Exploring Northwest Arkansas

Hawsbill Crag - Fall Morning

 

 Hawksbill Crag is one of the most photographed places in all of Arkansas. On a crisp fall morning, as the leaves turn, and the sun rises, it's not hard to understand why. 

Arkansas Sphinx

In 10 years of reading about, and exploring Northwest Arkansas, I had never heard of the Arkansas Sphinx. However, when Danny Hale published his book, Takahik, Hiking the Arkansas Ozarks, I decided I need to check it out.

This isn't really so much of a hike as a "thing to see". The "hike", as it were, is short, but difficult.

Getting There

From Hwy 7, take Hwy 123 WEST from Pelsor. Travel 16.3 miles and turn LEFT onto JC 4840 (this is 3.7 miles past the Haw Creek Campground entrance). Travel on 4840 for .5 miles, the road takes a hard right, and then turns left. Find a place to park along the road. There are two trees with an S in a circle painted on them on the left side of the road at the spot.

The Trail

The trail isn't regularly maintained (although some maintenance had been done recently prior to my visit) and heads STRAIGHT up the hill. It's not a long hike, but it is straight up - nearly 900 feet straight up. The "trail" goes through a lot of sumac and then gets to a few rocky spots where you can stop to catch your breath and take in the views of the Ozarks below.  Those who make the climb will be reward with a huge view and one of the more unique rock formations in the region. 

It's worth noting that in Hale's trail guide, he references a second, longer route to get to the Sphinx. I attempted this route, and found the old road easy enough to travel -- however, beyond the food plot, the trail got very thick and over-grown to the point where I eventually turned around and decided to come in from the closer route. It wouldn't be the first time I've wandered off the trail ended up at the wrong spot, but at this point, I can't recommend taking the longer route.

Trail Details

Distance: About 1/2 mile round trip

Difficulty: Moderate -- it's short, but steep

Footwear: Trail shoes or Hiking boot preferred

Kid-Friendly: If they can make the climb, they should be fine

Trail Guide: Takahik: Hiking the Ozarks

Rating: 3 out of 5

Nearby: Haw Creek Falls, Highway 123 Falls, Pam's Grotto, Buzzard Roost Scenic Area

Hedges Pour Off; Overlook

The Buffalo River area is full of places with outstanding views of our natural landscapes.

One of those areas is the Hedges Pouroff. 

Hedges Pouroff is named due to the large waterfall that pours over this ridge during wet weather, and for the Hedges family that lived in a farmstead below the falls area.

However, even during the dry season, the pouroff area supplies amazing views of the undisturbed Upper Buffalo Wilderness area and is worth the visit.

Getting There

To get to Hedges Pouroff Overlook, if coming from Ponca, turn LEFT off of Hwy 43 onto Hwy 21 and go SOUTH on Hwy 21. You'll pass by the Boxley Church & cemetery. After 1.2 miles, turn right onto Cave Mountain Road - -which is a gravel road just before you cross the Buffalo River (which is usually fairly dry in this spot except during the high-water season. There is a relatively new sign in the area pointing toward Hawksbill Crag and the Buffalo Headwaters Biking Trails.

Cave Mountain Road is the road that goes to the very popular Hawksbill Crag and is a VERY steep and rough gravel road that goes straight up Cave Mountain. It is usually able to be navigated in a 2 wheel drive vehicle, but take your time, and a little extra clearance is your friend. 

At 1.4 miles up Cave Mountain Road, there is a small parking area (large enough for 2 or 3 cars) on your left. Park here. If you go past the parking spot, the road has bent a little to the right and then VERY sharply to the left and you'll know you missed the pull out. 

The Trail

There is a small, unmarked trail behind the parking area. Follow this trail down the hill a few hundred yards until you get to the bluff line. The creek will be to your right as you head down the hill.

When you get to bluff, you can meander a bit to one of the best views in all of the Ozarks and you can see nearly the entirety of the expansive Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area along with the old cedar trees along the bluff. (Be very careful in this area as it is 100 feet straight down and if you fall, almost certain death).

Trail Details

Distance: Approximately 500 yards round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Kid-Friendly: Due to the high, unprotected bluff, I don't recommend taking young children

Trail Guide: Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfalls Guidebook

Footwear: Trail shoes

Rating: 5 of 5

Other nearby places to visit: Hawksbill Crag, Boxley Valley, Buffalo Headwaters Biking Trails, Neil Compton's Double Falls