broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. 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. 10 Best Scenic Drives In Arkansas, USA | Trip101 The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. the Ozarks." The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Boston Mountains Scenic Loop Byway with 2,760 m of elevation gain. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Best Scenic Drives In Arizona: Apache Trail Near Apache Junction (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. 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. From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. There are horse trails that go through the park as well. reflected in the Main Street Harrison Historic Walking Tour, which includes Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. The Buffalo River was the first designated National River in 1972. Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive Is Underappreciated In Arkansas An amateur historian and travel enthusiast, I travel around the world full-time visiting historic sites: hidden chapels, Communist monuments, ancient cities, religious relics, national parks, or any place that is beautiful, interesting, or weird. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. 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). Just Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at awaits visitors at Jasper. Before leaving Hot Springs, explore the awarding-winning Garvan Woodland Gardens (A1). You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. West Mountain Trail | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. Petit Jean State Park is one of the most attractive and most convenient options since it's only an hour outside of Little Rock. Branson. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). Don't miss hiking Lost Valley Trail. dense pine woodlands of southern Arkansas. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. In Paris, head south on AR-309 for the park. Pit toilet and picknic tables, fire rings. 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. Generally considered an easy route. We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. $66.67. 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. The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. 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! Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. When before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and 216 feet above Hot Springs Mountain and 1,256 feet above Sea level is the breathtaking panoramic view of the park and its surrounding countryside. The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou views. If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. 53 mi. You must drive slower due to all the curves. Good decisio and good time of year, Nov. the traffic was light and some attractions are out of season but overall it is a warm year so it was lovely. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the 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! Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. Is this road safe to drive in a rented rv (24-26')? 5. 2. Seven miles from Hot Springs, turn left to remain on AR-7. Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. 101 Reserve Street 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. Happy trails. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. Have more destinations? Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. Scenic Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Love Arkansas? At the summit of West Mountain is an overlook south to the Trap Mountains with Lake Hamilton visible far in the distance. Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. All Rights Reserved and. 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. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. If you choose a night-driving experience, then you might hear the coyotes howling. If youre up for a longer hike, try Hunts Loop Trail that begins near the Iron Springs Recreation Area or the Ouachita Trail trailhead. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. About 10 miles 2023 Best 10 Scenic Driving Trails in Arkansas | AllTrails 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. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. 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. Most of this trek lies within the Ouachita National Forest, the oldest and largest National Forest in the South, and takes its travelers through Arkansass Ouachita Mountains. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. Searchable listings of Hot Springs hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. Primitive camping with no facilities at Richland Creek campsite. Lake Ouachita State Park | Arkansas State Parks Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. 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'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. 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. You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! Scenic Byways and Drives - Eureka Springs, Arkansas Hotel Top ways to experience nearby attractions. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. 7. There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. Explore the beauty of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest with a picnic or hike and take in one of the park tours or programs. On the way back, stop at the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge (A2) which protects 7,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and wetlands. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. Route: The top end of what Arkansans call "The Pig Trail," AR-23 is one of the state's most scenic drives, with wildflowers in the spring and . the entire state from north to south. 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. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a You can go to the picnic area on the west side of the road or the launch area on the east side. There are plenty of spots to throw on your hazards and hop out to snap some photos or just take in your surroundings. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters). 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. 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. Standard text messaging rates apply. 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. Be on the lookout for waterfowl and the characteristic knees of the bald cypress trees along the river. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Where to stay by the Crater od Diamonds State Park. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. 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. 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. This drive takes longer than the interstate obviously, but it is so well worth it. You can send yourself an email as well. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through Scenic 7: Among the Most Scenic Drives in AmericaRoute: Bring a flashlight for the cave. