Whitaker Point & Pinnacle Mountain hikes

About

Whitaker Point and Pinnacle Mountain represent two of Arkansas's most rewarding hiking experiences, each offering a distinct way to connect with the state's stunning Ozark and Ouachita terrain.

Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, is a 2.9-mile out-and-back trail near Pettigrew in the Ozark National Forest. It's one of the most photographed spots in Arkansas, and for good reason. The trail winds through hardwood forest before arriving at a dramatic rock outcropping that juts over a deep valley. The views from the crag are breathtaking in every season, from spring wildflowers to fall foliage to winter's bare canopy revealing distant ridgelines. The trail is open year-round, though it can be muddy after rain and icy in winter. It's a moderately challenging hike with some elevation changes and uneven, rocky terrain.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park, located just west of Little Rock, offers a very different but equally memorable experience. The park's signature feature is the cone-shaped Pinnacle Mountain, which rises 1,011 feet above sea level. Two summit trails provide options ranging from a steep scramble over boulders to a more gradual approach. Beyond the summit trails, the park includes several miles of gentler paths along the Big Maumelle River and through bottomland hardwood forest. The park's visitor center features exhibits on local ecology and geology.

Together, these two destinations showcase the range of hiking Arkansas has to offer. Whitaker Point delivers a remote, backcountry feel with a spectacular payoff, while Pinnacle Mountain provides a well-developed park setting close to the state's capital city. Both are free to visit. Whitaker Point has a small gravel parking area at the trailhead, while Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers full facilities including picnic areas, restrooms, and educational programming. Visitors planning a longer trip can easily combine both hikes into a memorable Arkansas outdoor itinerary.

Accessibility

These two hiking destinations have very different accessibility profiles, and visitors should plan accordingly.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the more accessible of the two. The park offers paved, wheelchair-friendly trails along the base of the mountain, including sections near the river. The visitor center is accessible, and the park provides barrier-free fishing areas. Accessible restrooms and designated parking are available at the main facilities. However, the summit trails involve steep, rocky terrain with boulder scrambles and are not accessible to wheelchair users or those with significant mobility limitations.

Whitaker Point Trail presents considerable accessibility challenges. The 2.9-mile trail features uneven, rocky ground with exposed roots, moderate elevation changes, and no paved surfaces. There are no handrails, benches, or restrooms along the route. The trailhead parking area is a small gravel lot with no designated accessible spaces. The iconic rock outcropping at the end has no guardrails or barriers. This trail is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, or most mobility aids.

For visitors seeking accessible outdoor experiences in Arkansas, Pinnacle Mountain's base trails and facilities are a solid choice. The Arkansas State Parks system has invested in accessible trails at many locations across the state, and Pinnacle Mountain is among those with wheelchair-friendly options. Contact Pinnacle Mountain State Park directly at (501) 868-5806 for the most current information on trail conditions and accessible features. For Whitaker Point, contact the Ozark National Forest ranger station for current trail conditions before your visit.

More accessible places in Arkansas

• Arkansas Post National Memorial (Gillett)
• Buffalo National River (St. Joe)
• Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (Little Rock)
• Pea Ridge National Military Park (Garfield)
• Beaver Lake & Hobbs State Park (Springdale)
• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)