Have you been looking for new camera gear to compliment your adventure travel photography? This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Id love to hike here someday. This road is all gravel and dirt and you can approach from two main ways, from the north on Highway 21 or from the southwest on Highway 16.When reading reviews about the hike, youll likely read how brutal the drive is. It's breathtakingly beautiful - and I can't see it being dangerous unless someone wasn't being cautious. At the Buffalo, you can partake of many activities including floating the river, visiting historic homesteads and prehistoric sites, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Such a beautiful place. Those views from the edges are amazing. The hike is moderate, and is about 1.5 miles to the Hawks Bill Crag. whitaker point, going for the first time - Arkansas Forum Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you going on your way along the trail. All Rights Reserved. Tree down blocking road after recent storm. Fall is an amazing time to hike the Whitaker Point Trail. Here is the website to check that: http://www.nps.gov/buff/campground-closures.htm. Also called Whitaker Point. Also, the county road to get to the trailhead is pretty rough. Come check it out! Fall Road Trip Idea: Camp & Hike to Hawksbill Crag in the Ozarks The Buffalo National River is a designated International Dark Sky Park, recognizing and protecting its exceptionally dark and starry skies. Cars parked around it had partially obscured it. A white sign marks the trail. Take Hwy 43 South to Hwy 21. Come on an email adventure with us! The elevation gain is just over 400 feet. It means a lot to us. Even in summer, a rich green view over Buffalo River country awaits at trails end, with the hike along the way being mostly shaded. World-class photographers have sought to capture it in the prime of every season. The trail will then go towards the right, where youll start to walk along the side of the bluff (although not on the edge). living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! License plates read Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, along with Colorado, Tennessee, South Dakota and Louisiana. Very picturesque! 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. Whitaker Point Source: Brandon Alms / shutterstock Whitaker Point Whitaker Point is a beautiful Arkansas that has appeared in Disney movies, as well as a journalist's article regarding the best places to be kissed! There is a large sign that describes the hike, but the actual trailhead is across the road from the sign. locate Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) is a 2.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located in the Ozark National Forest that features a waterfall and a spectacular viewpoint. It was not a challenging hike, so the beauty of it seemed disproportionate to the energy we had expended. 21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Arkansas - The Crazy Tourist Very easy parts and some nice steep parts. Follow their latest adventures on Instagram @thehappinessfxn. Jonesboro, Arkansas What is the best place for camping near Hawksbill Crag? Just go about 250 more feet, and youll run into the real Hawkbill Crag. We stayed a while up there and got some great photos. 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! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. There is a small parking lot. The path starts to the left of the big stone across the road. Keep an eye on children and pets near the bluff edges. Youll likely see someone standing on it for a photo and there is a great little opening to stand in before Hawksbill Crag to snap the iconic side shot of the rock.While I (Kathryn) waited in this opening, Adam continued up the trail to go stand on the crag. 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. We have hiked it a few times. fyi the trail is actually across the road from the trailhead sign. Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike. http://blog.gregdisch.com/2009/05/06/lost-valley-eden-falls-buffalo-national-river/. Fall . The last bit of the drive up here is a 6 mile rough drive up a bumpy country road, took a while to drive up.. We were in a small SUV and did ok. In the fall, the Whitaker Point trail is graced with the bright oranges and reds of turning maple leaves and other hardwood trees. Many great photo ops on the way. The view from this precipice is positively magical, though it might make your palms sweat. You do not need a permit or have to pay any fees to access the Whitaker Point Trailscore! 12 Best Places to Experience Fall In Arkansas - Southern Trippers next week i will be going down to Arkansas with intention to camp and see whitaker point, could anyone tell me where to go and where to stay? The hike is downhill and moderately challenging with rocks, roots and crossing springs. The trees were brightly colored and leaves were falling in droves, so heavily and constantly that it seemed the branches should be bare. Turn left. Looking for more things to do in Arkansas? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Signal Hill - Mt. 605 West Main 'Tuck Everlasting' Was Filmed At This Hike Spot In The Ozarks - TheTravel By closing this banner or interacting with our site, you acknowledge and agree to our Privacy Policy. Are you interested in hiking to the famous Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, or visiting Buffalo National River in Arkansas? Recent rain made for a bit of mud, but the trail was great, well maintained, easy to navigate. We, fortunately, found a newly relinquished spot along the road to park. The trail starts at the Whittaker Point Trailhead. Today there were many other people also onnthis hike to the point, but not too difficult to navigate around everyone. Hey Uncle Burt! Although the road is bumpy, the key is to focus on the road and drive slowly. The trail is well-marked, and it look me 30 minutes to summit to the view point, and 20 minutes to descend. Once the sun was behind me, there was a beautiful glow that was cast upon the forest. If youve seen photos of this majestic crag and its on your Arkansas hiking bucket list, were sharing all the details! There is a sign with a small parking area. Its actually a lot wider and less scary than it looks from the iconic side shot photo.After getting some cool photos, we headed back to the trailhead, stopping at the various other little nooks along the way. 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. ), 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! 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. In fact, its a very popular spot for proposals, engagement photos, and wedding photos! Take time to appreciate the grandeur around you. Happy hiking! It was so crowded that people were beginning to park carelessly, blocking other vehicles in at the entrances of clearings, and the long stretch of parked cars made it hard to tell where the focal point was. The Hawksbill Crag is an Arkansas treasure deep into the Ozark National Forest. We were going to attempt a retry tomorrow on our way home to Louisiana. You can choose from RV sites, a tent area, or a platform tent, where you can pay extra to have a bed. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Ozark Mountains vacation rentals Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb Top-rated vacation rentals in Ozark Mountains Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more. We recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes, wool socks, sweat-wicking hiking clothes, a hat, sunglasses, water, snacks, and a daypack. Visit Website Whitaker Point . It was quite a sight to see! The photos are beautiful and your post gives me all the information I need to plan a hike there . Part of the trail is dangerous You will be fine if you stay focused on your footing. Dogs are allowed on a leash and there were plenty of other people on the trail. ML Baxley/Google We hope that you enjoy this trail as much as we have! Plan Your Visit - Buffalo National River (U.S. National Park Service) This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hiking Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) Arkansas in the Fall Re: whitaker point, going for the first time 10 years ago Save You are lucky to be going to some of the most beautiful land and water in the country. To find this very remote location, take Ark. The road was unpaved, quite steep at parts, and filled with with pot holes. Moreover, people who want to snap the most beautiful shots are recommended to do it when the place is less crowded. Thanks for reading. With that being said, weekends are very busy. Whitaker Point Trail. I saw a lot of senior citizens like us on the trail. Contact Us to Book First time to BOC, Ponca and the upper Buffalo National River? Ponca, AR 72670, 1 (870) 861-5514 For as many folks from the region were there, no one seemed to have hiked the trail before. Kings River Falls Trail: This is an easy 1.8 mile out and back trail (0.9 miles one way) located near Witter, Arkansas. Best Time to See Arkansas Fall Foliage 2023 - Rove.me When we left, it was around 11 am, and it was definitely getting crowded. Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) is a 2.9 mile heavily hiked out and back trail located near Pettigrew, Arkansas. Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership? Just looking for a day hike in the Fayetteville area? 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. The only difficulty we faced was in sharing the trail with hundreds of other people and the possibility of slipping on the leaf-strewn path. You can see the developed campgrounds on this map, although most are a decent drive from the Whitaker Point Trail, so the Buffalo National River campgrounds may be a better fit.You can also primitive camp (no water, restrooms, or amenities) almost anywhere in the Ozark National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise. So nice to see you on our blog. Additionally, I would bring water, comfortable layers, and pack some food to enjoy a picnic on the crag. 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. You will enjoy the hike so much more in sturdy footwear. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Be sure and see the warnings about Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point.) I started the hike in the late-afternoon and lingered there until almost sunset. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It's a 2.9 mile hike that will take around 2 hours, depending on how much you love taking photos. We arrived at 8:30am and saw one couple on their way out and passed two other ladies on the trail. 4699 AR 43 Hwy 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. Once you get there, you will find plenty of parking. This is where you start to get some views along the trail and there are various spots to go off the main trail to check it out. With several national forests consisting of oaks, black gum trees, hickories, and maples, the region stuns with colorful panoramas. With low mileage and elevation gain, a decent amount of parking, and a unique rocky feature at the end, it is an appealing hike for all ages and fitness levels, as well as for photographers looking to snap some epic photos. It's rocky, steep in some areas and tree roots abound across the trail. Children are out of school and probably a little stir-crazy already. