If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. Want a hair-raising experience? Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. 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. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. 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. Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. 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 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. 3.0 average from 1 vote. Full information on Hot Springs Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. 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! Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Arkansas Area. Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. 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. AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at During our visit, the water was green! Scenic 7 then gradually changes into smooth, green pastures and the scenic drive comes to an end in Harrison. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? Any season would be nice, but Winter certainly wasn't the best. downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. Turn around if you have to like we did. Hot Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. AR Scenic 7 Byway is a 290-mile route that stretches from the Louisiana state border to Harrison, Arkansas going darn-near straight through the middle of the state! Is this road safe to drive in a rented rv (24-26')? You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. The Ouachita Mountains are unique in that they are the only mountain range in the United States whose ridges and valleys are oriented west to east. After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. There are no places to get fuel. Other attractive stops here include the underground caves at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Calico Rock, and Norfork Lake. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. 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! 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. Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Boston Mountains Scenic Loop Byway with 2,760 m of elevation gain. dense pine woodlands of southern Arkansas. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. 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! With so much to see, consider another side trip to Long Pool Recreation Area (H7), along Big Piney Creek. I would say October is the best time to tour Arkansas on your trusted two wheeled steed. 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. boating and water sports. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways - U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. If youre up for a longer hike, try Hunts Loop Trail that begins near the Iron Springs Recreation Area or the Ouachita Trail trailhead. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? :) Then go to the Pruitt Ranger Station for info, and park in the picnic area, you will enjoy this little stop very much. It Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. Under this protection, no dams or other obstacles can be built along it, meaning nature takes its course. As you approach the town of Centerville, consider a side-trip to the Petit Jean State Park (H4) by following the AR-154 east for 16 miles. Bring a flashlight for the cave. The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. In Paris, head south on AR-309 for the park. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. The website features a bloom calendar. Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? One Perfect Day in Waterton Lakes National Park: Itinerary & Travel Tips. Plan to take this trip in about two months for jaw-dropping foliage colors and cooler temps to enjoy. 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 cover this area. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. Love Arkansas? 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. Shelter houses like the one found here were built to provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the view. 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. Join us. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. 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. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. Starting at the St. Francis River near the Missouri border and winding all the way to Helena, Arkansas, Crowleys Ridge Parkway is the perfect way to see Crowleys Ridge and Arkansas delta regions! The scenic drive is described as beginning in the town of Hot Springs and traveling to Harrison, but it could be done in either direction. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. 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. 4. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. Thanks! Hot Springs 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. more, Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Little Rock by Crazy Dash, Little Rock Scavenger Hunt: Big Fun In Little Rock, Little Rock City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks, Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Little Rock by Zombie Scavengers, Little Rock City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest, Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Little Rock by 3Quest Challenge, Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Little Rock with Holly Jolly Hunt. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Eureka Springs. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, Not recommended for young children. Go-Arkansas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Arkansas. Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend excursion, a drive to this part of the United States is going to be one for the books. Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. 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. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! If digging is not your style, they have a fantastic rock shop. Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. The trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. Please Be watchful for loose gravel and heavily oiled roads which is abundant in Arkansas. 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. Reset. 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. 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. 7. Preview trail Scenic driving Forest Paved Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). Send this link to your phone. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. Scenic 7 Byway 33 Reviews Scenic Drives AR Save wolfie_n Dallas, Texas 242 258 Russellville to Hot Springs through Ouachita National Forest Review of Scenic 7 Byway Reviewed November 14, 2015 I drove the portion of Scenic 7 Byway between Russellville and Hot Springs in late September. Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. Generally considered an easy route. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? 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. You can send yourself an email as well. It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through . Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. Or you can continue on the scenic drive in Oklahoma. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. 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. The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum on Central Avenue in Hot Springs is one of the unique and quirky places that shouldn't be overlooked when in town. When Otherwise known as The Natural State, Arkansas is considered a natural beauty because of its towering mountains, glistening lakes, and must-visit parks. Scenic 7 Byway South: Russellville to Hot Springs. Along with the stunning natural beauty, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1938 is outstanding. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! One of the points we liked best was south of Harrison. 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 drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. Head out on this 4.7-mile point-to-point trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. We started at Hot Springs, which has many, many places to stay. 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. The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. 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. Home Arkansas Scenic Drives and Road Trips. Cruise the Ouachita Mountains by way of this Scenic Byway! in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. Accessible adventure: There are several scenic drives in and near the park, the most popular being the Hot Springs Mountain Drive that leads to the 216-foot lookout tower atop Hot Springs Mountain. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz There is a fee but many awesome specimens have been found here. The popular trail is wheelchair accessible for the first half-mile, total round-trip is 2-miles. Primitive camping with no facilities at Richland Creek campsite. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. 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. Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. Youll also pass through Marble Falls, Arkansas (the town formerly known as Dogpatch), and can see the glorious Marble Falls waterfall. Take advantage of the many pull outs. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. south of Harrison, it becomes a tightly wound and challenging road, but still Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. The first overview affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. 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. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. 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. What national parks in Arkansas have scenic driving trails? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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 remains that way until climbing out of the Little The 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. 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. The short and easy Rock House Cave Trail leads to a deep rock shelter which features early Native American rock paintings. 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. Start out by spelunking the Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, then snake through the eastern portion of the Ozark National Forest. Look but don't touch! Picnic at one of the established picnic areas. 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. The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. 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. Boston Mountains Scenic Drive Arkansas,United States, Scenery Ride Enjoyment Tourism Opportunities 3.93 out of 5 Rider Rating View All Best Motorcycle Roads & Rides in Arkansas Signup For eNewsletter Updates on new roads, events, motorcycle news and more! The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. The park also features fishing, boating (with rentals), public pool, playground, cabins, camping and visitor center. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Additionally, Hot Springs Mountain Tower can be seen standing tall on top of Hot Springs Mountain along with the Army-Navy Hospital standing tall below. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. Falling water falls is on the right at 2.3 miles, Six Finger falls is at mile 6 on the left. Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. EXPERIENCE the magnificence of this world and this beautiful state. Print Directions. 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). 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110-9362, USA Phone +1 501-727-5441 Web Visit website When it comes to breathtaking state parks, the Natural State doesn't disappoint. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities In a few miles, consider a side trip on AR-16 to the trailhead for Pedestal Rocks (H8), where a 2.2-mile round trip trail brings you to unique geologic formations weather-carved rock pedestals. 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. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. 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! After passing Mountain Valley (famous for its spring water), consider a side trip on AR-192 to Lake Ouachita State Park (H2). Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. Return to Main Site. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. 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. Are there any height restrictions. more, Reply to: Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas, Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas, Get answers to your questions about Arkansas, Hills or Mountains? The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. Enjoy your trip! What is the most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas? This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! 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 As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old 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.