The Ozark National Forest holds a plethora of interesting rock formations, including thrones to natural bridges over a hundred feet long! Today’s featured formation will reward hikers with gorgeous panoramic views and stunning photo opportunities. It may be a bit smaller than the one across the world but the Arkansas Sphinx is still an impressive formation to see!
The trail may be short but don’t underestimate the journey to reach the Arkansas Sphinx!
Google/Jonathan The Arkansas Sphinx Trail is a roadside hike just south of the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area near Hagarville. The trail is only .4-miles long but manages to gain over 900-ft. in elevation in that short trek. It’s an out-and-back trail so remember after you’ve gone up you’ll need to dramatically descend to get back to the parking lot.
From the base the Sphinx is just a towering rock formation, but just wait!
AllTrails/Iris Wormington After you’ve scrambled uphill the formation loses its shape but the experience isn’t over yet. The formation has room to walk around as well as climb up to see more.
Once you’re up at the top you’ll be rewarded.
AllTrails/Monse Fabian If you manage to climb the monolith, you’ll be able to understand why this spot was used as a lookout by Native Americans and settlers. The lower formation under the Sphinx is referred to as the “Eye of the World,” and we can see why!
This trek is perfect on a clear day to see the vast valley below…
AllTrails/Justin James The span of Ozark National Forest never seems to end when you’re looking from the perspective of the Sphinx. The views are especially rewarding in the fall!
…or to capture a gorgeous sunset in the evening.
Google/Brett Hurst The golden hour of sunset will reward you with even richer views of the valley. You’ll need to time your hike just right though.
This is one Arkansas hike that you’ll remember forever.
Google/Katrina Rogers Especially anytime you show off your new, impressive photos to friends! Although the trail is short we recommend researching the hike further and using a GPS-friendly map like this one.
Have you already conquered the Arkansas Sphinx? We’d love to see your photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Google/Jonathan
The Arkansas Sphinx Trail is a roadside hike just south of the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area near Hagarville. The trail is only .4-miles long but manages to gain over 900-ft. in elevation in that short trek. It’s an out-and-back trail so remember after you’ve gone up you’ll need to dramatically descend to get back to the parking lot.
AllTrails/Iris Wormington
After you’ve scrambled uphill the formation loses its shape but the experience isn’t over yet. The formation has room to walk around as well as climb up to see more.
AllTrails/Monse Fabian
If you manage to climb the monolith, you’ll be able to understand why this spot was used as a lookout by Native Americans and settlers. The lower formation under the Sphinx is referred to as the “Eye of the World,” and we can see why!
AllTrails/Justin James
The span of Ozark National Forest never seems to end when you’re looking from the perspective of the Sphinx. The views are especially rewarding in the fall!
Google/Brett Hurst
The golden hour of sunset will reward you with even richer views of the valley. You’ll need to time your hike just right though.
Google/Katrina Rogers
Especially anytime you show off your new, impressive photos to friends! Although the trail is short we recommend researching the hike further and using a GPS-friendly map like this one.
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Address: Arkansas Sphinx, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
