Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. An Arkansas classic and a personal favorite of mine is the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, a 19-mile stretch of forested road that takes you through the Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains. At the summit of West Mountain is an overlook south to the Trap Mountains with Lake Hamilton visible far in the distance. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. Ouachita National Forest - Talimena National Scenic Byway Throughout this journey of 100 miles (16 kilometers), get ready to be mesmerized by panoramic views as well as the diversity of flora and fauna. If you finish driving the loop and are left longing for more, you can pitch a tent or rent a rustic cabin at the Lake Chicot State Park to take advantage of all this park has to offer. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. One of the best scenic drives in Arizona, the roughly 40-mile Apache Trail gains nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, featuring jaw-dropping mountain passes, vibrant wildflowers, and pristine . manageable by beginners. A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. Explore the river by taking a side-trip from Jasper on AR-74, where you can rent a kayak or canoe or hike some of the trails. Located on this overlook is the historic Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda, designed by architect J.G. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas Cradled in the 300-million-year-old Ouachita Mountains, the abundant supply of hot water in this scenic region was a staple of local Native American culture for . Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. 8 Incredible Spots to See Fall Foliage in Arkansas From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. Go-Arkansas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Arkansas. This lake is also one of the largest flyways in the United States, so be sure to check it out in the fall and winter for diverse bird watching! But we were happy with our short jaunt up the middle of AR, though it does veer west a bit. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. Address: AR-170 Scenic, West Fork, AR 72774, USA Address: US-71, Alma, AR, USA Address: Buffalo National River, Calf Creek Township, AR 72675, USA Address: Stone County, AR, USA Address: US-62, Eureka Springs, AR, USA This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Where to stay by the Crater od Diamonds State Park. However its very curvy. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. Any season would be nice, but Winter certainly wasn't the best. Most of this trek lies within the Ouachita National Forest, the oldest and largest National Forest in the South, and takes its travelers through Arkansass Ouachita Mountains. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. Hot Springs National Park - Camping & Hiking | Scenic Pathways From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. Lake Chicot is also the largest flight path for several migratory birds so planning a drive during winter or fall can be great for birdwatching. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Follow the grand Mississippi along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway! You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. Wildlife observers and photographers will love the 8-mile Auto Tour which weaves through the refuge offering the chance to spot beavers, bobcats, coyotes, deer as well. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. Wed love to see your photos from the drive or nearby trails in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. getting a good plate of inexpensive food. An amateur historian and travel enthusiast, I travel around the world full-time visiting historic sites: hidden chapels, Communist monuments, ancient cities, religious relics, national parks, or any place that is beautiful, interesting, or weird. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and This will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in the breathtaking views of Arkansas. Starting in one of my all-time favorite towns, Hot Springs, and trailing westward over the state line, this 100-mile excursion is sure to please. AR-7 heads over the Little Buffalo River, traveling by limestone and sandstone walls. 3.0 average from 1 vote. Hello! You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. The museum is free and kid-friendly with hands-on exhibits. View the mountains and then bring it on home this scenic drive takes you from Mountain View, Arkansas to Mountain Home, Arkansas, and is 48 miles of not-to-be-missed sightseeing in between! The thermal water we have today originated as rain water that fell over 4,000 years ago, soaking into these mountains and funneling back up at high speeds and hot temperatures. Approaching historic Dardanelle, head west on AR-27 to Mount Nebo State Park (H3), where a drive to the top of Mount Nebo affords dramatic views of the Arkansas River and the Ozark National Forest. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! You must drive slower due to all the curves. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? Much like the Crowleys Ridge Parkway, the Great River Road transverses the Crowleys Ridge geographical region of the state, as well as parts of the St. Francis National Forest. Reset. Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas - Arkansas What national parks in Arkansas have scenic driving trails? Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. About 10 miles EXPERIENCE the magnificence of this world and this beautiful state. Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. Explore the beauty of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest with a picnic or hike and take in one of the park tours or programs. The unique habitats create homes for rare and endangered plants like Ozark Chinkapin and the Maple-leaf Oak tree and animals such as the middle-toothed snail. Arkansas Highway 123 Google Maps This route starts at the intersection of Arkansas Highway 7 and Highway 123 which is about 40 miles north of Russellville, AR in a town called Lurton, AR. While on this 45-mile scenic byway (72 kilometers), you will pass through Mount Magazine State Park as well as the serene Ozark National Forest. Road Trip Itinerary: The Best of the Ozarks - Fodors Travel Guide Arkansas. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of We spent the night about half way up 7, at Mount Magazine, which is about 18 miles west of the 7, but provided just another beautiful byway to take in the Quachita/Ozark Mountains, and the various national forests that . 