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Check out our other articles about hiking and camping in northwest Arkansas: Feel free to leave us a comment below, letting us know what your favorite part of the Whitaker Point Trail is or if you have any questions! Her goal is to inspire people to travel with a sense of adventure by sharing hidden gems across the U.S. and beyond. As we mentioned above, the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbills Crag is one of the most popular hikes in Arkansas! Theres about a 20 minute drive up a gravel road to get to the trail and there are no restrooms at the trailhead so go before if you can. Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) Trailhead - US Forest Service 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. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! At this ledge, the trail now turns and follows the bluffline all the way to the crag. While the craggy rock may be your destination, theres plenty to enjoy along the way. If youre nervous, the road from the south doesnt have as steep of a grade. Thanks for reading. Your email address will not be published. If wet or icy, an SUV is the best way to reach the trailhead. They camp in their Aliner often and love wandering the world. Do not come with a small two wheel drive car. Below is a Google map of where the Whitaker Point Trailhead and Hawksbill Crag are located in relation to Ponca and Jasper, Arkansas. 8 am 5 pm | Nov Feb. Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized to provide canoe rentals and transportation services within the Buffalo National River. 21 to where it crosses the Buffalo River south of Boxley in Newton County. However, I visited in June 2020 in a Toyota Camry, and made the drive on the gravel road perfectly fine. By foot, drone, car and kayak, Adria enjoys exploring and experiencing the Natural State. Similar to the Goat Trail to Big Bluff, the trail is downhill to Hawksbill Crag. Youll hear the water if the falls are running. We hiked Whittakers point on a Saturday morning. It is worth the trip. The rewards are the Crag, the rock formations and the views at the end. shady. Both will take you to the crag. The trail is marked by a white sign. We gathered with a few people who also didnt know which direction to take to the trailhead, and we began walking the wrong way, although we didnt realize it at the time. Great views! Earlier that day I had texted a friend, Ashel, whom I knew had completed the hike the previous week, asking what to expect. Most folks go to the right, where the trail follows the creek for a bit, then turns left at a waterfall ledge. The least humid month is April (55.7% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (65.5%). We enjoyed the views at the end. Below is some additional information about the hike, including its multiple names, where its located, and how long and steep the trail is. Turn right onto gravel road #9560 and go about 6 miles. Weve done all levels of hiking and this is a nice moderate hike. I was a bit confused, but decided to back up (just a 50 feet or so) to get back on the main road I came in on, and contnued in the same direction I was heading, and just 50 feet later was the parking lot. Thanks for reading and for the well wishes We appreciate you! Amazing view! We hiked the trail in the fall, specifically in early November, and most of the leaves had already fallen from the trees. If you do this, take a flashlight and use extreme caution in the dark as you prepare to enjoy a breathtaking scene. As long as there hasnt been heavy rain or snow recently, you should be just fine getting up there! This Sunrise To Sunset Day Trip In Arkansas Will be Spectacular At an elevation of 2,753 feet above sea level, hikers will be able to see fall foliage for miles in all directions. There are red markers along the trail to help make sure youre going the right direction. The fall crowds tend to die down after Thanksgiving providing hikers with more solitude on the local trails. I can totally see why it is popular! I snapped some pics of him on the rock and then headed to the crag so I could also stand on it. If you do bring food, make sure you have bags to put your trash in so you can pack out what you brought. Easy hike to whitaker point besutiful view on 10/22/20. What is the best place for camping near Hawksbill Whitaker Point Arkansas Ozark Travel Photography Tips | ScottymanPhoto Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. I took the route coming from the south, and did not have difficulty driving on those roads. 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. We'll be sharing monthly travel tips and our favorite places to help you plan the best road trips, hiking, and camping! So to clarify, you take the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag. Looking for other trails near Whitaker Point? Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) [The Ultimate Hiker's Guide] Its in a remote area and the drive out there will follow a narrow, bumpy, dirt road for several miles. Road in is rough but manageable. Since our van is so long, we sometimes struggle to find parking at trailheads, but we were able to fit into one of the parking spots right across from the trailhead. Its a super tricky road to get there, so be prepared for that. I have an All wheel drive, and I was worried, lol. Great hike. 221 Reviews Ranked #1 of 5 Attractions in Ponca Istiaque. 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. This spot is an absolute Arkansas gem! 