Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) [CLOSED] 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.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
hiking
cave
forest
river
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
rocky
scramble
closed
![Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) [CLOSED] Map](https://cdn-assets.alltrails.com/static-map/production/at-map/18384771/trail-us-arkansas-whitaker-point-trail-hawksbill-crag-at-map-18384771-1590008814-414x200-1.png)
NOTE: As of May 2020, the access point to this trail is still closed due to COVID 19. 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.
Perfect conditions. Trail not closed. Beautiful views and well maintained. Long windy road to it but worth every second.
Great hike! My boyfriend is a bit more of a daredevil than I!
5/22/20 trail is back open
Trail access is posted CLOSED 5/19/20
One of the best views around. Road in is steep but no need for 4WD.
4/8/20: trail is closed. So are all trails in the area.
Michael Wood recorded Recording - Mar 27, 01:27 PM
wonderful views
Amazing.
Rocky trail which seems to be the AR norm, but wow what a view! It is the iconic place. 6 miles of bad road - forgotten!
It was not hard getting there, but ended up making a circle on the way back because I forgot to cross the creek. Pay attention, because it is not marked!
This trail takes you out to a fantastic overhanging rock formation with an amazing view of the valley bellow. Along the way you’ll pass some spectacular waterfalls. We scrambled down past the waterfall to the stream which was picturesque but a very difficult to get to.
awesome hike! don't miss the waterfall and cave. follow the biggest stream when it drops of.
Absolutely gorgeous. I’ve lived in NWA my entire life and FINALLY went out to Whitaker Point for the first time. It does not disappoint!
So I am very new to the Arkansas wilderness. Grew up in Michigan so the woods are no stranger to me. I heard about this trail and was eager to check out one the the states most photographed points. I must say... it exceeded my expectations. The route to Whitaker Point was well-travelled and provided some of the most beautiful overlooks I’d seen in a while. The Hawksbill Crag overlook was majestic and the landscape seemed to blend into the sky with the rolling cliffs of the Ozark’s directing the whistling wind.
A few steep hills, I saw someone slip down one of the hills while climbing down. There are a few little streams you have to cross, but you can easily find stepping rocks. It was busy when we went. the lookout point is completely worth it though. its breath taking.
The trail was fairly easy and had great views. There were a lot of people out but it wasn’t too bad. The road you have to drive to get up to the trail is pretty sketchy and may not be easy for a small car without all wheel drive to get up there.
Great trail for a trail run! The view is beautiful from the bluffs. Great anytime of the year.
Great trail through the forests of Arkansas with a nice reward at the destination. The views are incredible and there is a nice waterfall too!
backpacked with our two year old son (in a baby backpack), very easy hike. lots of people, but spaced out enough that it didn't feel packed. the view is awesome. the waterfall was so cool! we all had a blast!
An excellent hike but very busy. Know that on the crag itself you will be jockeying for position with everyone trying to get photos. There are several side ledges on the way up though that are good for relaxing and have a good view of the crag. The hike is fairly easy and the trail is well worn. Overall It’s a gorgeous view that’s well worth the hike!
Be prepared for the number of people you encounter on this trail that are out there just for the Instagram post. The view is worth it but there are so many people. Easy hike.
Fun trail with nice views. The road to get to it is a little bit sketchy, but we made it up in a little Ecosport. Everything was a little drab in January, but I’m sure the view is amazing in the summer or fall. We found a really nice flowing waterfall along the way below the ridge - a nice little bonus!
Brad Moore recorded Recording - Jan 26, 05:12 PM
Muddy in some areas, but overall a great afternoon hike. Awesome view from the crag.
Ben Crawford recorded Recording - Jan 20, 02:47 PM
Nice easy trail with nice valley views. 2 hours total
