The 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. The first overlook affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. 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. 4. A road adventure offers limitless opportunities in terms of exploring your desired destination, and Arkansas is one such incredible place where even the shortest drive is a treat. THANKS Ron. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops Print/PDF map. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. Have more destinations? Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Scenic Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arkansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. 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 . Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Ida, a silver mining city and USAs quartz capital. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) If you want to soak in naturally heated springs, check out Hot Springs National Park. 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. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. It runs along Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? Camping and RV hookups are available. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. 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 . (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. Hope you enjoy the drive. Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. Reset. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. 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). The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. 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. The short and easy Rock House Cave Trail leads to a deep rock shelter which features early Native American rock paintings. 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. However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. getting a good plate of inexpensive food. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. The real thrill is the abundance of wild animals here such as turkey vultures, eagles, black bears, and more. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. 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." 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. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. 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. 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. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. The popular trail is wheelchair accessible for the first half-mile, total round-trip is 2-miles. where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old This drive takes longer than the interstate obviously, but it is so well worth it. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. My car sits idle and the most wildlife I get to see on any given day is the abundance of pigeons in Central Park. hardwood forests. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper Pass through Mt. 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. 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. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. 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. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. Caddo Gap is about 15 miles from Mount Ida, Arkansas, and is near the Caddo River, a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts. Perfect drive way in US. This 38-mile long drive (61 kilometers) will take you to the topmost point of Ozark Mountain. 1921 near El Dorado. Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. When its late summer, absolutely sweltering outside and far too hot for a hike, or when its a cool and misty autumn day but I still want the chance to see Arkansass stunning foliage, the best thing to do is load the car and go for a cruise. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. 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. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. Passing through farmland and parks, this loop orbits a portion of Lake Chicot which is Arkansass biggest natural lake and the largest oxbow lake in the USA. The flavor of the city is 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. 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). From here, turn left to observe Nimrod Dam and Lake (W1). Enjoy the drive. before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and #2 - Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. 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. There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. Explore a portion of the 196-mile long Ozark Highlands Trail (H9) which can be accessed shortly after the Fairview Campground. the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). (HSBOR) Vacant land located at 1322 Lakeshore Dr Unit 1.13 ac +/-, Hot Springs, AR 71913 sold for $24,900 on Feb 12, 2021. . Send to Phone. 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. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook. Beautiful scenery. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. A leisurely drive awaits you on this scenic excursion of about 96 miles (154 kilometers) that starts from the states capital called Little Rock to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. 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. We're thinking of staying near the Jasper area but are flexible at this point. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. Scenic 7 Byway is a nationally recognized riding treasure that traverses almost Starting at the St. Francis River near the Missouri border and winding all the way to Helena, Arkansas, Crowleys Ridge Parkway is the perfect way to see Crowleys Ridge and Arkansas delta regions! Scenic 7 Byway 33 Reviews Scenic Drives AR Save wolfie_n Dallas, Texas 242 258 Russellville to Hot Springs through Ouachita National Forest Review of Scenic 7 Byway Reviewed November 14, 2015 I drove the portion of Scenic 7 Byway between Russellville and Hot Springs in late September. 3. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways - U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. Although there is no silver found on the mountain, Indian Mountain is rich in Novaculite which was highly valued by the Native Americans for making tools. 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. Generally considered an easy route. Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This West Mountain Scenic Drive. Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. Want a hair-raising experience? buildings, make up its national historic district. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. The driving part took 4 hours. At the top of Hot Springs Mountain is the 10 story Hot Springs Tower with an observation deck at the top. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. 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. Along with the stunning natural beauty, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1938 is outstanding. Before leaving Hot Springs, explore the awarding-winning Garvan Woodland Gardens (A1). Wed love to see your photos from the drive or nearby trails in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. Recommended. 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. 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. Planning to go on a road trip where you can catch a glimpse of Arkansas captivating beauty? We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. There are no places to get fuel. from. Arkansas: With an ascent of 22,299 ft, Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway has the most elevation gain of all of the scenic driving trails in the area. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Top ways to experience nearby attractions. In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Enjoy the Hixson Family Woodland Nature Preserve, the Japanese inspired Garden of Pine Wind, or Singing Springs Gorge and Millsap Canopy Bridge, impressive views of Lake Hamilton and more. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. 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. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery.