Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! This drive is a real gem! 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper this was an amazing scenic drive! 290 miles. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways - U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. Starting and ending in Lake Village, Arkansas, Lake Chicot Loop circumnavigates part of Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state. 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. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. The museum is free and kid-friendly with hands-on exhibits. Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). Camping and RV hookups are available. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Scenic 7: Among the Most Scenic Drives in AmericaRoute: Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. Seven miles from Hot Springs, turn left to remain on AR-7. Great area to enjoy. After passing Mountain Valley (famous for its spring water), consider a side trip on AR-192 to Lake Ouachita State Park (H2). Pack your hiking boots if youre in the mood to hop and explore the abundance of trails along this journey. 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. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. Join us. Museum and Mystic Caverns. The driving part took 4 hours. Scenic 7 Byway is a 290-mile route that stretches from the Louisiana state border to Harrison, Arkansas going darn-near straight through the middle of the state! Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Explore the beauty of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest with a picnic or hike and take in one of the park tours or programs. 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. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the There are no places to get fuel. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . Just Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. 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. 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. AR The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. $66.67. Other falls in are in the area. 3. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at Photos (675) Directions. It Feast your eyes on the fabulous views of the city from Pinnacle Mountain. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. Address: AR-170 Scenic, West Fork, AR 72774, USA Address: US-71, Alma, AR, USA Address: Buffalo National River, Calf Creek Township, AR 72675, USA Address: Stone County, AR, USA Address: US-62, Eureka Springs, AR, USA 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. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. 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. Interstate 49 and U.S. 71, which are often referred to as two scenic byways of Arkansas, form Boston Mountains Scenic Loop. The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. Drive slowly and have your binoculars on hand. The full address for this home is 1322 Lakeshore Drive Apartment 113 ac +/-, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913. 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. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. Let us know in the comments below! Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Have a lot of time on your hands? The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. She is Post Graduate in English (Do a quick search on the following sites). This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and road biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. 2. One of the best scenic drives in Arizona, the roughly 40-mile Apache Trail gains nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, featuring jaw-dropping mountain passes, vibrant wildflowers, and pristine . Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. 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. 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. 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. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. . The drive from Harrison to Jasper winds through the countryside and crosses the Buffalo National River, so you'll have plenty of places to stop for photos or stretch your legs. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. 4. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. 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. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. Send to Phone. hardwood forests. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! 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. Is it still enjoyable in the extreme heat? The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. During our visit, the water was green! Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. 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. 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. Beautiful scenery. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. resort town is known for its thermal waters from which it gets its name, and 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! We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. Is the 7 from Russellville to Hot Springs very scenic? 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. 101 Reserve Street 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 trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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 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. 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. Keyword. West Mountain Scenic Drive. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Enjoy your trip! Read the sites full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. The website features a bloom calendar. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Russellville. The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Home Arkansas Scenic Drives and Road Trips. Arguably 3.0 average from 1 vote. 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! Become an Agent. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Approaching historic Dardanelle, head west on AR-27 to Mount Nebo State Park (H3), where a drive to the top of Mount Nebo affords dramatic views of the Arkansas River and the Ozark National Forest. Return to Main Site. 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. A You will never feel a shortage of magnificent views here as you enjoy a ride through Petit Jean State Park and the highest mountain of the state, Mount Magazine. more, Reply to: Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas, Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas, Get answers to your questions about Arkansas, Hills or Mountains? One of the points we liked best was south of Harrison. Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. I would say October is the best time to tour Arkansas on your trusted two wheeled steed. Another absolute must-visit point is Mt. A few miles after Cowell, dont miss the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10), the highlight of which is a 130-foot natural bridge. The first overlook affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. 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. Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. 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. Print/PDF map. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. 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. in Library Science. We (and several other cars) went across the bridge and turned around. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain 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. Continuing north on AR-7, the road climbs the hills surrounding Nimrod Lake. From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. 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. Enjoy the drive. This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! Have more destinations? Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. route). 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. The flavor of the city is 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. 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 . What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. buildings, make up its national historic district. and other retail shops. 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. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? Get . Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. per adult. 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 38-mile long drive (61 kilometers) will take you to the topmost point of Ozark Mountain. One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. THANKS Ron. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! Bring a flashlight for the cave. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. Print Directions. Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. 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. 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. This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. 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. Stop at the Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2) where you can learn about the rich history of the Ouachita National Forest and get information on recreation opportunities, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, off-highway driving, fishing and non-motorized boating. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite. Explore the most popular scenic driving trails in Arkansas with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. With so much to see, consider another side trip to Long Pool Recreation Area (H7), along Big Piney Creek. 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. Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. If youre up for a longer hike, try Hunts Loop Trail that begins near the Iron Springs Recreation Area or the Ouachita Trail trailhead. In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, Top 9 All-Inclusive Resorts In Maine, USA - Updated 2023, 14 Best Cabins With Hot Tub In Arkansas - Updated 2023, 24 Best Cabins With Hot Tub In Maine - Updated 2023, 4 Most Scenic Train Rides In Arkansas, The USA, Top 10 Scenic Drives In And Around San Francisco, California, Restaurants With A View In Newport Beach, California, USA, Top 10 Stayz Accommodations In Albany, Australia, Top 9 Stayz Accommodations In Avoca Beach, Australia, Top 10 French Restaurants In London, England. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. manageable by beginners. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. 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. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. Condos for sale near me; Hot Springs Property Records; AR New Listings; . One of the best places to picnic in Hot Springs, this overlook hangs higher up on West Mountain overlooking the city of Hot Springs. As these forests remain undeveloped, the views are endless trees, rock cliffs, and rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Bed and Breakfast Arkansas Vacation Rentals Arkansas . What is the most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas? The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Arkansas Highway 123 Google Maps This route starts at the intersection of Arkansas Highway 7 and Highway 123 which is about 40 miles north of Russellville, AR in a town called Lurton, AR. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. the Ozarks." You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. 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.