Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. A The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. The 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. Just The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. the Ozarks." If you choose a night-driving experience, then you might hear the coyotes howling. Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. 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. Happy trails. 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. Scenic 7 Byway (Arkansas) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels with Military Discounts in Arkansas, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Arkansas, Allswell Communities Holiday Parks - parent brand in Arkansas, The Ultimate Water Experience in Miami with Drinks and Jet Skis, Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour with Gourmet Lunch by Chef Ducasse, Pisa and Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence by Train, Glaciers Full Day Sightseeing Cruise on board 'Maria Turquesa', Tour of Flanders World War I Battlefields from Brussels, New York City (NYC) Limo Tour - Stretch Limo, Private SUV And Luxury Van, Full-Day Guided Trip to The Grand Canyon from Phoenix, Maui Magical Waterfall and Jungle Tour (Road to Hana), Sapanca Lake & Masukiye Zoo Tour with Lunch. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. When Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. Turn around if you have to like we did. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. Let us know in the comments below! Where is the best town to start the scenic7. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. Scenic 7 Byway South: Russellville to Hot Springs. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. 101 Reserve Street 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? The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. As these forests remain undeveloped, the views are endless trees, rock cliffs, and rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. This valley features rich farmland with patches of woodlands. Generally considered an easy route. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. 290 miles. 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. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Along with the stunning natural beauty, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1938 is outstanding. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. 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. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. It's a beautiful scenic drive. Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. #2 - Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! There are several scenic lookouts along the drives as well as some picnic areas. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. Don't miss hiking Lost Valley Trail. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Are you a rock hound? With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? 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. From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. 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. 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. Continue to Mobile Site 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. 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 While the northern portion is moist, the southern half of the mountain includes cacti. Pit toilet and picknic tables, fire rings. In the 1880s, major league baseball teams began bringing their players to Hot . 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. Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. You can send yourself an email as well. There is a fee but many awesome specimens have been found here. Yes, you read it right. Great area to enjoy. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. Leaving Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. 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. It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. There's also a picnic area nearby if you want to sit and stay for a while. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Boston Mountains Scenic Loop Byway with 2,760 m of elevation gain. If youre up for a longer hike, try Hunts Loop Trail that begins near the Iron Springs Recreation Area or the Ouachita Trail trailhead. No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. Hope you enjoy the drive. 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. But we were happy with our short jaunt up the middle of AR, though it does veer west a bit. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110-9362, USA Phone +1 501-727-5441 Web Visit website When it comes to breathtaking state parks, the Natural State doesn't disappoint. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. This Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. 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. 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 scenic drive is described as beginning in the town of Hot Springs and traveling to Harrison, but it could be done in either direction. Located on this overlook is the historic Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda, designed by architect J.G. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. In no particular order, and with each route offering a unique landscape, youll want to check out all of these amazing Arkansas scenic byways! In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. Discover a rejuvenating world of untouched natural beauty on these scenic roads. Enjoy your trip! Altogether, it took about 7 hours. Condos for sale near me; Hot Springs Property Records; AR New Listings; . Or you can continue on the scenic drive in Oklahoma. Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves 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. Perfect drive way in US. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. buildings, make up its national historic district. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Keyword. 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. The driving part took 4 hours. Youll also pass through Marble Falls, Arkansas (the town formerly known as Dogpatch), and can see the glorious Marble Falls waterfall. 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. While here, you can also check out Calico Rock Museum and Visitor Centre or Printing Press Caf. 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. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The panoramic view of the valley below is one you'll never forget. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Top ways to experience nearby attractions. 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. During our visit, the water was green! Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. This scenic drive may be short but its one that every Hot Springs visitor should take! There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. 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). mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the The Talimena National Scenic Byway is a total of 54 miles, but if you want to keep it in-state youll still have 18 miles from the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line to Mena, Arkansas. Reset. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. At the summit of West Mountain is an overlook south to the Trap Mountains with Lake Hamilton visible far in the distance. 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. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. U.S. 71 and Interstate 49 are two of my familys favorite drives for taking in the Ozarks fall foliage, and could be your familys new annual tradition too! You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. 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. this was an amazing scenic drive! The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. 1921 near El Dorado. 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. Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. 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. Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! Send this link to your phone. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. Branson. 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.