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. The national forest contains many recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, trout streams, picnicking areas, and camping sites. Dax left around 7 am, grabbed some coffee, and hit the road. I love hiking while I travel, such a great way to see the country. There is a little bit of a scramble up and down a rock wall to see the waterfall up close. The trail is very shaded and pleasant even though we started at noon and the view is totally worth it! Many vehicles with Arkansas tags also had University of Arkansas decals, and dozens of college students on the trail wore their Greek shirts. It is very doable just must pay attention at all times. Travel, hiking, & food 3+ years in @brisketthevan What is the closest or best town with hotels to stay in to hike Whitaker point? All other photos by the author. Hi Hannah! Several hikers with walking sticks. Which entrance to Cave Mtn Rd is better for a two wheel drive vehicle? The photo of Hawksbill Crag is epic! After spending a fun morning at the Buffalo National River, we ventured a little bit Southwest to the Ozark National Forest to complete this hike.The less than ideal weather and nerves about the road to the trailhead almost stopped us from doing this hike, but were so glad we went through with it (watch our experience)! 25 min drive down a terrible road to the trailhead. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. If you enjoy solitude in nature, we recommend visiting during the middle of the week. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in this part of the Ozark National Forest. Solid out and back hike that the path is easily identifiable. + Leaflet | OpenStreetMap contributors Co Rd 406 Kingston, AR 72742 Get Directions View Map 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. Banner photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Follow this steep, narrow and winding gravel road for . 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. A hearty snack is also in order. Once up there, take a few pictures, sit down, relax and enjoy the view for as long as you can. Had the rock to ourselves for like 20 minutes. Road up Mountain is terrible. Flickr/Granger Meador. The trail was well marked and dry. When we reached the end of parked cars and still saw no sign of the trailhead, we halted in uncertainty. The trail is located in the Ozark National Forest, roughly 30 minutes south of Ponca, Arkansas. Wear layers to regulate your temperature. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The drive out . The Best Arkansas Hiking Trip - Wanderings with Sarah 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 We appreciate you! Many visitors have mentioned that the drive is difficult as the road is not paved and rough. Went on my first anniversary, Glimpse of views when you get closer to the point. Follow CR 5 until you reach the trailhead. Easy trail, but the way there was rough. Russellville, AR 72801 Visit Whitaker Point in the morning or evening, and stay the night. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Rough ride there and a little strenuous in spots, but our 8 year old could handle it. We hardly saw anyone on the drive up, so we got hopeful that this popular trail would be empty on a gloomy Monday afternoon, but as soon as we approached the parking area, we saw about 20-25 cars parked and people starting their hike.We snagged a parking spot that our van could fit in and hit the trail! sunrise and sunset usually offer the best ambiance. At the top is a 400 square feet stone . 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. Phone: (479) 964-7200. We had the trail and Hawksbill Crag all to ourselves!! . Driving down Highway 21 South, we followed directions looking for the Boxley Bridge to indicate the turn for County Road 5 and accidentally passed it. If you approach from the north, there is an uphill section which is quite steep, although still doable even without a 4WD. Thanks for reading. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The scenery is fantastic!! The trees, however, had plenty more ammunition, as if a magicians trick kept them replenished. There were only 2 other cars in the lot, and we met those people coming out. The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) This is a very popular trail thus the best times to visit (and the best time for photography) is around sunrise and sunset. no, but there are areas close that you can camp like a buffalo river-buffalo point-at this place you can even rent a cabin. How hard would the hike be for an out of shape overweight person that still loves to hike? And a camera is a must, especially if this is your first time to visit Whitaker Point. Hiked both sides with my pup and he fully enjoyed. It is a convenient location for a weekend getaway! Need a sack lunch for the trail? Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Forest Supervisor's Office 605 West Main Russellville AR 72801 (479)964-7200 Visitor Information: 479-280-8162 Since the return hike is mostly uphill, youll definitely want some water, especially if you hike on a hot, sunny day! When you are done adventuring through the State Park you can camp or rent lodging. 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. Excellent trail! Its a fairly easy hike after driving ~6 miles up a gravel road from the paved highway. 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. Its rocky so wear hiking boots. At the bluffline, look for pink mountain azalea and white umbrella magnolia blossoms to appear later in the month and into early May.
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