About 10 miles During our visit, the water was green! Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. 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. Arguably 290 miles. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. You will find an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite at the top as well; this rock was used by the Caddo Users note that this is the most impressive scenic drive in all of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas or Missouri. Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? 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. Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. Crowleys Ridge is one of Arkansass six natural geographic distinctions, positioned above the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, commonly referred to as the delta, and is characterized by the juxtaposition of lush hardwood forests and agricultural land. Happy trails. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. AR-7 heads over the Little Buffalo River, traveling by limestone and sandstone walls. Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! View Artist-In-Residence artwork at the Ozark Bathhouse. 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. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. This will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in the breathtaking views of Arkansas. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz Enjoy your trip! lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Arkansas Area. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Preview trail Scenic driving Forest Paved Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Leaving However its very curvy. Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. 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. 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. AR Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, She is Post Graduate in English (Do a quick search on the following sites). Start out by spelunking the Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, then snake through the eastern portion of the Ozark National Forest. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! 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. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) 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. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. A and other retail shops. Continue to Mobile Site Wed love to see your photos from the drive or nearby trails in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. 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. 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. . Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Guest House Arkansas Holiday Homes Arkansas Holiday . Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. 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. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. Arkansas. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! Great views, trails, and other amenities. The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. (HSBOR) Vacant land located at 1322 Lakeshore Dr Unit 1.13 ac +/-, Hot Springs, AR 71913 sold for $24,900 on Feb 12, 2021. . Recommended. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. 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. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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! Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! 101 Reserve Street Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. 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. legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. the Ozarks." Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Learn more about the towns history and traditional arts when you head over to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Seven miles from Hot Springs, turn left to remain on AR-7. The Ouachita Mountains are unique in that they are the only mountain range in the United States whose ridges and valleys are oriented west to east. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Boston Mountains Scenic Loop Byway with 2,760 m of elevation gain. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. The folds of the Ouachitas run east-west, which is uncommon for mountain ranges The Buffalo is hallowed land to Arkansas natives, and a quick trip on this byway will show you precisely why. Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. 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. Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! Are you a rock hound? Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. 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. 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 stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. The canyon is just south of Jasper. 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. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. This overlook is located on top of North Mountain overlooking the Zigzag Mountains with a view of Indian Mountain to the right, also know as Silver Mountain. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. Just The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. 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. Where is the best town to start the scenic7. You must drive slower due to all the curves. $66.67. Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. We are 40 ft long and 13.5 high. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. Explore art galleries, antique shops, dining and nightlife. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. If you have all day or more: Do all of the above. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. AR Along with the stunning natural beauty, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1938 is outstanding. The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. After passing Mountain Valley (famous for its spring water), consider a side trip on AR-192 to Lake Ouachita State Park (H2). In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. Scenic 7 Byway South: Russellville to Hot Springs. 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. The lush greenery of late spring and the explosion of fall colors in the valley will give you an excuse to take this drive numerous times throughout the year! See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). The flavor of the city is We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. Another absolute must-visit point is Mt. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. Scenic 7: Among the Most Scenic Drives in AmericaRoute: Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! The Buffalo River was the first designated National River in 1972. Are there any height restrictions. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. Continuing north for 10 miles, the forest opens up to grand views. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! While the northern portion is moist, the southern half of the mountain includes cacti. It's a beautiful scenic drive. The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. 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. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. 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 highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas Cradled in the 300-million-year-old Ouachita Mountains, the abundant supply of hot water in this scenic region was a staple of local Native American culture for . Read the sites full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Searchable listings of Hot Springs hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. 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. AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. A little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent buildings, make up its national historic district. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. . Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Accessible adventure: There are several scenic drives in and near the park, the most popular being the Hot Springs Mountain Drive that leads to the 216-foot lookout tower atop Hot Springs Mountain. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. Follow the grand Mississippi along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway! Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Fun drive! Not recommended for young children.