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A Glorious Day Hiking in the Ozarks, Northern Arkansas

Anastasia Plotnikova

Did you know that Arkansas is called the “natural state” because of the large amount of lakes, rivers, mountains, hot springs and wildlife within its borders? No? Well, I didn’t either, which is why I was blown away by its beauty when I visited earlier this year. You may be wondering how I ended up in Arkansas, so here’s the short background story. In 2022, my mom moved from Washington state to Springfield, Missouri because of the cost of living… and because of other reasons I’m sure you can guess. I thought she was absolutely nuts to leave the beautiful Pacific Northwest for the Midwest. I am ashamed to admit that I had preconceived notions about what that part of the country would be like without ever having visited. And I was wrong.

Although I only spent a week in Springfield, I truly enjoyed my time there. The people were welcoming, the food and coffee exceeded expectations, the humid weather was shockingly pleasant, the city had plenty of great yoga studios (the important things in life, am I right?). There was so much to explore in the general region, which is how I ended up hiking in the Ozarks.

As I learned on this trip, the Ozarks cover nearly 47,000 square miles, stretching across 93 counties in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Just to put it into perspective, the lake has about 1,100 miles of shoreline – that's more shoreline than the coast of California. When it was first built in 1931, the Lake of the Ozarks was the largest man-made lake in the world. There are hundreds of waterfalls, caves, caverns, sinks, and springs, which means there are endless opportunities to explore.

Since I was visiting my mom for a very short period and using her car, I only had one day to venture out on my own. I chose 3 hikes (Lost Valley Trail, Centerpoint to Goats Trail, Hawksbill Crag Trail) that were somewhat close to each other in Northern Arkansas, about a 2.5 hour drive from Springfield. I ended up hiking about 15 miles total. Unless you are a frequent hiker like myself, I would choose between doing Centerpoint to Goats Trail or Hawksbill Crag trail as they both have similar views at the end. Personally, I preferred Centerpoint to Goats Trail. I thought the views were better and the trail was less crowded, but on the flipside its a longer and slightly more strenuous hike (although it is still easy in my opinion). Hawksbill Crag is one of the most popular hikes in the region and is actually dubbed the "most photographed place in Arkansas.” The trail is shorter and easier, but it’s also way busier. You really can’t go wrong with either hike! I share more information on each one below.

Finally, I want to note that the Ozarks are home to several species of venomous snakes — including the copperhead, cottonmouth, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, and others. There are also ticks, black bears, coyotes, and feral hogs… yes, feral hogs. I’m not saying this to frighten or discourage you, I’m saying it so that you are prepared. I have a phobia of snakes and, naturally, went into an online black hole researching them before I ventured out. I found that there are only about 5 deaths per year in the US from snake bites and that more people die from getting struck by lightening – a stat that weirdly made me feel better. If you can, bring a whistle and hiking poles just to be safe, and make sure to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Centerpoint to Goats Trail

I’m not going to lie, this was hands down my favorite hike of the day. The path starts out going downhill, which means you will unfortunately be climbing uphill on the way back. Most of the trail takes you through the woods, which shelters you from the sun and makes you feel like you are hiking through a rainforest or jungle. About 2.5 miles in or so, the trail drops until you reach an “eye in the bluffs,” which is basically a granite wall with a hole in it. Here, it looks like the trail has ended, but it hasn’t – make sure you keep going around the wall. Once you’ve gone past this point, you’ll be on top of a ledge that overlooks the Buffalo River and HOT DAMN the views are absolutely stunning. In fact, I think my jaw actually hit the floor once I saw the view. I brought a snack and my journal and spent about an hour hanging out on the ledge before heading back to the car.

Although I only saw about ten people total, this is one of the more popular trails in the area and has a small parking lot. I’d recommend going on a weekday or getting there early on a weekend if possible.

Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag)

As I mentioned above, Whitaker Point / Hawksbill Crag is one of the most photographed spots in all of Arkansas and apparently has been dubbed the most beautiful as well as the most romantic place in the state. The hike ends at a breathtaking bluff that offers stunning views of the Ozark Forest. The trail is just under 3 miles and is only 400 feet in elevation gain, which means its half as challenging as the Centerpoint to Goats Trail. Unfortunately, it also means that it is a lot more crowded. I got incredibly lucky when I went and somehow had the bluff entirely to myself, which definitely made the hike worth it. The trail is less crowded early in the morning or during the weekdays, so plan your hike accordingly. Also, you have to drive 20-25 minutes down a very bumpy dirt road to reach the trailhead, so make sure your car can handle it.

Lost Valley Trail

I decided to add this hike – which is really more of a walk – to my itinerary last minute and I am so happy I did! The trail is flat and wide, which makes it great for kiddos and all fitness levels. You walk alongside Clark Creek and pass several natural bridges, including a 50-foot long tunnel made from worn away limestone. I spent some time exploring the tunnel before continuing to Eden Falls. From there, you can hike up a set of somewhat steep stairs until you get to Cobb Cave, the source of the waterfall. I met a local on the hike who told me you can actually crawl through Cobb Cave until you reach a large cavern in the back, where there is another waterfall and a pool of water you can swim in. I wasn’t prepared for it this time, but I’m definitely planning on bringing a flashlight and exploring the cave next time I’m in the area. This trail was a perfect way to end the day.

  • Distance: 2.3 miles

  • Elevation: 252 feet

  • Time: About 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you want to explore

There are tons of other hikes in the area, so I encourage you to do your own research! Other trails I had marked on my map were Glory Hole Waterfall Trail, Kings River Falls Natural Area, Twin Falls Trailhead, and Triple Falls, just to name a few. There is so much to explore and I will definitely be doing another trip in the near future. I hope this post has been helpful, please comment or leave any questions below!