About Hawksbill Crag
Hawksbill Crag, officially Whitaker Point, is a projecting sandstone ledge in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness of the Ozark National Forest. The view off the end looks down into the forested headwaters of the Buffalo River, and the classic photo shows a hiker standing on the tip of the beak. In fall, the hollow below turns into a sea of color.
How far is Hawksbill Crag from Bearly Earth?
The Whitaker Point trailhead is about 1 hr 10 min (30 mi) from the cabin. The last stretch is on gravel county roads, so drive slowly, especially after rain. Leave early for sunrise or a quiet trail, and pair the trip with elk viewing in Boxley Valley on the way home.
The hike
The trail is about 3 miles round trip and generally rated moderate. It descends gently through hardwood forest, with a few short steep sections, past wet-weather waterfalls in spring, and then follows the bluff line out to the crag. Most of the climbing comes on the way back out. Plan on two to three hours with time for photos.
Know before you go
- Fees and facilities: The Forest Service lists the trailhead as open 24 hours with no fee, but there's no restroom and no potable water.
- Parking: Use designated trailhead parking. Weekends in October fill up early.
- Safety: The crag has sheer, unfenced drop-offs. Stay well back from the edge, keep kids in hand and skip the tip in wind, ice or wet conditions.
- Seasons: Spring wildflowers and fall foliage are the showstoppers, and winter brings long views and fewer people.
Make it a waterfall day
On the way, stop at Glory Hole Falls, where water drops through a hole in a rock roof, about 2 miles round trip off Highway 16/21. You can also save energy for Lost Valley and Eden Falls near Ponca. After a big day in the wilderness, the fire pit and the quiet of 70 private acres are waiting back at Bearly Earth.
