Explore art galleries, antique shops, dining and nightlife. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. 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. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. Enjoy the Hixson Family Woodland Nature Preserve, the Japanese inspired Garden of Pine Wind, or Singing Springs Gorge and Millsap Canopy Bridge, impressive views of Lake Hamilton and more. Is it still enjoyable in the extreme heat? Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. Did you drive it and how was it. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. Plan to take this trip in about two months for jaw-dropping foliage colors and cooler temps to enjoy. UP and UP you go, lots of curves, and the scenery is wonderful.. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. When one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Home Arkansas Scenic Drives and Road Trips. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. the Ozarks." Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. The lush greenery of late spring and the explosion of fall colors in the valley will give you an excuse to take this drive numerous times throughout the year! The trail also passes many turtle rocks that look like turtle shells and below the cave is another trail that leads to an overlook of Cedar Falls. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. AR 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. My husband and I are (both in early 60's) are planning a road trip from Northern MN to northwest Arkansas, in mid-April, after the chance of snow plowing has passed. Where to stay by the Crater od Diamonds State Park. The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. 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. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. Beautiful scenery. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. Eureka Springs. Head out on this 4.7-mile point-to-point trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. 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. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. 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. Or some special points of interest places, or hikes that aren't too long or strenuous? 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. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. 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. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. Keyword. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. In no particular order, and with each route offering a unique landscape, youll want to check out all of these amazing Arkansas scenic byways! hardwood forests. U.S. 71 and Interstate 49 are two of my familys favorite drives for taking in the Ozarks fall foliage, and could be your familys new annual tradition too! This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou views. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? 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. Join us. By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! 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 Scenic Standard text messaging rates apply. Good decisio and good time of year, Nov. the traffic was light and some attractions are out of season but overall it is a warm year so it was lovely. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. Send this link to your phone. It We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. 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. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. 1921 near El Dorado. Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. It's not for the faint of heart but if you like getting close to nature, enjoying brilliant fall foliage and visiting small communities, then Ark. Full information on Hot Springs Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. The real thrill is the abundance of wild animals here such as turkey vultures, eagles, black bears, and more. Become an Agent. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. Arkansas: With an ascent of 6,797 m, Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway has the most elevation gain of all of the scenic driving trails in the area. Unsubscribe in one click. we are heading that way soon. 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To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. Hope you enjoy the drive. downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, 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. Drive slowly and have your binoculars on hand. Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. 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! Indulge in the refreshing flavors of locally-grown fruit and vegetables at the many roadside stands. 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! From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. 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. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. 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. Steal this Madeira Itinerary: What the RHOP Did in 4 Days in Madeira, Portugal, The Perfect 3 Days in Jackson, MS: A Magical Weekend in Jackson Itinerary. 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 . We (and several other cars) went across the bridge and turned around. If youre looking for a way to unwind after a long day of kayaking in the southern sun, or looking to bypass the crowds altogether while still getting your fill of nature, then the Caddo Gap is the perfect place to begin your vehicular quest! The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. Are there any height restrictions. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. What national parks in Arkansas have scenic driving trails? Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. 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. Originally being made of wood in 1877, the tower was rebuilt with steel and an elevator in 1982 with both open and enclosed observation decks. You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. 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. Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. the entire state from north to south. Get . Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. Although there is no silver found on the mountain, Indian Mountain is rich in Novaculite which was highly valued by the Native Americans for making tools. Passing through farmland and parks, this loop orbits a portion of Lake Chicot which is Arkansass biggest natural lake and the largest oxbow lake in the USA. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. 3. Continuing north for 10 miles, the forest opens up to grand views. 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. The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. 2. Go-Arkansas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Arkansas. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. The Buffalo is hallowed land to Arkansas natives, and a quick trip on this byway will show you precisely why. Look but don't touch! 12. 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. Encompassing more than 1 million acres, it is made up of two separate forests, the Ozark National Forest and the smaller St. Francis National Forest, each with distinct topography, geology and wildlife. Leaving Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. Stop at the Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2) where you can learn about the rich history of the Ouachita National Forest and get information on recreation opportunities, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, off-highway driving, fishing and non-motorized boating. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways - U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. We are 40 ft long and 13.5 high. 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. This is the perfect place to see migratory birds, beavers, and river otters during the winter, and abundant white-tailed deer year-round. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. Oklahoma City to Hot Springs, how far is callaham hotel from the train station, Little Rock to Eureka Springs scenic route, One Day in Ozark-St. Francis National Forest / Buffalo River. Reset. Turn around if you have to like we did. Other falls in are in the area. Discover a rejuvenating world of untouched natural beauty on these scenic roads. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, AR 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. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. 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! Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. route). (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) There are no places to get fuel. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Samali Basu, a Content Creator with almost a decade's experience, is a former field journalist with a demonstrated history of working with various industries. One Perfect Day in Waterton Lakes National Park: Itinerary & Travel Tips. #9 - Scenic 7 Byway: Harrison to Russellville. From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. 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. 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. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. Please Be watchful for loose gravel and heavily oiled roads which is abundant in Arkansas. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! 5. This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! The short and easy Rock House Cave Trail leads to a deep rock shelter which features early Native American rock paintings. It's a beautiful scenic drive. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. 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. 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. A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. Especially if you can take perfect photos to commemorate the tour! 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Another absolute must-visit point is Mt. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Print/PDF map. Other attractive stops here include the underground caves at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Calico Rock, and Norfork Lake. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! boating and water sports. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, Drive Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. A summary of what Hot Springs has to offer. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) 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. Cruise the Ouachita Mountains by way of this Scenic Byway! Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. Hike to the iconic Hawk's Bill Crag. We would have loved to visit some tourist attractions, but by and large, they were not open during this time of year. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. Branson. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car!