Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) is a 2.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pettigrew, Arkansas that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Situated deep into the Ozark National Forest, the Hawksbill Crag is an Arkansas treasure. Thousands of hikers every year traverse the Whitaker Point Trail up to the beautiful rocky viewpoint. Upon arriving to the trailhead you'll find a small parking area. During warm weekend days, you might have to park along the road. There is a sign at the trailhead that describes the hike, and across the road is the trailhead. The trail is marked by a white sign. The hike is about 2 hours, eventually reaching the crag, a rock formation that juts out from the bluff's face resembling a hawk's beak. The crag overlooks Whitaker Creek and a huge valley stretching as far as you can see. If it has rained recently, you should encounter several small waterfalls on the way.
There is a parking area at the trailhead.
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests 605 West Main Russellville, AR 72801 Phone: (479) 964-7200
Keep an eye on children and pets near the bluff edges. Some of them have steep drop-offs.
The trail starts at the Whittaker Point Trailhead. When setting your GPS on this location, make sure to not drive on County Road 3605 unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good ground clearance. Going north on route 16, take a right (east) onto Cave Mount Road (County Road 5). You will see a sign for Whitaker's Point at this junction. After about 4 miles you will see a parking area. The parking area itself is small. On a warm weekend day, you may have to park along the road. Please keep in mind that some of the roads leading to the trailhead may be dirt or gravel.
January 23, 2021Great for exercise, has a gorgeous waterfall
January 21, 2021January 21, 2021Super easy hike! Some off road driving to get there. Great views!
January 18, 2021One of my faves
January 16, 2021Great trail! Easy and heavily trafficked with a big payoff and lots of scenery!
January 15, 2021January 13, 2021https://youtu.be/KUlda1Xr3oE
January 11, 2021this trail was Ahhhh-mazing!! 5 stars! GO!!
January 4, 2021January 4, 2021A great, classic Arkansas hike! The 6 mile road getting there is kind of rough. Parking lot was packed, despite wet, cold, muddy conditions. Still worth it! Very popular so the trail is easy to walk on. Overlooks were fun, it was foggy the day we went out, so definitely gotta do this one again!
January 3, 2021Beautiful hike! The road to the trailhead was a bit sketchy at times, but it’s worth it!
January 2, 2021January 1, 2021January 1, 2021Perfect New Years Day Trail! Humidity was wicked. The trail was easy and well traveled. It was rainy the days before so the falls were rolling!
January 1, 2021December 31, 2020Rained heavily the day before but the gravel road to the trailhead was still in great condition. Waterfall over the cave was flowing nicely!
December 30, 2020Worth it even in foggy and cold conditions. The drive up was a bit bumpy and steep at times but the hike was absolutely gorgeous!
December 29, 2020It absolutely lives up to the high standard and reviews. A great mix of terrain, with creeks to cross along the way. There’s a small cave and waterfall just before reaching the main event. In wet conditions, all wheel drive is appreciated along the way to the trailhead as well.
December 28, 2020December 26, 2020Moderate and needs to be marked better
December 25, 2020December 25, 2020Extremely nice views.
December 23, 2020Pretty cool. Make sure it doesn't rain before you go here because you will get stuck
December 22, 2020December 22, 2020December 21, 2020The trail is spectacular. A must do.
December 21, 2020