2. To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. Scenic Drives near Fort Smith, Arkansas If you choose a night-driving experience, then you might hear the coyotes howling. in the U.S. Near The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. See if you can catch a glimpse of one of Arkansass secretive black bears, or if youre driving the byway after dark, listen closely to see if you can hear the howl of the coyotes. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? All Rights Reserved and. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. The second overlook has a historic trail shelter and picnic tables, and the summit has a view south to the Trap Mountains and Lake Hamilton. legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. 216 feet above Hot Springs Mountain and 1,256 feet above Sea level is the breathtaking panoramic view of the park and its surrounding countryside. Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. It is a 26.5-mile stretch (47.7 kilometers) that usually begins at the countrys only ghost town Calico Rock all the way to Blanchard Springs Caverns. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. We just rode motorcycles on Hiway 7 from El Dorado to Harrison Arkansas, the road is good, plenty to see lots of curves, stop at the Cliff House just past Jasper have a steak mmm good! Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! Starting in Havana, Arkansas, this scenic byway takes you up through Mount Magazine State Park, and then down through the charming town of Paris, Arkansas. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Let us know in the comments below! Be on the lookout for waterfowl and the characteristic knees of the bald cypress trees along the river. along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. . The trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. Between Mena, AR, and Talihina, OK, the drive offers scenic vistas, historical sites, camping, picnicking, hiking, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Visitor Information Stations, and Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum and Nature Center and Botanical Area. Arkansas | Motorcycle Roads Hot Springs Mountain Overlook | Explore Arkansas - myscenicdrives.com rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. West Mountain Scenic Drive | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. 10 Zip Line Zip Tour (1.5 hours) 536. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite. Not that adventurous? Besides the breathtaking Ozark views, you will also be able to stop off at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View for some folksy art, music, and education, go trout fishing in the White River, or embrace the chill up your spine at Calico Rocks ghost town the countrys only ghost town within a towntown-ception. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Have more destinations? Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. Send to Phone. Arguably one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in 1921 near El Dorado. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! The Best Scenic Drives In Arkansas - OnlyInYourState Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. This route is 54-mile long (87 kilometers) but if you want to stay within the state, then your drive will be of about 18 miles (29 kilometers). We drove this highway for a whole day. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. We left little rock to go up Scenic 7 on our way to eat at The Cliff House and then to go to the Mystic caverns in Harrison. ARKANSAS SIGHTSEEING: Check out Hot Springs beyond the obvious It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Great area to enjoy. Since this stone breaks with a predictable cone-shaped fracture, they could easily carve tools into whatever shape and thickness they desired, commonly carving the rock into arrowheads, blades, drills, and other various tool. You will find an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite at the top as well; this rock was used by the Caddo Users note that this is the most impressive scenic drive in all of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas or Missouri. Start out by spelunking the Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, then snake through the eastern portion of the Ozark National Forest. 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. The Springtime Jonquil Festival In Arkansas Thats Unlike Any Other, Spend A Magical Evening Savoring This Wine And Fondue Experience In Arkansas, Arkansas Oldest Drive-In Theater Is Hiding In A Small Town And Youll Want To Visit, Dine At The Historic Spot In Arkansas Where The Legendary Gangster Al Capone Drank Whiskey, This Amazing Mimosa Brunch Spot In Arkansas Will Make Your Morning Epic, Escape To This Hidden Oasis In Arkansas To Find Peace And Quiet, This Candy Store in Arkansas Was Ripped Straight From The Pages Of A Fairytale, Every Spring, Thousands Flock To This Arkansas Town For The World Championship Toad Races. Regarding the Buffalo River: there's no way to know it's coming until you are there, and then it's too late to stop and look. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. A motorcycle tour on the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansass Historic Connection to the Watergate Scandal. West Mountain Trail. Branson. The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Arkansas - TripSavvy Pass through Mt. The popular trail is wheelchair accessible for the first half-mile, total round-trip is 2-miles. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas - Arkansas Have a favorite flower? The second overlook has a historic trail shelter and picnic tables and the summit has a view south to the Trap Mountains and Lake Hamilton. dense pine woodlands of southern Arkansas. This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. Keyword Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours Reset Show on Map Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. The Talimena National Scenic Byway is a total of 54 miles, but if you want to keep it in-state youll still have 18 miles from the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line to Mena, Arkansas. It's a place Scenic 7 | Explore Arkansas - myscenicdrives.com We'd love to have your business listed on our site. 17 Astounding Arkansas Scenic Drives to Get Out & Explore the Natural State Learn more about the towns history and traditional arts when you head over to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Explore a portion of the 196-mile long Ozark Highlands Trail (H9) which can be accessed shortly after the Fairview Campground. The flavor of the city is reflected in the Main Street Harrison Historic Walking Tour, which includes downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone Countycourthouse, the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville.