Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point

Deepak

2023-12

Iconic Arkansas trail/landmark and is must visit. Its one of the hard trails not just for hiking even to visit here is challenging.The dirt road from the Buffalo creek is the right road incase if wondering. First few miles of drive shall be challenging but later on it levels up.Takes 3/4hours for the entire 3mile hike. Advised to visit early mornings to avoid crowd and wait timings.Breath taking views are worth the hike. Have a nice trip

Brenna Trapp

2024-01

We had a unique experience coming here but overall would recommend! The road to get here was not what we expected- it was a dirt road that was extremely steep, bumpy and close to the edge of the mountain in some areas (this bumpy drive up the mountain was about 25-30 minutes). We didn’t mind but some people in our group had to turn around in their vehicle. We also didn’t realize that the walk in the woods was going to take as long as it did and that there wasn’t a clear walking trail- definitely not a walk for older individuals. Despite all of this, the view was breathtaking and totally worth it. I guess we didn’t do enough research before we went!

Ash H

2024-01

Went during the winter so all the leaves have dropped or are brown. It’s a different kind of beauty. The sunset and views were still lovely. The gps told me that it would be a 2.5 hour drive. I think it was closer to 3 due to how winding the road was. It is a long drive on Hwy 23 “the pig trail” with hairpin turns. Then there was 8-9 miles on a dirt road that is very narrow. The dirt road is very bumpy and there are many blind corners and hills where you suddenly have to get over for oncoming vehicles. I would recommend a 4 wheel drive vehicle or one you don’t care as much about.Google maps tries to take people to the wrong location and you will find yourself on a private driveway with a no trespassing sign on the gate. There is a 3-4 car parking area 0.25 miles before that before the turn onto the private drive and that is the parking and trailhead.The hike is moderately easy going downhill first and then back uphill, then hiking along the cliffs for a short ways. The hike was about 3 miles and we stopped to take pictures several times. It took us about two hours.It gets dark out on the trail about an hour earlier than actual “sundown” and that dirt road is pretty bad in the dark. I also lost cell service for the last part of the drive and hike. This was fine until I was trying to drive home and there were several forks in the dirt road that you have to remember which way since the gps is “offline”It is definitely worth the trouble for the amazing views but next time I will definitely leave earlier to have more time and not feel rushed by the oncoming sunset/dark.

Tom James

2024-04

Easy hikes. Would go back with the kids with no problem, albeit I will leave walking out to the crag for the willing adults.Received a recommendation to follow one of the creek crossing to the right towards a 15-20 foot waterfall and sure enough it was there.Friends and I made our way down to the base of the WF and were able to walk around, under and behind it. Learned the WF feeds into another WF about 35-50 foot high.The designated paths are easy to identify and walk. Towards the bluff you have two paths on the way to Hawksbill Crag. To the right ride along the bluff line providing awesome panoramic views. Going out on the Crag is not for the faint of heart but is absolutely possible.Last note - get there EARLY! We arrived around 8AM with a handful of cars. Figured the 6 miles of bumpy dirty roads would keep the visitor count down. By the time we left at 10AM, the park lot was overfilling.

Rachel Brower

2024-01

Nice hike for a dry weather day. The drive on the dirt road might look sketchy for a 2WD vehicle, but you'll be fine. The parking area gets packed but it's a cold weekday, so today we were fine. This is a beautiful place to see, and it doesn't take a lot of effort to get to the overlook area. This is a dog-friendly hike and you will likely see many dogs on the trail - all dogs must be leashed. There is no bathroom at the trailhead.

Joseph Fitzwater

2023-12

Beautiful spot! Visited late October and the hardwoods were full of color! Decent hike, not very challenging, kids ages 6+ had no issues.I would be cautious with anyone that has a disability that may be difficult to walk, as there are a few steep grades to hike up/down.

Colby Ratzlaff

2023-11

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Gipsy Duran

2023-11

the trail is neat and well marked we had a good time , the weather was really nice , I felt in love with this place. I want to mention getting there , when you are about to get there you have to make a right instead of left cuz the gps said make a left if you do you going to end up to a closed gate , so before that make a right drive about 2 minutes and y’ll see the parking lot , it’s a small parking lot.

Lana Nichole

2023-11

Beautiful cliff, trail, and lookout. We managed to get there with 3 kids, youngest is 2 years old! They loved it but were quite worn out by the time we made it back to the car. Totally worth the hike!!

Benjamin Trembly

2023-06

Such a fun and Beautiful hike. The views at the end are totally stunning and breathtaking. The hike is a moderate level going down and maybe just a bit more difficult coming back out. Round trip is about 3 miles. Most are able to complete the trip without trekking poles. Good hiking shoes are a must. Parking might be a bit of a challenge so stay patient it is worth the drive up the mountain and the wait.

Paige Sowell

2023-09

Great hike, not terrible difficult, GORGEOUS views! But beware… the SIX MILE drive off the main road is ROUGH. It’s a dirt path, rocky, curvy, & bumpy. Definitely worth it, but bring a vehicle you don’t mind getting dirty.

Christina Martinez

2023-06

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Aziz E

2024-05

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Dillon Owens

2023-05

Such a nice, easy trail here in Arkansas! Minus the road of death that everyone mentions driving up the hill to parking. 😅 I will say to be careful with children with the high cliffs though.. and CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES! I picked up so much trash by myself last time it's not even funny. I understand it is a popular trail and gets lots of visitors, but I have never picked up this much trash on any other trail. Do better!

