You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. Are you a rock hound? 7. In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. There's also a picnic area nearby if you want to sit and stay for a while. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. The Ouachita Mountains are unique in that they are the only mountain range in the United States whose ridges and valleys are oriented west to east. 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. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities Hot Springs Have more destinations? It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. in the U.S. Near along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. Russellville. Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. Besides the breathtaking Ozark views, you will also be able to stop off at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View for some folksy art, music, and education, go trout fishing in the White River, or embrace the chill up your spine at Calico Rocks ghost town the countrys only ghost town within a towntown-ception. 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. 1921 near El Dorado. We drove this highway for a whole day. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. 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. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and Pass through Mt. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you through 25 miles of the Ozark National Forest, then unfolding to showcase the states archetypal agricultural land. 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. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. 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. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the The spectacular 95-foot cascade of Cedar Falls can be experienced by hiking the popular Cedar Falls Trail. 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. Cruise the Ouachita Mountains by way of this Scenic Byway! 97% of travelers recommend this experience. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. 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. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Explore the river by taking a side-trip from Jasper on AR-74, where you can rent a kayak or canoe or hike some of the trails. Arkansas. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. The flavor of the city is Hike to the iconic Hawk's Bill Crag. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. 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. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. Shelter houses like the one found here were built to provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the view. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Hot Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. 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. Leave nothing but tire tracks and take nothing but pictures except maybe some quartz. Is it still enjoyable in the extreme heat? 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. In case you get hungry while on the road, drop by The Ohio Club and try out their scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. 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. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. 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. lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Click here to add your listing to Go-Arkansas.com, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Print Directions. Hello! While here, you can also check out Calico Rock Museum and Visitor Centre or Printing Press Caf. 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. legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. 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. Falling water falls is on the right at 2.3 miles, Six Finger falls is at mile 6 on the left. 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. Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. 2. This will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in the breathtaking views of Arkansas. So many beautiful sites. with five lakes in the region, its also a popular destination for fishing, 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 can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. On the way back, stop at the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge (A2) which protects 7,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and wetlands. 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 The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. 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. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). 5. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arkansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. Scenic 7: Among the Most Scenic Drives in AmericaRoute: Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Photos (675) Directions. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. One Perfect Day in Waterton Lakes National Park: Itinerary & Travel Tips. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. per adult. the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, 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. If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. Or some special points of interest places, or hikes that aren't too long or strenuous? The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and 3. Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. We stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. . From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. We stopped three times: at the Rotary Ann overlook (a nice rest stop), at the Pedestal Rocks hike (added about 2 hours to the trip) and for a late lunch at the Cliff House (come hungry; their meals are huge!). . Museum and Mystic Caverns. Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. Steal this Madeira Itinerary: What the RHOP Did in 4 Days in Madeira, Portugal, The Perfect 3 Days in Jackson, MS: A Magical Weekend in Jackson Itinerary. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. 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! At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) Thanks! 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. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. Top ways to experience nearby attractions. No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. The unique habitats create homes for rare and endangered plants like Ozark Chinkapin and the Maple-leaf Oak tree and animals such as the middle-toothed snail. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. 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 dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. Scenic 7 then gradually changes into smooth, green pastures and the scenic drive comes to an end in Harrison. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. Plan to take this trip in about two months for jaw-dropping foliage colors and cooler temps to enjoy. 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. Wildlife observers and photographers will love the 8-mile Auto Tour which weaves through the refuge offering the chance to spot beavers, bobcats, coyotes, deer as well. 5. within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in 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 . #9 - Scenic 7 Byway: Harrison to Russellville. Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. What is "must-see" or "must-do" in Arkansas? Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. We're thinking of staying near the Jasper area but are flexible at this point. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! The canyon is just south of Jasper. 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! Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. 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. There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. 1 h 10 mi. 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. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. The park also features fishing, boating (with rentals), public pool, playground, cabins, camping and visitor center. If you want to soak in naturally heated springs, check out Hot Springs National Park. The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. Where is the best town to start the scenic7. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. If you have all day or more: Do all of the above. In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. The museum is free and kid-friendly with hands-on exhibits. We are coming to see fall color from Dallas. Return to Main Site. 290 miles. 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. 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. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. 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. Nice roads, nice environment and sceneries perfect for romantic drive, relax drive and fun time outing. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, Access to the river is right there, by foot. #2 - Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. 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! Great views, trails, and other amenities. Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. 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. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Discover a rejuvenating world of untouched natural beauty on these scenic roads. Take advantage of the many pull outs. the entire state from north to south. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? 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. Especially if you can take perfect photos to commemorate the tour! 95% of travelers recommend this experience. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. However its very curvy. 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 . Unsubscribe in one click. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Let us know in the comments below! 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 . Become an Agent. Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Bed and Breakfast Arkansas Vacation Rentals Arkansas . 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. After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. 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. This is a nice drive. Perfect drive way in US. We just rode motorcycles on Hiway 7 from El Dorado to Harrison Arkansas, the road is good, plenty to see lots of curves, stop at the Cliff House just past Jasper have a steak mmm good! It remains that way until climbing out of the Little An amateur historian and travel enthusiast, I travel around the world full-time visiting historic sites: hidden chapels, Communist monuments, ancient cities, religious relics, national parks, or any place that is beautiful, interesting, or weird. If you wish to explore more around this loop, go camping or rent a cottage at Lake Chicot State Park. Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! Did you drive it and how was it. With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. Scenic 7 Byway is a nationally recognized riding treasure that traverses almost Yes, you read it right. Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) With so much to see, consider another side trip to Long Pool Recreation Area (H7), along Big Piney Creek. This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs.