The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Searchable list of Hot Springs tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. What is "must-see" or "must-do" in Arkansas? Need to visit Arkansas please advise best places to see & do. After passing Mountain Valley (famous for its spring water), consider a side trip on AR-192 to Lake Ouachita State Park (H2). Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! Be on the lookout for waterfowl and the characteristic knees of the bald cypress trees along the river. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. 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. 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. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! Enjoy the drive. 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. Planning to go on a road trip where you can catch a glimpse of Arkansas captivating beauty? Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street which is off Central Avenue downtown. 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. If you wish to explore more around this loop, go camping or rent a cottage at Lake Chicot State Park. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Drive This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. In case you get hungry while on the road, drop by The Ohio Club and try out their scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. Is this road safe to drive in a rented rv (24-26')? The scenery is densely forested land with scenic overlooks that seem to go forever. Start out by spelunking the Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, then snake through the eastern portion of the Ozark National Forest. 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. We started at Hot Springs, which has many, many places to stay. Eureka Springs. Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. awaits visitors at Jasper. resort town is known for its thermal waters from which it gets its name, and Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. 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. The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. 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. 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 trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Learn more about the towns history and traditional arts when you head over to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Hello! Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. Unsubscribe in one click. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. 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! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters). 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. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. In the 1880s, major league baseball teams began bringing their players to Hot . With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. 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." reflected in the Main Street Harrison Historic Walking Tour, which includes Plan to take this trip in about two months for jaw-dropping foliage colors and cooler temps to enjoy. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! 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. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. 5. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! 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. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. the entire state from north to south. Interstate 49 and U.S. 71, which are often referred to as two scenic byways of Arkansas, form Boston Mountains Scenic Loop. in the U.S. Near Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. A Reset. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? AR 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 Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Bed and Breakfast Arkansas Vacation Rentals Arkansas . $66.67. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old 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. Scenic 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the route). 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. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. There are plenty of spots to throw on your hazards and hop out to snap some photos or just take in your surroundings. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. It's a beautiful scenic drive. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Wed love to see your photos from the drive or nearby trails in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Hot Springs. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Not that adventurous? It was a lovely, relaxing drive. 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. Perfect drive way in US. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. It runs along Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. So many beautiful sites. However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, fall colors, a moment of peace, and everything in between at any one of these locations. The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. West Mountain Trail. 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. To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Want a hair-raising experience? Enjoy your trip! 3.0 average from 1 vote. 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. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, AR From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. The Buffalo is hallowed land to Arkansas natives, and a quick trip on this byway will show you precisely why. isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? Along with the stunning natural beauty, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1938 is outstanding. Feast your eyes on the fabulous views of the city from Pinnacle Mountain. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. 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. 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. Hike to the iconic Hawk's Bill Crag. Arkansas You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. south of Harrison, it becomes a tightly wound and challenging road, but still Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! 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. 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. Great area to enjoy. 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. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. Falling water falls is on the right at 2.3 miles, Six Finger falls is at mile 6 on the left. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou views. Fun drive! The drive from Harrison to Jasper winds through the countryside and crosses the Buffalo National River, so you'll have plenty of places to stop for photos or stretch your legs. 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. Recommended. Or some special points of interest places, or hikes that aren't too long or strenuous? 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. 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! 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. 101 Reserve Street Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? Scenic 7 Byway is a nationally recognized riding treasure that traverses almost Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. There are horse trails that go through the park as well. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! Explore the beauty of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest with a picnic or hike and take in one of the park tours or programs. #9 - Scenic 7 Byway: Harrison to Russellville. We are 40 ft long and 13.5 high. Turn around if you have to like we did. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. Return to Main Site. 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. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. Don't forget your camera. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Petit Jean State Park is one of the most attractive and most convenient options since it's only an hour outside of Little Rock. 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. This Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. There are no places to get fuel. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. 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. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. This is a nice drive. (HSBOR) Vacant land located at 1322 Lakeshore Dr Unit 1.13 ac +/-, Hot Springs, AR 71913 sold for $24,900 on Feb 12, 2021. . During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Picnic at one of the established picnic areas. 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! hardwood forests. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. You can go to the picnic area on the west side of the road or the launch area on the east side. 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. Generally considered an easy route. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. from. Arkansas. 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. 12. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. Continuing though the forested Ouachitas, it passes through the Ouachita National Forest and by Lake Nimrod, then reaches Russellville and crosses the more level terrain of the Arkansas River Valley. From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail passes a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of bluff-dwelling Native Americans. The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. While here, you can also check out Calico Rock Museum and Visitor Centre or Printing Press Caf. Today, the lake is a haven for water-based recreation, especially fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. 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! 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. 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. Indulge in the refreshing flavors of locally-grown fruit and vegetables at the many roadside stands. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. per adult. AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. The short and easy Rock House Cave Trail leads to a deep rock shelter which features early Native American rock paintings. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. 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. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas!

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