1. Little Rock

As the capital of Arkansas, you’ll find lots of history and heritage in Little Rock. Check out the Clinton Presidential Center which features a replica of the Oval Office, and learn all about Bill Clinton’s rise to the presidency. Visit the Old Mill (which was featured in the openings scenes of Gone With the Wind) and find yourself transported back in history. Tour the Old State House Museum which houses exhibits marking important events of Arkansas’ history. Speaking of history, head to Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site to visit the landmark site of desegregation of schools in America. Walk the Big Dam Bridge which is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the world.

Additionally, be sure to check out the thriving food scene and dine at local restaurants while in Little Rock. The River Market is a foodie heaven with delicious options from Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, to fusion cuisine and local brews.

Lastly, if you’re looking to escape to nature, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is just around the corner. The state park has over 15 miles of trails and offers a great outdoors adventure. Little Rock has a little bit of everything!

2. Hot Springs

Nested in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is known for naturally heated springs which makes it a great Arkansas getaway. Visit Hot Springs National Park which has over 26 miles of hiking trails and where you’ll find great views and beautiful forest scenery. Stroll through Bathhouse Row and find yourself fixated on the unique architecture of the 8 bathhouses dated from the 19th and 20th centuries. Downtown Hot Springs also offers a great shopping and dining experience with unique shops and local restaurants. Pay a visit to Garvan Woodland Gardens for 210 acres of beautiful flora. You also don’t want to miss the architectural wonder that is the Anthony Chapel!

3. Jasper

Jasper is a charming town and the gateway to the Ozark National Forest! Be sure to stop by Ozark Cafe for delicious diner classics such as burgers and shakes. Nearby Jasper, you’ll find the Buffalo National River as well as Triple Falls and other gems of the Ozark National Forest. A visit to Arkansas is incomplete without visiting the Ozark National Forest.

4. Eureka Springs

Located near the border of Missouri and Arkansas, Eureka Springs is such a great place to visit! The top sights to see in Eureka Springs include the Blue Spring Heritage Center, the award-winning Thorncrown Chapel, and Downtown Eureka Springs. The Blue Spring Heritage Center is a botanical garden that features stunning blue waters, and Thorncrown Chapel is less than 5 minutes away. As you make your way from the blue springs to the chapel, be sure to stop at a scenic spot known as “Inspiration Point” for a panoramic view of the valley below.

On top of that, Downtown Eureka Springs is such a unique area! Streets are lined with Victorian homes and this area is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. You will find that it is full of quirky shops, cafes, and restaurants. It so much fun exploring the winding streets and seeing what one-of-a-kind shop you stumble upon.

5. Fayetteville & Northwest Arkansas

Fayetteville is the perfect destination to experience all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer! It is home to the University of Arkansas so you might run into some fanatic Razorbacks fans during your visit. Additionally, you’ll find countless delicious local restaurants in Fayetteville (my favorite being Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese). Check out the famed Dickson Street for a variety of bars, live-music venues, and entertainment!

Fayetteville is also the starting point for the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway which is a 36-mile paved trail. It connects much of Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville through shared-use trails for bikers and pedestrians and winds through creeks, green areas, parks, historic sites, restaurants, and town squares.

Other points of interest near Fayetteville include St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable which is a beautiful chapel open for visitors on Sundays. For outdoors enthusiasts, Devil’s Den State Park is a short 30-minute drive, and Natural Falls State Park is 45 minutes away.

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit nearby Northwest Arkansas cities such as Bentonville, Rogers, and Bella Vista. Highlights in this area include:

• Downtown Bentonville: Historic square that is also home to the Walmart museum!
• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: World-Class museum Collection of American Art nestled in 120-Acres of Ozark Woods
• War Eagle Mill: Fully operational mill selling flour, cornmeal, pancake and biscuit mixes, preserves, and more!
• Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel: Charming chapel tucked away in the woods of Northwest Arkansas
• Tanyard Creek Nature Trail: Very popular 2 mile scenic walk that features a beautiful waterfall and a suspension bridge

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1. King River Falls Trail

• Length: 1.8 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Type: Out-and-Back
• Elevation gain: 72 ft

Kings River Falls Trail is a scenic trail along the banks of the Kings River. It features cascading waterfalls at the end of the trail and is also a refreshing swimming spot on a sunny day. When you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll find designated parking spots. The trail is incredibly scenic, and you’ll find beautiful viewpoints along the river on the way to the waterfall – definitely an Arkansas gem! The trail is mostly flat and very easy to follow. I recommend visiting earlier in the morning, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend, as this is a very popular area and tends to get crowded.

