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. 1921 near El Dorado. 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. One of the things I miss most about living in the Natural State is being able to round up some friends, grab my trusty mutt, hop in the car, and just go for a classic Arkansas scenic drive. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and road biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Wed love to see your photos from the drive or nearby trails in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. Love Arkansas? Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. It remains that way until climbing out of the Little 2. The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 271 community reviews. Starting down near the Louisiana border, youll pass through the West Gulf Coastal Plain region, where youll likely get a view of some Loblolly shortleaf pine trees the Arkansas state tree! READ MORE. The 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. 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. Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. 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 garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Where to stay by the Crater od Diamonds State Park. At the top of Hot Springs Mountain is the 10 story Hot Springs Tower with an observation deck at the top. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. Condos for sale near me; Hot Springs Property Records; AR New Listings; . 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). 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. per adult. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. Being part of Sunset Trail, Hot Spring's longest and most remote hiking trail, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife hidden from other parts of the park like wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and vultures. While the northern portion is moist, the southern half of the mountain includes cacti. 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. This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou views. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. Hot Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. 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 . Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! Did you drive it and how was it. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. 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. rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail passes a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of bluff-dwelling Native Americans. 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. The real thrill is the abundance of wild animals here such as turkey vultures, eagles, black bears, and more. Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. 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. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. Arkansas. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. See our full. Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. 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. Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. In a few miles, consider a side trip on AR-16 to the trailhead for Pedestal Rocks (H8), where a 2.2-mile round trip trail brings you to unique geologic formations weather-carved rock pedestals. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops 10 Zip Line Zip Tour (1.5 hours) 536. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. The park also features fishing, boating (with rentals), public pool, playground, cabins, camping and visitor center. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. 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. If you choose a night-driving experience, then you might hear the coyotes howling. 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. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. 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. We are 40 ft long and 13.5 high. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. We have a trip planned end of july-early August. There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. I would say October is the best time to tour Arkansas on your trusted two wheeled steed. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. 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. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. We are coming to see fall color from Dallas. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. A Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. with five lakes in the region, its also a popular destination for fishing, route). Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. So many beautiful sites. 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 started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Don't forget your camera. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. 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 . These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. We would have loved to visit some tourist attractions, but by and large, they were not open during this time of year. south of Harrison, it becomes a tightly wound and challenging road, but still It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. 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. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. 12. Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. Just Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. What is "must-see" or "must-do" in Arkansas? Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. If you love fishing or canoeing, a stop at White River is a must. where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as Russellville. 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. If you have all day or more: Do all of the above. A motorcycle tour on the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansass Historic Connection to the Watergate Scandal. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. 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! 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. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. 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. The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. 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. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. 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. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. Scenic 7 Byway is a nationally recognized riding treasure that traverses almost What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at 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. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. Continue to Mobile Site Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. During our visit, the water was green! There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. For a quick trip, hop on the Buffalo Hills Scenic drive, a 19-mile section of Scenic 7 Byway, which will take you from Harrison to Jasper. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arkansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. On the way back, stop at the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge (A2) which protects 7,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and wetlands. The top of the tower has tons of information about the town and its history as well as an even grander view than the overlook. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. the Ozarks." A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. Let us know in the comments below! Keyword. Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. 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. along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. You'll also find an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite at the top which was used by the Caddo Indians for making tools and weapons and later by European settlers for whetstones. Look but don't touch! we are heading that way soon. 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. Leave nothing but tire tracks and take nothing but pictures except maybe some quartz. 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 Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. . Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Or some special points of interest places, or hikes that aren't too long or strenuous? 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! In Paris, head south on AR-309 for the park. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. 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. There are several scenic lookouts along the drives as well as some picnic areas. There are no places to get fuel. 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. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Today, the lake is a haven for water-based recreation, especially fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Want a hair-raising experience? 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. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. Pass through Mt. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. 5. Have a lot of time on your hands? Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. 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 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. Is the 7 from Russellville to Hot Springs very scenic? Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. Hike to the iconic Hawk's Bill Crag. Other falls in are in the area. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. 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. 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. 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. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. Interstate 49 and U.S. 71, which are often referred to as two scenic byways of Arkansas, form Boston Mountains Scenic Loop. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. Read the sites full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. All Rights Reserved and. 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. 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." Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. 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. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. 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. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Guest House Arkansas Holiday Homes Arkansas Holiday . You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. Petit Jean State Park is one of the most attractive and most convenient options since it's only an hour outside of Little Rock. Be on the lookout for waterfowl and the characteristic knees of the bald cypress trees along the river. Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. Enjoy the drive. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. AR We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. Send to Phone. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. $66.67. Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. Send this link to your phone. Start out by spelunking the Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, then snake through the eastern portion of the Ozark National Forest. One of the points we liked best was south of Harrison. 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. 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. If digging is not your style, they have a fantastic rock shop. Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. This will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in the breathtaking views of Arkansas. 290 miles. sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. As these forests remain undeveloped, the views are endless trees, rock cliffs, and rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. 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). What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? Right before the bridge is a ranger station and you can park and go down to the river edge and be in awe of the rock wall and the beautiful river.

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