Whitaker Point: One Of The Best Hikes In Arkansas

Starting at this trailhead along road gravel road #9560, I begin my 2 and half mile hike towards the scenic point. I was carrying all my camping gear, alongside some photography equipment, and even though this added weight to the hike, it was worth it in the end. To lighten my load, I brought my hammock (which has mosquito netting as an overhead) instead of a tent. Later, I would slightly regret that substitution.

The season was autumn and the group I was with arrived to the point after a solid 30 minute hike. A lot of the people I hiked with were going to camp at this point overnight on the other side of a hill near the point, but that was still an addition hike for them. Thinking I would wake up closer to the foggy bluff for an epic photo, I put my hammock along some treeline about 35 feet from the actual cliff. After the group shared some food and laughs, we went to our tents/hammocks. 

Not thinking about the cool evening air, and even cooler air forming in the valley below the cliff, on top of how close my hammock was to the cliff, it got cold. I figured my additional sleeping bag with my hammock would be good enough in terms of warmth I would need, but without the insulation of the ground, I was still freezing. Shivering. On top of that, I could hear some strangers camped near me playing a disgusting game of "Would You Rather" that I will (sadly) never forget. Yet, I persevered and fell asleep after my body became accustomed to the cooler temperature. Don't get me wrong; I didn't stay asleep very long, and tossing in turning in a cold hammock is not ideal. 

It was too late in the evening and I was too cold and stubborn to move the hammock, but eventually morning came and at 5:50am, I arose and made some boiling water to make some coffee. The cold night of suffering turned into the most amazing view at sunrise. Walking around and getting my blood moving again, on top of the coffee, I was feeling a lot better and with the morning view offered, I was ready to take on the world.