7 Hikes with Spectacular Fall Views in Northwest Arkansas

Mount Kessler Loop is an 8.2-mile loop trail located at Kessler Mountain Regional Park on the southwestern edge of Fayetteville. For most people, Kessler Mountain will be the quickest to reach out of the seven. And now that it is connected to the Razorback Greenway, you can easily reach the trailhead by bike! An old-growth forest that reaches 1,856 feet above sea level, Kessler is great for hiking and mountain biking with good views available on the backside of the mountain. Be sure to snap a picture of the map at the entry point as the trails are a bit confusing. This trail is rated as moderate.

Sam’s Throne Trail is a moderately trafficked, 2-mile loop trail located near Mount Judea, Arkansas. Sam’s Throne is a well-known rock climbing site with short trails leading down to the bluff edge where you will find breathtaking views of Big Creek valley. Fun fact: the surrounding area contains over 100 named climbing routes of various difficulty.

Whitaker Point Trail is located near the little town of Deer, Arkansas.  Often referred to as Hawksbill Crag, this one is a 2.9-mile lightly trafficked out and back trail that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The “Crag”, a rock formation that juts out from the bluff’s face, received its name because it resembles a hawk’s beak. It overlooks Whitaker Creek and a huge valley stretching out into the distance. A bit tougher to reach than the others, we recommend hikers take a 4-wheel drive vehicle up to the trailhead. That said, the drive is sooo worth it!

UPDATE: The lower portion of the War Eagle Trail is closed for repairs due to storm damage. You can still access the overlook from the upper trailhead by parking at the trailhead next to the pavilion on Hwy 23. The overlook is only 1/4 mile from the pavilion, but you can still wind your way down to the creek. In addition, they’ve added a new 1.5-mile loop, which can be accessed from the upper trailhead.

War Eagle Trail at Withrow Springs State Park is near Huntsville, Arkansas and is rated as moderate. The 2-mile out and back trail in the middle of the Ozark hardwood forest is named for the scenic river which runs along its length. You’ll come across a cool little cave with rock formations about halfway down the trail. A little precarious in certain spots (you will want the dogs on a leash!) along the way, a scenic overlook (with views for days) awaits you, located atop a 150-foot-high bluff!