2. Pedestal Rocks Loop Trail

• Length: 2.4 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Type: Loop
• Elevation gain: 331 ft

The Pedestal Rocks Loop is a very scenic hike with unbelievable rock formations! Along the trail, you’ll find caves, and arches as well. I recommend planning to spend more time here as there’s plenty to explore off trail. You could make this short trail much longer! Be sure to explore under the bluffs as well.

3. Glory Hole Falls Trail

• Length: 1.8 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Type: Out and Back
• Elevation gain: 387 ft

Glory Hole Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls I’ve ever visited! You can park on the side of the road, and there’s a sign for the trailhead. This 1.8 mile trail is well marked, and it is all downhill to the waterfall (which unfortunately means it’s uphill on the way out). The trail takes you to the top of the waterfall where the hole is. To get down to the actual waterfall, you’ll need to climb down a steeper path, but it is very doable. Visit after rainfall, and you’ll find the waterfall gushing.

4. Sam’s Throne Trail

• Length: 2 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Type: Out and Back
• Elevation gain: 331 ft

Sam’s Throne Trail is a moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Judea, Arkansas that features stunning bluff views and beautiful wild flowers. Drive past the camping spots and you’ll find parking near the trailhead. Follow the sign for “Sam’s Loop Trail” (although it is out and back). The entire trail is very scenic with views of the lush valley below.

5. Triple Falls Trail

• Length: 0.3 miles
• Rating: Easy
• Type: Out and Back
• Elevation gain: 9 ft

Depending on when you visit, you could see either two or three waterfalls – – hence the two names! I was fortunate to visit after a rainy week and got to see Triple Falls! This waterfall is located within Camp Orr, a Boys Scout Camp, but anyone is welcome to visit. Drive down a winding road and you’ll find the start of the trail to the waterfall. The trail is incredibly easy and very short (0.3 miles). It is not much of a hike, but the view of the falls is incredible.

6. Devil’s Canyon Scenic Area Trail

• Length: 4.6 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Type: Loop
• Elevation gain: 620 ft

You’ll find waterfalls, streams, and caverns on the Devil’s Canyon Scenic Area Trail! There are two main waterfalls on this hike. I recommend visiting during rainy season or after heavy rain to experience these highlights. Although this trail is considered “moderate”, I believe it is harder than rated.

For the first waterfall, look for a rock pile on the left side of the trail and then just after there’s an unmarked path that takes you to it. After you’ve reached this smaller waterfall, go up the hill on the opposite side of the creek from where you came in. The trail will bear off to the left. Follow this until you reach the second falls. It is difficult to reach the base of this larger waterfall as you have to scale down a rope along a steep hill, but it is doable. Climb back out using the rope and follow pink ribbon markets to complete the loop.

7. Whitaker Point Trail

• Length: 2.9 miles
• Rating: Moderate
• Type: Out and Back
• Elevation gain: 413 ft

The Whitaker Point (also known as Hawksbill Crag) is a short 2.9 mile hike that leads to an incredibly rewarding view! This tops the list of the most scenic hikes in the Ozark National Forest, The overlook offers a scenic view of lush mountains, and tops the list as one of the most beautiful places in Arkansas. I recommend either visiting at sunrise or sunset and bringing a picnic to enjoy the view. Check out my in-depth guide on hiking Whitaker Point and everything to expect.

Additional Information

I recommend spending several days in the Ozark National Forest, especially if you’re trying to hike all these trails. If you’re from Northwest Arkansas, then you don’t need to look for overnight accommodations. However, if you’re visiting from out of town, then I recommend visiting and staying in larger cities close by such as Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Eureka Springs as there’s plenty to do in these Northwest Arkansas cities. There are also several cabins and lodges within the national forest.

Additionally, make sure to pack some snacks and bring plenty of water if you’re spending the entire day hiking. There are few restaurants near the Ozark National Forest. I stopped in Jasper and found a few places to eat including Ozark Cafe, Blue Mountain Cafe and Bakery, and Cliff House Inn.

Go ahead and download an offline map of the Ozark National Forest as cell signal can be spotty. I had saved all of the trailheads on my downloaded Google Maps which made it easy to navigate from one hike to another.

Map of the Most Scenic Hikes in the Ozark National Forest

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Overview of Whitaker Point Trail Hike

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. The elevation gain is just over 400 feet. The trail is rated as moderate and is accessible year-round. Additionally, dogs are allowed on the trail.

Although the trail is rated as moderate, I found the trail to be fairly easy. The trail is well-marked, and it look me 30 minutes to summit to the view point, and 20 minutes to descend.

This is a very popular trail thus the best times to visit (and the best time for photography) is around sunrise and sunset. The hike starts in a descent, and then evens out. Eventually, you’ll reach the viewpoint where a rock formation juts out from the cliff. The crag overlooks Whitaker Creek and a huge valley stretching as far as you can see.

Overall, the hike is not difficult with a very rewarding view!

Getting to the Trailhead

The Whitaker Point trailhead is accessible by car only. Many visitors have mentioned that the drive is difficult as the road is not paved and rough. Many even mentioned that the drive is only doable with four-wheel drive. However, I visited in June 2020 in a Toyota Camry, and made the drive on the gravel road perfectly fine. Once you leave the main road, it is about a 20 minute drive on the unpaved path. Although the road is bumpy, the key is to focus on the road and drive slowly. The online reviews had discouraged me to visit in a sedan, however I am glad to have ventured out.

There are two country roads that lead to the trailhead: one from the north and the other from the south. If you approach from the north, there is an uphill section which is quite steep, although still doable even without a 4WD. If you’re nervous, the road from the south doesn’t have as steep of a grade.

I took the route coming from the south, and did not have difficulty driving on those roads. Coming from Fayetteville, Arkansas, I passed through Boston, and then took Highway 16 and Cave Mountain Road all the way to the trailhead. Don’t turn on Madison 3605 as it a rougher country road. As long as there hasn’t been heavy rain or snow recently, you should be just fine getting up there!

Upon arriving to the trailhead you’ll find a small parking area. During warm weekend days, you might have to park along the road, but be sure not to block traffic. There is a large sign that describes the hike, but the actual trailhead is across the road from the sign. The trail is marked by a white sign.

Tip: Cell signal may be spotty in the Ozark National Forest. Go ahead and download an offline map of the area on Google Maps for navigation.

Hiking Whitaker Point Trail

The hike starts with a descent, and there is little incline throughout the trail until the very end. The ascent to the viewpoint is not difficult, and the path is well-kept. Throughout the hike, there is a canopy of trees that provides shade and relief from the heat.

About a mile into the hike, you will cross a small stream and notice a fork, and you will have to make a choice. Go left and ascend to visit Whitaker Point or go right and visit the waterfall as well. Both will take you to the crag.

On your way to Whitaker Point, there’s also a lookout right before the actual viewing spot that is much smaller, but it would convince you that it’s the main point as you approach it. Just go about 250 more feet, and you’ll run into the real Hawkbill Crag. Enjoy the view from Whitaker Point and take as long as you want up there. Follow the same path you took back down.

Note: Use extreme caution while hiking along the cliff. While the crag is safe to stand and sit on, there is a small protrusion that extends even further. Avoid getting too close to the edge, and be responsible.

Final Notes

Overall, I really enjoyed hiking the Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag. I found the hike to be easy with beautiful viewpoints along the way. Don’t let other reviews of the rough drive discourage you from visiting.

Additionally, I would bring water, comfortable layers, and pack some food to enjoy a picnic on the crag. Take time to appreciate the grandeur around you. I started the hike in the late-afternoon and lingered there until almost sunset. Once the sun was behind me, there was a beautiful glow that was cast upon the forest. It was quite a sight to see!

Looking for other trails near Whitaker Point? Check out my other guide on the most scenic hikes in the Ozark National Forest!

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1. Whitaker Point (or Hawksbill Crag)

Co Rd 5, Kingston, AR 72742

Tucked in the Ozark National Forest, Whitaker Point is a short 1.5 mile hike that leads to an incredibly rewarding view! The overlook offers a scenic view of lush mountains, and tops the list as one of the most beautiful places in Arkansas. I recommend either visiting at sunrise or sunset and bringing a picnic to enjoy the view. Check out my guide on hiking Whitaker Point and find out everything to expect.

