As these forests remain undeveloped, the views are endless trees, rock cliffs, and rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. 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. Take advantage of the many pull outs. The trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. 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). one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end from. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Need to visit Arkansas please advise best places to see & do. This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou views. In case you get hungry while on the road, drop by The Ohio Club and try out their scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. If you finish driving the loop and are left longing for more, you can pitch a tent or rent a rustic cabin at the Lake Chicot State Park to take advantage of all this park has to offer. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. 2. As you approach Pig Trail Falls, you will also find many suitable spots for hiking, camping, and picture-taking here. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. Starting and ending in Lake Village, Arkansas, Lake Chicot Loop circumnavigates part of Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state. The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! #9 - Scenic 7 Byway: Harrison to Russellville. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. Nice roads, nice environment and sceneries perfect for romantic drive, relax drive and fun time outing. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. Back in Dardanelle, head west on AR-22 for a side trip to Mount Magazine State Park (H5) which sits atop Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753-feet. The park also features fishing, boating (with rentals), public pool, playground, cabins, camping and visitor center. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the AR-7 heads over the Little Buffalo River, traveling by limestone and sandstone walls. You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. 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. 3. Happy trails. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. She is Post Graduate in English (Do a quick search on the following sites). If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. Near Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. 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. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. 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. Hello! The Natural State has its noted drives: Scenic 7 Byway in the Ozarks, the Talimena National Scenic Byway in the Ouachitas, Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Parkway in the Delta, the Pig Trail in the Ozarks, and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway in the Delta, just to name a few. Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. (HSBOR) Vacant land located at 1322 Lakeshore Dr Unit 1.13 ac +/-, Hot Springs, AR 71913 sold for $24,900 on Feb 12, 2021. . AR It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. . 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! 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. getting a good plate of inexpensive food. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, Other attractive stops here include the underground caves at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Calico Rock, and Norfork Lake. . boating and water sports. 5. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. This valley features rich farmland with patches of woodlands. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. 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. isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. 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. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. 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 spectacular 95-foot cascade of Cedar Falls can be experienced by hiking the popular Cedar Falls Trail. READ MORE. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. 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. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. 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. There's also a picnic area nearby if you want to sit and stay for a while. Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Great area to enjoy. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. 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. Arkansas. Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! We'd love to have your business listed on our site. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. Buckle up and explore north-central Arkansas through Sylamore Scenic Byway. To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. Otherwise known as The Natural State, Arkansas is considered a natural beauty because of its towering mountains, glistening lakes, and must-visit parks. Join us. Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway starts in the Ozarks at Clarksville, Arkansas, and leads motorists through 35 miles of striking forest and to the Buffalo National River. awaits visitors at Jasper. One Perfect Day in Waterton Lakes National Park: Itinerary & Travel Tips. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! 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. Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. 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! Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. If you want to soak in naturally heated springs, check out Hot Springs National Park. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Picnic at one of the established picnic areas. What is the most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas? 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! 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! We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. The Buffalo River was the first designated National River in 1972. Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Enjoy your trip! The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. dense pine woodlands of southern Arkansas. A summary of what Hot Springs has to offer. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) After Jasper, but before you get to Harrison there is the great Buffalo River. From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! Is it still enjoyable in the extreme heat? There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. There are several scenic lookouts along the drives as well as some picnic areas. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters). 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. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. Caddo Gap is about 15 miles from Mount Ida, Arkansas, and is near the Caddo River, a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. Send to Phone. Recommended. Another absolute must-visit point is Mt. See the Ouachitas characteristic Paleozoic rocks and stunning mountain vistas, look out your window for views of red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, ominous turkey vultures, and even majestic eagles. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. Camping and RV hookups are available. We are 40 ft long and 13.5 high. The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. The 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. We have a trip planned end of july-early August. Enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, fall colors, a moment of peace, and everything in between at any one of these locations. (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. Look but don't touch! Return to Main Site. Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent 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. Unsubscribe in one click. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration.