where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as 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. Recommended. Want a hair-raising experience? Head up Zig Zag Mountain to the Hot Springs Mountain Overlook (V1), enjoying hairpin curves before being rewarded with unforgettable views from the Hot Springs Mountain tower. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. Where is the best town to start the scenic7. We stopped three times: at the Rotary Ann overlook (a nice rest stop), at the Pedestal Rocks hike (added about 2 hours to the trip) and for a late lunch at the Cliff House (come hungry; their meals are huge!). 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. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Arkansas Area. Then pack your snacks for the road and buckle up for the 261-mile West-Northwest Scenic Byway! When its late summer, absolutely sweltering outside and far too hot for a hike, or when its a cool and misty autumn day but I still want the chance to see Arkansass stunning foliage, the best thing to do is load the car and go for a cruise. If digging is not your style, they have a fantastic rock shop. AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. This Especially if you can take perfect photos to commemorate the tour! . Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. 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. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. Near Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. Have more destinations? 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. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. After passing Mountain Valley (famous for its spring water), consider a side trip on AR-192 to Lake Ouachita State Park (H2). Hike to the iconic Hawk's Bill Crag. View Artist-In-Residence artwork at the Ozark Bathhouse. Located on this overlook is the historic Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda, designed by architect J.G. If you love fishing or canoeing, a stop at White River is a must. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking. Get . Right before the bridge is a ranger station and you can park and go down to the river edge and be in awe of the rock wall and the beautiful river. Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. See our full. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. Keyword. Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, Top 9 All-Inclusive Resorts In Maine, USA - Updated 2023, 14 Best Cabins With Hot Tub In Arkansas - Updated 2023, 24 Best Cabins With Hot Tub In Maine - Updated 2023, 4 Most Scenic Train Rides In Arkansas, The USA, Top 10 Scenic Drives In And Around San Francisco, California, Restaurants With A View In Newport Beach, California, USA, Top 10 Stayz Accommodations In Albany, Australia, Top 9 Stayz Accommodations In Avoca Beach, Australia, Top 10 French Restaurants In London, England. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. Discover a wondrous world of tumbled moss-covered rock formations, bluffs, a natural bridge, caverns, Cobb Cave, and numerous waterfalls, nestled in lush green forest. The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. Send to Phone. Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. There are horse trails that go through the park as well. 5. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Crowleys Ridge is one of Arkansass six natural geographic distinctions, positioned above the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, commonly referred to as the delta, and is characterized by the juxtaposition of lush hardwood forests and agricultural land. 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. Head up Zig Zag Mountain to the Hot Springs Mountain Overlook, enjoying hairpin curves before being rewarded with unforgettable views from the Hot Springs Mountain tower. However its very curvy. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Hot Springs. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. . Leaving the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? 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 You'll find an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite at the top as well; this rock was used by the Caddo Indians for making tools and weapons and later by European settlers for whetstones. Click here to add your listing to Go-Arkansas.com, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. 4. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways - U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. Youll also pass through Marble Falls, Arkansas (the town formerly known as Dogpatch), and can see the glorious Marble Falls waterfall. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? Continuing north on AR-7, the road climbs the hills surrounding Nimrod Lake. 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). This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. It's a place where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as getting a good plate of inexpensive food. Perfect drive way in US. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. If you wish to explore more around this loop, go camping or rent a cottage at Lake Chicot State Park. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. Pit toilet and picknic tables, fire rings. From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. Searchable list of Hot Springs tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. There is an abundance of wildlife to see throughout the year, but during the winter months, you can see a lovely variety of migratory birds, river otters, and more. During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. 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 The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. Searchable listings of Hot Springs hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you through 25 miles of the Ozark National Forest, then unfolding to showcase the states archetypal agricultural land. With 26 miles of hiking trails in the Park, you can find great views, beautiful forest scenery, and feel like you're not in the City. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Hot Springs 2. 3.0 average from 1 vote. Arkansas. Ida, a silver mining city and USAs quartz capital. Start in Arkansass capital city of Little Rock for this trip, and travel 96 miles along the edge of the Ouachita National Forest up to Holla Bend, Arkansas. Another absolute must-visit point is Mt. 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. You can go to the picnic area on the west side of the road or the launch area on the east side. If youre up for a longer hike, try Hunts Loop Trail that begins near the Iron Springs Recreation Area or the Ouachita Trail trailhead. Love Arkansas? You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. We (and several other cars) went across the bridge and turned around. During our visit, the water was green! Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves This is a nice drive. legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) One of the things I miss most about living in the Natural State is being able to round up some friends, grab my trusty mutt, hop in the car, and just go for a classic Arkansas scenic drive. Send this link to your phone. Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. Under this protection, no dams or other obstacles can be built along it, meaning nature takes its course. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and The first overview affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. , Explore the beauty of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest with a picnic or hike and take in one of the park tours or programs. Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. The Whitaker Point Trail, often called the Hawksbill Crag (H11) Trail, is a 3-mile round trip through lush forest, passing waterfalls and large boulders. along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? Otherwise known as The Natural State, Arkansas is considered a natural beauty because of its towering mountains, glistening lakes, and must-visit parks. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. Home Arkansas Scenic Drives and Road Trips. Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center (I1) where you will not only learn about people who flocked to this area for hundreds of years seeking cures for their illnesses, but take in the extraordinary beauty and design of the bathhouse and its marble and stained glass. You'll also find an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite at the top which was used by the Caddo Indians for making tools and weapons and later by European settlers for whetstones. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Highway 7 travels Arkansass rolling hills, curves through the Ouachita National Forest, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Hot Springs National Park, and the first national river, Buffalo National River. 5. A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. If you opt for Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, there are some very fascinating spots that you will see along the road like a miniature of Paris Eiffel Tower. Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. One of the points we liked best was south of Harrison. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, The Route 187 Scenic Loop Drive 3 Scenic Drives By 68kevanj The loop starts in downtown Eureka Springs, goes out past Beaver Lake and Beaver Dam, then goes up through the little. The spectacular 95-foot cascade of Cedar Falls can be experienced by hiking the popular Cedar Falls Trail. Follow the grand Mississippi along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway! This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. Don't forget your camera. One of the most iconic points along the way is Artists Point that overlooks the beautiful Boston Mountains and is also close to Lake Fort Smith Park. 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. #2 - Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. from. Leaving It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita hardwood forests. The park is named for the legend of Petit Jean, a French girl who disguised herself as a boy to secretly accompany her love to the New World and this mountain. READ MORE. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland The top of the tower has tons of information about the town and its history as well as an even grander view than the overlook. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. Built as a carriage road in the 1880s, it has switchbacks that will take you to the top to a picnic area, the Pagoda overlook, and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. 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. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. About 10 miles Nice roads, nice environment and sceneries perfect for romantic drive, relax drive and fun time outing. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. Yes, you read it right. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. Arkansas. Check out my Balkan Travel Blog + Oklahoma Travel Blog, 17 Magical Things to Do in Arkansas in Winter, 50 Awesome Las Vegas Quotes & Las Vegas Instagram Caption Inspiration, How to Visit Granja Colonia Pencil Museum in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. What is "must-see" or "must-do" in Arkansas? Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. $66.67. Or you can continue on the scenic drive in Oklahoma. Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. Feast your eyes on the fabulous views of the city from Pinnacle Mountain. Roosevelt Lake is among the most spectacular natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State - but the drive to get there is almost, if not equally, as beautiful. A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. A little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent buildings, make up its national historic district. Heading north on AR-7 from Dardanelle, you cross the mighty Arkansas River where you will see the grain elevators which load grains and soybeans onto ships. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. After passing Blue Springs on AR-7, consider a side-trip heading west on AR-298 to get dirty and dig for crystals at Arrowhead Crystal Mine. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). manageable by beginners. Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. Arkansas: With an ascent of 22,299 ft, Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway has the most elevation gain of all of the scenic driving trails in the area. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. There are plenty of spots to throw on your hazards and hop out to snap some photos or just take in your surroundings. Don't miss hiking Lost Valley Trail. Hope you enjoy the drive. Is this road safe to drive in a rented rv (24-26')? There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. Hot Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. On the way, stop at the Riverview Recreation Area (H6) for views of the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle Dam, as well as more recreational opportunities. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. . Have a lot of time on your hands? Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. Starting down near the Louisiana border, youll pass through the West Gulf Coastal Plain region, where youll likely get a view of some Loblolly shortleaf pine trees the Arkansas state tree! As these forests remain undeveloped, the views are endless trees, rock cliffs, and rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arkansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.