalo National River, close to the Whitaker Point Trail. By Brent Toellner June 13, 2016 In Northwest Arkansas Buffalo River, Counties: Newton+Boone (Ark), Fall Foliage, Miles: 3-5, Ozark National Forest, Profile, Upper Buffalo Wilderness Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point), Ozark National Forest GO TO MAP Need to keep your eyes down on the path at all times. Discover the best rental cabins and springtime adventures in Arkansas! Here is the website to check that: http://www.nps.gov/buff/campground-closures.htm. Although the trail is rated as moderate, I found the trail to be fairly easy. Worth it. Overall, I really enjoyed hiking the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag. Thanks for reading. Turn right onto gravel road #9560 and go about 6 miles. Both will take you to the crag. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The paths had lots of rocks and tree roots. Tip: Cell signal may be spotty in the Ozark National Forest. A journalist once placed it in her Best Places in Arkansas to Get Kissed travel article. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) is a 2.9 mile heavily hiked out and back trail located near Pettigrew, Arkansas. Contact Us to Book First time to BOC, Ponca and the upper Buffalo National River? The trail is very shaded and pleasant even though we started at noon and the view is totally worth it! shady. By Shiv508 " Amazing view " Jul 2021 . Saw wild blueberries along the trail. The best places to camp in the immediate area are: Check out our article with all the best places to camp along the Arkansas Buffalo River (Upper District). 'Tuck Everlasting' Was Filmed At This Hike Spot In The Ozarks - TheTravel The Whitaker Point Trailhead is located on County Road 5 in Kingston, Arkansas. Wow, this is such a good article, I found everything that I wanted to know. Your email address will not be published. It means a lot to us. Rough ride there and a little strenuous in spots, but our 8 year old could handle it. All that said, it's a popular hike, and you won't be alone during your trek. The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. You can choose from RV sites, a tent area, or a platform tent, where you can pay extra to have a bed. It's breathtakingly beautiful - and I can't see it being dangerous unless someone wasn't being cautious.