Don't Miss This Second Trail After You've Hiked To Arkansas' Beloved Hawksbill Crag
By Carol Ann Carson|Published May 02, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
Arkansas’ natural beauty doesn’t end after you’ve snapped a photo at Hawksbill Crag! If you’re up for more adventure, you can add today’s featured trail to your Whitaker Point trip. The hike isn’t the easiest but the multiple waterfalls and gorgeous area more than makes up for the effort. Let’s take a snack break before hitting this bonus trail.
So you've crossed Hawksbill Crag off of your Arkansas bucket list...
Of course you have, it's only the most iconic spot in the state. Hawksbill Crag (also known as Whitaker Point) is Arkansas' most popular rock for selfies, proposals, and just wholesome family hikes. You'll find it right here.
There's another trail in the area that you need to visit after Hawksbill Crag. This one isn't as suitable for children but it's a great reason to make a return trip to Hawksbill. Compton's Double Fall Trailhead is about a mile away from your first stop along Cave Mountain Road (CR-5). Use this map to see the parking coordinates.
From the parking coordinates you'll need to head south downhill to reach Whitaker Creek. Depending on the season the hike is a mild bushwhack, so keep in mind there's no designated path. The first waterfall you'll come across is Amber Falls. The 18-ft. cascade was named after Tim Ernst's daughter. Arkansas waterfall chasers should already be familiar with his books.
Continue to follow the creek downstream to reach the 39-ft. Neil Compton's Double Falls. In the early 1960s, Neil Compton was one of the advocates for keeping the Buffalo River free of dams. His work contributed to the Buffalo becoming the first national river in the U.S.
The interesting formation is one more unique waterfall to see in Arkansas.
This certainly isn't the only double waterfall in the state but it is rather peculiar. Instead of having a boulder creating the separate flows, this is one stream that's eroded into two falls.
This excursion is the perfect way to reinvigorate your next Whitaker Point adventure.
Hiking along the stream to reach Compton's Double Falls takes two miles, though you can continue downstream to reach other waterfalls as well. Follow the creek after a well earned rest to return to the parking area. Before you set out on this hike be sure to do your research! We highly recommend this blog and AllTrails.
Did you know about this other hike in Hawkbill Crag’s backyard? Share your trail tips with us in the comments below! You can also share your photos in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
If you’re in this area then you should definitely consider turning your trip into a weekend getaway. This secluded cabin nearby happens to have its own private waterfall!
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