Recommended. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. 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. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. Or some special points of interest places, or hikes that aren't too long or strenuous? Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. Along with the stunning natural beauty, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1938 is outstanding. 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. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. 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. West Mountain Scenic Drive. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. 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. The real thrill is the abundance of wild animals here such as turkey vultures, eagles, black bears, and more. 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. Where to stay by the Crater od Diamonds State Park. Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. At the top of Hot Springs Mountain is the 10 story Hot Springs Tower with an observation deck at the top. 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. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. Eureka Springs. manageable by beginners. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Quaff the elixir at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. A road adventure offers limitless opportunities in terms of exploring your desired destination, and Arkansas is one such incredible place where even the shortest drive is a treat. 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? Print Directions. Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. Just before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of the Ozarks." My car sits idle and the most wildlife I get to see on any given day is the abundance of pigeons in Central Park. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. While here, you can also check out Calico Rock Museum and Visitor Centre or Printing Press Caf. south of Harrison, it becomes a tightly wound and challenging road, but still The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. There are plenty of spots to throw on your hazards and hop out to snap some photos or just take in your surroundings. We would have loved to visit some tourist attractions, but by and large, they were not open during this time of year. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. 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! This is a nice drive. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters). In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage You can go to the picnic area on the west side of the road or the launch area on the east side. Not recommended for young children. 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. Hope you enjoy the drive. 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. getting a good plate of inexpensive food. We drove this highway for a whole day. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. Enjoy the drive. Hot Springs National Park was created by President Andrew Jackson in 1832 as a National Reservation to protect and preserve the 47 natural thermal springs, making it the oldest park in the National Park System. A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. The first overview affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. The Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through One of the best places to picnic in Hot Springs, this overlook hangs higher up on West Mountain overlooking the city of Hot Springs. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. Drive slowly and have your binoculars on hand. Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. You can send yourself an email as well. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 271 community reviews. Have more destinations? The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. Hot Springs The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. With the charming Mulberry River as a backdrop, breathe in the fresh air as you drive on this lush, forested road that resembles a green tunnel. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. 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. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. 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. This is the perfect place to see migratory birds, beavers, and river otters during the winter, and abundant white-tailed deer year-round. 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. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! 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. There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Bring a flashlight for the cave. There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. 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! 3. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. You can start your journey down the Sylamore Scenic Byway by visiting the Blanchard Springs Caverns, then starting up your engine and traveling this 26.5-mile stretch through North-Central Arkansas. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. Starting and ending in Lake Village, Arkansas, Lake Chicot Loop circumnavigates part of Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. You will never feel a shortage of magnificent views here as you enjoy a ride through Petit Jean State Park and the highest mountain of the state, Mount Magazine. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the Home Arkansas Scenic Drives and Road Trips. Don't miss hiking Lost Valley Trail. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! 1 h 10 mi. buildings, make up its national historic district. legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). Arkansas is so naturally beautiful that just your drive to the grocery store could be a treat, but in case you need more than just a couple miles of nature and serenity, here are some of the best scenic drives in Arkansas for motorists and motorcyclists alike. 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. 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. If this glorious drive leaves you wanting more, you can hop on the Scenic 7 Byway near Ponca, Arkansas, or take Interstate 40 to Ozark, Arkansas to drive the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, which runs parallel to the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway. There are horse trails that go through the park as well. From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. 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. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. It remains that way until climbing out of the Little AR 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. brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent Altogether, it took about 7 hours. 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. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? The canyon is just south of Jasper. We live in east Texas, between Dallas and Texarkana on Int.,30, Is the Arkansas Grand Canyon nearby and is there a cost to drive through the area. The Buffalo is hallowed land to Arkansas natives, and a quick trip on this byway will show you precisely why. 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!). We are 40 ft long and 13.5 high. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops The trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arkansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. 53 mi. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. Take advantage of the many pull outs. Have a lot of time on your hands? Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. from. Keyword. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. During our visit, the water was green! 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. The driving part took 4 hours. Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. Explore art galleries, antique shops, dining and nightlife. Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. Continuing north for 10 miles, the forest opens up to grand views. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. If you have all day or more: Do all of the above. 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. Scenic I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. You cross an old, green, iron bridge, over the Buffalo River. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. Other falls in are in the area. dense pine woodlands of southern Arkansas. Continue to Mobile Site Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a 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. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. 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. During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. Love Arkansas? Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. 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. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. Hot Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. 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. Camping and RV hookups are available. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). in the U.S. Near 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! Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, West Mountain Trail. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. awaits visitors at Jasper. From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions.