Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the 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. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Keyword. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. 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. By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. 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. 1921 near El Dorado. (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) We started at Hot Springs, which has many, many places to stay. 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. The spectacular 95-foot cascade of Cedar Falls can be experienced by hiking the popular Cedar Falls Trail. 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. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. During our visit, the water was green! Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. 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. We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. Arkansas: With an ascent of 6,797 m, Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway has the most elevation gain of all of the scenic driving trails in the area. Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. 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. A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. 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 seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. Ouachita National Forest (Hot Springs) - Tripadvisor Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. 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). Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail passes a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of bluff-dwelling Native Americans. In case you get hungry while on the road, drop by The Ohio Club and try out their scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. After Jasper, but before you get to Harrison there is the great Buffalo River. Scenic Drives near Hot Springs, Arkansas Garven Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs Tulips at Garvan Woodland Gardens These beautiful gardens encompass 210 manicured acres on the shoreline of Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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! Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. 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. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. 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. Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. 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 . In the 1880s, major league baseball teams began bringing their players to Hot . Continuing north for 10 miles, the forest opens up to grand views. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves Hope you enjoy the drive. Heading north on AR-7 from Dardanelle, you cross the mighty Arkansas River where you will see the grain elevators which load grains and soybeans onto ships. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! Are you a rock hound? Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. 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 Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. 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. Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails Join us. If digging is not your style, they have a fantastic rock shop. This scenic drive may be short but its one that every Hot Springs visitor should take! Full information on Hot Springs Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. 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. History Fangirl is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 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! As these forests remain undeveloped, the views are endless trees, rock cliffs, and rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. 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. . 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent Scenic Drives near Hot Springs NP, Arkansas Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. The Route 187 Scenic Loop Drive 3 Scenic Drives By 68kevanj The loop starts in downtown Eureka Springs, goes out past Beaver Lake and Beaver Dam, then goes up through the little. 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. Youll also pass through Marble Falls, Arkansas (the town formerly known as Dogpatch), and can see the glorious Marble Falls waterfall. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for Scenic isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. Drive Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. Yes, you read it right. 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. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. 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. About 10 miles What is "must-see" or "must-do" in Arkansas? However its very curvy. 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. 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! The park is named for the legend of Petit Jean, a French girl who disguised herself as a boy to secretly accompany her love to the New World and this mountain. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. Great views, trails, and other amenities. THE 5 BEST Arkansas Scenic Drives (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Regarding the Buffalo River: there's no way to know it's coming until you are there, and then it's too late to stop and look. West Mountain Scenic Drive. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. 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. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. 12 Best Hot Springs in the World - Men's Journal At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. The popular trail is wheelchair accessible for the first half-mile, total round-trip is 2-miles. ARKANSAS SIGHTSEEING: Check out Hot Springs beyond the obvious 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. The museum is free and kid-friendly with hands-on exhibits. 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. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. Are there any height restrictions. 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. Drive Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. This is the perfect place to see migratory birds, beavers, and river otters during the winter, and abundant white-tailed deer year-round. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. route). From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Arkansas. Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Bed and Breakfast Arkansas Vacation Rentals Arkansas . 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. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. hardwood forests. It might be big city with an expansive clutch of cultural and historic sites but temperate Little Rock is small-town friendly with easy access to the big outdoors. However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. Thank you! Today, the lake is a haven for water-based recreation, especially fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. buildings, make up its national historic district. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. On the way, stop at the Riverview Recreation Area (H6) for views of the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle Dam, as well as more recreational opportunities. 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. along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. 53 mi. Originally being made of wood in 1877, the tower was rebuilt with steel and an elevator in 1982 with both open and enclosed observation decks. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters). To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. 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. #2 - Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. Hot Springs Mountain Overlook | Explore Arkansas - myscenicdrives.com 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. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns.