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A few of the state’s unique overlooks to scout out

There are many beautiful overlooks in Arkansas, but there’s something about each one that makes it quite special. While on the journey for an idyllic adventure, consider visiting any of these awe-inspiring overlooks.

1. HAWKSBILL CRAG

Venture out on a ledge on the Whitaker Point Trail to one of Arkansas’ most photographed overlooks. This trail crosses over streams to the crag overlooking Whitaker Creek and the Upper Buffalo Wilderness. Several waterfalls are located around the trail.

2. BIG BLUFF/GOAT TRAIL ON THE BUFFALO RIVER

The first part of this 1 3/4-mile loop trail is a level walk over the remains of the railroad tram built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to bring in steel and lumber from Cotter to construct Bull Shoals Dam. Once the trail crosses the paved road, it goes up the hillside to an area overlooking the White River, Bull Shoals Dam and the Ozark hill country. The trail then leads through cedar glades and mature deciduous forests and across streams. These areas provide excellent habitat for colorful Ozark wildflowers.

3. CROWLEY’S RIDGE

Contained within the Delta’s level expanse, Crowley’s Ridge rises as much as 200 feet above the surrounding terrain and stretches from Malden, Missouri, to Helena, Arkansas. The ridge was formed when the ancestral Mississippi and Ohio rivers eroded away the land on each side, and deposits of wind-blown soils added height to the remnant ridge.

4. RICH MOUNTAIN

Rich Mountain, located in Queen Wilhelmina State Park, is the state’s secondtallest peak, reaching 2,681 feet. Queen Wilhelmina’s lodge was originally built for the young Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands in 1898, but she never visited. The establishment fell into ruin until Act 76 was passed by the Arkansas General Assembly in 1957. The current inn was built in place of the original one in a newly established park.