Whitaker Point Trail + Hawksbill Crag

Whitaker Point Trail, a 3-mile there-and-back trail, is located near the Buffalo River National River area, which is a mere one-hour drive from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Whitaker Point Trail, commonly known as Hawksbill Crag, offers stunning views high above the wooded timbers of the river valley. During the spring and summer, the foliage is a lush green that turns vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange in the fall. While visiting Hawksbill Crag and Whitaker Point, there will be many sites to see along the way. Serene views and humble scenes situated along your approach and drive in beg visitors to stop and take pictures throughout the trip.

The approach leaving pavement is a rough, bumpy gravel road that takes about 20 minutes to traverse as it winds up, down, in, and out of the hills. The road should not be rushed, and care should be taken when passing oncoming vehicles as the road is narrow and follows the edges of the hills that reveal steep drop offs between the leaves. The road ends in a graveled parking lot and the trailhead to Whitaker Point Trail.

Hikers will ascend and descend the trail, which is well kept. Beautiful trees and overgrowth surround visitors until the view is finally revealed at the precipice of the trail a staggering 150 feet above the forest floor below. Along the trail, large rocks and boulders are scattered randomly throughout the forest floor, creating natural obstacles along the hike. Intermittent openings in the tree cover reveal flashes of the valley below. During the wetter months of the year, waterfalls and a creek offer an added sight to the trail.

Extreme caution should be exercised throughout, but especially near the Crag. While the main rock itself is safe to stand on, a small protrusion extends even further, and this should be avoided because it is brittle and slopes down toward the valley below. Some visitors may experience vertigo when viewing the precipitous drop below. Be responsible near the cliff and bluff because there have been a few fatalities here.