Derek Selvidge

2023-08

Great place to hike. The hike is not long, approximately 3 miles round trip. The view from Hawksbill Crag is gorgeous. The road (Hwy 5) leading up to Hawksbill is challenging. The road is steep road and rough. It's best to be in a vehicle with some ground clearance. However, if you take it slow, it's passable. If you continue driving past the trailhead, the drive through the forrest is beautiful. The road eventually leads back to a main road.

R. R.

2023-05

This is a lengthy hike, around 3.25 miles round trip (2 hr hike) it is also a fairly rough drive in around hour drive, dirt rough road. Went in November, temp was around 39-41, could not imagine hiking this in the heat! Several people hiking as this is a popular well hiked trail, make sure and park in designated parking as their is a sign that states cars will be towed if blocking the road. Good hiking shoes are a must as trail is extremely rocky. Make sure and allow plenty of time to drive in, hike, and drive out. Approx 4-5 hrs, driving is slow on the dirt roads.Definitely worth the hike and amazing views.

MD Rezaul Kabir

2023-11

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Lindsay Fiedorowicz

2022-05

Absolutely loved this hike. I did my sunrise hike on 9/19/21 and had a spectacular experience. The hike is rocky and part of the way going back is pretty up hill, but it wasn't as bad as some other trails I've done in the area. So, if you're used to hiking then this will be a breeze for you. Bring your "oh" face...the view is going to wow you.

Rob Sage

2023-06

Great view and picture opportunity, but be sure you know what you are getting into! I recommend the hike, just consider the following before jumping in.-Driving there from the north, the last 6 miles is a gravel road that is steep in places and is full of potholes and rocks. So I don't recommend street bikes or small cars.-There is only parking for about 10 cars. No bathrooms, no trash cans, and the bulletin board is not well maintained. You will lose cell phone coverage too. Download a map beforehand if you like.- The trail is not marked well as some people have claimed. There is elevation gain/loss on the trail with rocks, roots, creek beds, etc. to deal with. There are several places with shear drop-offs and no warnings or rails. So, no strollers and keep an eye on wandering kids, dogs, spouses, etc.- The trail map I downloaded showed the hike as a loop trail. The trail from the parking area to Crags Point is well worn but beyond that, the trail is far less traveled- narrow and harder to follow. Overgrown. I recommend an out and back on the direct trail out of the parking lot.

Alex Bennett

2023-05

The road leading to the trailhead from the north is BUMPY. From the main road its a 30 minute drive to the trailhead. Overall the trail is pretty easy going, I made to the point and back in 55 minutes passing a few people along the way. The view at the top is gorgeous!

Tim Golen

2023-07

Road was dry and a bit bumpy. It’s doable with a 2WD if you go slow. The trail is 99% shaded and dry. Very little elevation gain. All creek beds were dry. Great view at the end and very worth it!

John Long

2023-05

Moderate/slightly rugged 1-1/2 mile hike but worth it. Once you get there you enjoy the view. Definitely on your "to do" list if you are an explorer. Bringing a walking stick is advisable and take water to drink. Be careful!

Cherry Felicano

2022-05

Love it here!! So beautiful! November is the best time to go to see fall foliage. A little bit struggle going up with the dirt road, good thing it was a beautiful sunny day when we hike😆 and we saw a deer🦌. Parking available but no restroom. 1-2 hrs hike so bring some water and snacks hah!

David Sheaffer

2023-07

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B Winkler

2023-05

Great views! Great photo opportunity! Just be careful around the cliff area. The trailhead is on the southwest side of the parking area. There's a big stone at the entrance. It's not by the wooden trail info sign.

Chad Paquette

2023-05

This is an EASY walk, not a moderate hike like listed on Alltrails . Less than 3 miles round trip Heavily wooded with a little downhill from parking area to the hawksbill crag itself. Gorgeous view and near peak fall colors. Pro tip, get there early (before 9am) to have less people around and congestion on the down and back trail.

Ridita Shaila

2022-05

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Arkansas. From here you will get the surreal view of the mountains, specially during the fall foliage. The drive through the ozark mountains is amazing but you have to drive a 8 mile narrow gravel road. The trail was 2.8 mile out and back. There is no visitor centre or restroom facilities and the direction to the cliff is poorly marked. But the hike through the woods is serene and beautiful. I really enjoyed it.

Sarah Juden

2023-05

Long, rough drive on a rutted out road to get there, the hike itself isn't too special but the views at the end are worth it all! About 3 miles roundtrip, down a steep rocky trail in the beginning so you're climbing out on the way back and a couple creek crossings but we had kids from age 4 thru 14 who did just fine. Keep them close, lots of dangerous drop offs!

Norma Arnold

2022-05

This location is a must see. That being said, it’s a very busy trail. There’s a 6-mile drive on a dirt road to get to the trail head but the road is not awful. There is quite a bit of parking but being so busy, there is a chance of not having a place to park without impeding the flow of traffic. The trail itself is clearly marked and the views are beautiful. My 9-year-old son and I have a great time out here when we go.

Scott Smith

2023-05

Great Hike, about 2.5 hours, and 4.3 miles round trip to parking lot. Need to be somewhat conditioned for last leg of hike. 35-55 degree climb about 1/8 of mile near end.