2. Glory Hole Falls

Ozone, AR 72854

Also located within the Ozark National Forest, Glory Hole Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls I’ve ever visited! You can park on the side of the road, and there’s a sign for the trailhead. This 1.8 mile trail is well marked, and it is all downhill to the waterfall (which unfortunately means it’s uphill on the way out). To get down to the actual waterfall, you’ll need to climb down a steeper path, but it is very doable. Visit after rainfall, and you’ll find the waterfall gushing.

3. Triple Falls (or Twin Falls)

Camp Orr Rd, Harrison, AR 72601

Depending on when you visit, you could see either two or three waterfalls – – hence the two names! I was fortunate to visit after a rainy week and got to see Triple Falls! This waterfall is located within Camp Orr, a Boys Scout Camp, but anyone is welcome to visit. Drive down a winding road and you’ll find the start of the trail to the waterfall. The trail is incredibly easy and very short (0.3 miles).

4. Kings River Falls Natural Area

1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776

Kings River Falls Trail features cascading waterfalls at the end of the trail! This natural area is also a refreshing swimming hole on a sunny day. The trail is incredibly scenic, and you’ll find beautiful viewpoints along the river on the way to the waterfall – definitely an Arkansas gem!

5. Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel

504 Memorial Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72714

Tucked away in the woods in Northwest Arkansas, the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel is a stunning sight to see! It is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM for the public unless there’s special services scheduled such as weddings, vow renewals, etc.

6. Tanyard Creek Nature Trail

Nature Trail Ln, Bella Vista, AR 72715

Located a mile away from the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail is a very popular scenic walk that features a beautiful waterfall and a suspension bridge. It is a 2 mile circuit, and there’s plenty of spots for swimming, fishing, and nature photography. I recommend visiting on the weekday if possible as the parking lot could get filled up as this is a heavily trafficked trail.

7. St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable

2140 N Stone Chapel Ln, Fayetteville, AR 72704

When I first came across this chapel online, I couldn’t believe my eyes! This chapel is a piece of Europe found just minutes away from downtown Fayetteville. The chapel is open for the public to visit on most Sundays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, but check their Facebook page for other open house schedules. What a beautiful place in Arkansas!

8. War Eagle Mill

11045 War Eagle Rd, Rogers, AR 72756

Check out this historical mill while you’re in Northwest Arkansas! It is a fully operational mill selling flour, cornmeal, pancake and biscuit mixes, preserves, and more! There’s also a restaurant on the premise that serves dishes made from War Eagle Mill products!

9. Blue Springs Heritage Center

1537 Co Rd 210, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

This attraction near Eureka Springs features crystal blue waters in a botanic garden setting. I think this is a beautiful spot, but the admission price is quite hefty ($13.75/adult) with very little to do.

10. Thorncrown Chapel

The Thorncrown Chapel is an award winning, architectural wonder that contains 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. Critics have called Thorncrown Chapel “one of the finest religious spaces of modern times.” Over 7 million people have visited since the chapel opened in 1980. It is free to visit and there’s plenty of parking available.

11. Downtown Eureka Springs

5-19 Spring St, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Downtown Eureka Springs is full of quirky shops, cafes, restaurants, and it is a popular tourist attraction in Arkansas. It’s fun to walk around the winding streets, shop, and eat your way through this historic district. One of my favorite buildings here is the Flatiron Flat as pictured!

12. Garvan Woodland Gardens

550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden featuring several speciality gardens, a treehouse, and scenic overlooks. It is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, so be sure to visit Hot Springs National Park while you’re in the area. It is a great way to spend an afternoon. Admission is $15/adult.

13. Anthony Chapel

550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913

Located on the grounds of the Garvan Woodland Gardens, the beautifully designed Anthony Chapel is one of my favorite places in Arkansas. The interior is absolutely breathtaking. It’s easy to see why this is a popular wedding venue! This chapel is free to visit, but check their website to see if there are any scheduled events prior to visiting.

14. Bathhouse Row

369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901

Located in the heart of downtown Hot Springs, Bathhouse Row is a historic collection of bathhouses featuring beautiful Spanish revival architecture. Stroll along Central Ave and admire the unique design and decor of each of the eight buildings.

15. The Old Mill

3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Lastly on the list of the most beautiful places in Arkansas is a picturesque mill located in the capital city. If you’ve seen Gone with the Wind, then you might recognize this iconic mill from the opening scenes. This popular spot is a photographer’s favorite in Little Rock, and it is easy to see why! It is also free to visit.

Map of the Most Beautiful Places in Arkansas

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