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Home to top scenic drives in Arkansas, the route starts at the fantastic Hot Springs National Park, passes through Ouachita National Park, and finally, ends at Page in Oklahoma. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We drove this highway for a whole day. From here, turn left to observe Nimrod Dam and Lake (W1). Is the 7 from Russellville to Hot Springs very scenic? Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. 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. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Shelter houses like the one found here were built to provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the view. 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. 4. 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! Scenic 7 Byway (Arkansas) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels with Military Discounts in Arkansas, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Arkansas, Allswell Communities Holiday Parks - parent brand in Arkansas, The Ultimate Water Experience in Miami with Drinks and Jet Skis, Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour with Gourmet Lunch by Chef Ducasse, Pisa and Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence by Train, Glaciers Full Day Sightseeing Cruise on board 'Maria Turquesa', Tour of Flanders World War I Battlefields from Brussels, New York City (NYC) Limo Tour - Stretch Limo, Private SUV And Luxury Van, Full-Day Guided Trip to The Grand Canyon from Phoenix, Maui Magical Waterfall and Jungle Tour (Road to Hana), Sapanca Lake & Masukiye Zoo Tour with Lunch. Indulge in the refreshing flavors of locally-grown fruit and vegetables at the many roadside stands. We stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. 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. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. 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. A Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. 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. one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. West Mountain Scenic Drive. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. 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. Hot Springs It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. Where is the best town to start the scenic7. The flavor of the city is south of Harrison, it becomes a tightly wound and challenging road, but still Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. 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. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. Learn and see some of the 500 elk that make their home along the Buffalo River and other wildlife at the Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum (M1). 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. Much like the Crowleys Ridge Parkway, the Great River Road transverses the Crowleys Ridge geographical region of the state, as well as parts of the St. Francis National Forest. The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. This will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in the breathtaking views of Arkansas. Interstate 49 and U.S. 71, which are often referred to as two scenic byways of Arkansas, form Boston Mountains Scenic Loop. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. We're thinking of staying near the Jasper area but are flexible at this point. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Oklahoma City to Hot Springs, how far is callaham hotel from the train station, Little Rock to Eureka Springs scenic route, One Day in Ozark-St. Francis National Forest / Buffalo River. Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. The short and easy Rock House Cave Trail leads to a deep rock shelter which features early Native American rock paintings. 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. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. with five lakes in the region, its also a popular destination for fishing, The canyon is just south of Jasper. Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. West Mountain Scenic Drive | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails AR Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. Look but don't touch! We would have loved to visit some tourist attractions, but by and large, they were not open during this time of year. Home Arkansas Scenic Drives and Road Trips. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway with a 4.5-star rating from 7 reviews. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? After passing Mountain Valley (famous for its spring water), consider a side trip on AR-192 to Lake Ouachita State Park (H2). Top 10 Scenic Drives in Arkansas | YourMechanic Advice 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 1.8 million acres of stunning landscape spans across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. Spot the glistening Arkansas River right before reaching the end of the byway in Webb City, Arkansas. Not recommended for young children. Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Roosevelt Lake is among the most spectacular natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State - but the drive to get there is almost, if not equally, as beautiful. Between Mena, AR, and Talihina, OK, the drive offers scenic vistas, historical sites, camping, picnicking, hiking, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Visitor Information Stations, and Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum and Nature Center and Botanical Area. Beautiful scenery. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 has been designated as a scenic byway, and its no surprise as to why! Pass through Mt. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? 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. 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. However its very curvy. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). 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. 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. resort town is known for its thermal waters from which it gets its name, and Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Guest House Arkansas Holiday Homes Arkansas Holiday . There's also a picnic area nearby if you want to sit and stay for a while. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. There is an abundance of wildlife to see throughout the year, but during the winter months, you can see a lovely variety of migratory birds, river otters, and more. It was a lovely, relaxing drive. Let us know in the comments below! Thank you! The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail passes a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of bluff-dwelling Native Americans. After passing Blue Springs on AR-7, consider a side-trip heading west on AR-298 to get dirty and dig for crystals at Arrowhead Crystal Mine. Send this link to your phone. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. There are several scenic lookouts along the drives as well as some picnic areas. The Best Scenic Drives In Arkansas - OnlyInYourState
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