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). Send this link to your phone. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. 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. Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! 10 Zip Line Zip Tour (1.5 hours) 536. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. 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! Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? Starting Location: Hot Springs, AR Ending Location: Harrison, AR Length: 157 miles Best Season to Drive: All See this drive on Google Maps Winding through the mountains with forests full of pines and hardwoods, Scenic 7 affords unparalleled views of the Natural State. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. Scenic Then pack your snacks for the road and buckle up for the 261-mile West-Northwest Scenic Byway! 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 graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. 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. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Seven miles from Hot Springs, turn left to remain on AR-7. 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. Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the Have a lot of time on your hands? The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. There's also a picnic area nearby if you want to sit and stay for a while. 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. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. Meander through the Ouachita National Forest, ascend Arkansass second-highest point, and check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park, all without even unbuckling your seatbelt. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. In Paris, head south on AR-309 for the park. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! and other retail shops. 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." Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. Explore art galleries, antique shops, dining and nightlife. per adult. As the name suggests, Two Mountain Way takes you on a spectacular journey of 48 miles (77 kilometers) from Mountain View to Mountain Home in Arkansas. 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. Throughout this journey of 100 miles (16 kilometers), get ready to be mesmerized by panoramic views as well as the diversity of flora and fauna. From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. Send to Phone. 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. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! Fun drive! Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street which is off Central Avenue downtown. Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. READ MORE. one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou views. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. buildings, make up its national historic district. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. Just Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. 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. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. The thermal water we have today originated as rain water that fell over 4,000 years ago, soaking into these mountains and funneling back up at high speeds and hot temperatures. 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. 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. . One of the points we liked best was south of Harrison. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) , 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. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops So many beautiful sites. 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. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. Perfect drive way in US. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. 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. Did you drive it and how was it. We drove this highway for a whole day. The panoramic view of the valley below is one you'll never forget. 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. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". we are heading that way soon. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. 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. Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. The full address for this home is 1322 Lakeshore Drive Apartment 113 ac +/-, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. 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. The spectacular 95-foot cascade of Cedar Falls can be experienced by hiking the popular Cedar Falls Trail. This scenic drive may be short but its one that every Hot Springs visitor should take! 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. Explore a portion of the 196-mile long Ozark Highlands Trail (H9) which can be accessed shortly after the Fairview Campground. It's a beautiful scenic drive. 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. Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through Other attractive stops here include the underground caves at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Calico Rock, and Norfork Lake. Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. We are coming to see fall color from Dallas. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you through 25 miles of the Ozark National Forest, then unfolding to showcase the states archetypal agricultural land. Hello! All Rights Reserved and. Have a favorite flower? Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. Camping and RV hookups are available. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper the entire state from north to south. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz 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. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the . 1.8 million acres of stunning landscape spans across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Plan to take this trip in about two months for jaw-dropping foliage colors and cooler temps to enjoy. To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Have more destinations? Russellville. this was an amazing scenic drive! Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. Keyword. As you approach Pig Trail Falls, you will also find many suitable spots for hiking, camping, and picture-taking here. Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. You cross an old, green, iron bridge, over the Buffalo River. There are no places to get fuel. This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. You must drive slower due to all the curves. in Library Science. the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, Hot Springs can be reached by heading south on I-30 from Little Rock and taking exit 111 for US-70 and following the signs for US-70 Business Route to Hot Springs. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. Primitive camping with no facilities at Richland Creek campsite. Enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, fall colors, a moment of peace, and everything in between at any one of these locations. 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. With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. If you love fishing or canoeing, a stop at White River is a must. 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. The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! Unsubscribe in one click. Especially if you can take perfect photos to commemorate the tour! Continuing north for 10 miles, the forest opens up to grand views. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. A few miles after Cowell, dont miss the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10), the highlight of which is a 130-foot natural bridge. 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!). 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. 1 h 10 mi. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook. The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. in the U.S. Near Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. 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.