There’s more to living in the mountains than mountain biking (I think?). Jason and I haven’t been hiking here in Arkansas yet so we found one of the most popular hikes in the area and set off! The hike is to Whitaker Point (aka Hawksbill Crag).  It was a pretty easy hike that was well marked and mostly flat but towards the end we were rewarded with excellent views of the valley below the high cliffs that we were on top of.

Overall this was an excellent hike! Despite it being one of the most popular, we had it to ourselves until we were halfway back to the truck.  Apparently people here don’t get started early! Since we were out and needed lunch, we headed into the town of Ponca to Buffalo River Outdoor Center.  Jason got a sandwich and a new hat and I got the last breakfast burrito.

Since we didn’t get quite enough hiking in at Whitaker Point we headed down to the Buffalo River itself and wandered along the shore on a “trail” until it dead ended at a huge cliff where the river turns.  The water is beautiful and clear and I even found a few fossils in the rocks!