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AR-7 heads over the Little Buffalo River, traveling by limestone and sandstone walls. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. We (and several other cars) went across the bridge and turned around. 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. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. Lake Chicot is also the largest flight path for several migratory birds so planning a drive during winter or fall can be great for birdwatching. The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. 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. Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? 1.8 million acres of stunning landscape spans across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. 3.0 average from 1 vote. The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. Seven miles from Hot Springs, turn left to remain on AR-7. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for 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. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. It's a beautiful scenic drive. Planning to go on a road trip where you can catch a glimpse of Arkansas captivating beauty? 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. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the 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). Falling water falls is on the right at 2.3 miles, Six Finger falls is at mile 6 on the left. Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. At the summit of West Mountain is an overlook south to the Trap Mountains with Lake Hamilton visible far in the distance. 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. Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. 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. Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Located on this overlook is the historic Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda, designed by architect J.G. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. Go-Arkansas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Arkansas. The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. The first overview affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. Starting and ending in Lake Village, Arkansas, Lake Chicot Loop circumnavigates part of Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). Generally considered an easy route. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. It is a 26.5-mile stretch (47.7 kilometers) that usually begins at the countrys only ghost town Calico Rock all the way to Blanchard Springs Caverns. and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. The driving part took 4 hours. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. Picnic at one of the established picnic areas. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. 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. 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. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. The lush greenery of late spring and the explosion of fall colors in the valley will give you an excuse to take this drive numerous times throughout the year! downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. 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. 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. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and 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." in the U.S. Near Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. READ MORE. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Searchable listings of Hot Springs hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. Or some special points of interest places, or hikes that aren't too long or strenuous? 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. There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking. Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. 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!). We left little rock to go up Scenic 7 on our way to eat at The Cliff House and then to go to the Mystic caverns in Harrison. There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. 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. Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? This scenic drive may be short but its one that every Hot Springs visitor should take! Ida, a silver mining city and USAs quartz capital. Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. 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. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. 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! :) Then go to the Pruitt Ranger Station for info, and park in the picnic area, you will enjoy this little stop very much. Hot Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. During our visit, the water was green! A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops 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. brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent 7. Preview trail Scenic driving Forest Paved Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Send to Phone. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. Meander through the Ouachita National Forest, ascend Arkansass second-highest point, and check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park, all without even unbuckling your seatbelt. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. buildings, make up its national historic district. Leaving It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. 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. 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 . The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! Start out by spelunking the Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, then snake through the eastern portion of the Ozark National Forest. One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. If you have all day or more: Do all of the above. 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. What is "must-see" or "must-do" in Arkansas? FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). The Buffalo River was the first designated National River in 1972. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arkansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you through 25 miles of the Ozark National Forest, then unfolding to showcase the states archetypal agricultural land. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! It 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. It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. We have a trip planned end of july-early August. Be on the lookout for waterfowl and the characteristic knees of the bald cypress trees along the river. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. 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. 53 mi. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou views. Take advantage of the many pull outs. The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. Head out on this 4.7-mile point-to-point trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. 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 . Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. You must drive slower due to all the curves. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. Beautiful scenery. Reset. Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! 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. resort town is known for its thermal waters from which it gets its name, and Standard text messaging rates apply. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite. 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). Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, EXPERIENCE the magnificence of this world and this beautiful state. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. the Ozarks." 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. 290 miles. 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. As you approach Pig Trail Falls, you will also find many suitable spots for hiking, camping, and picture-taking here. The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. 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. Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. 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. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. Along with the stunning natural beauty, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1938 is outstanding. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. 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. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita 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. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. Drive 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. Home Arkansas Scenic Drives and Road Trips. the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. 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. See our full. Great area to enjoy. Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. and other retail shops. Pack your hiking boots if youre in the mood to hop and explore the abundance of trails along this journey. Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. 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. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. 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. Continue to Mobile Site Scenic 7 Byway South: Russellville to Hot Springs. Primitive camping with no facilities at Richland Creek campsite. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. Caddo Gap is about 15 miles from Mount Ida, Arkansas, and is near the Caddo River, a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. 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. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, 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. Continuing north for 10 miles, the forest opens up to grand views. The trail also passes many turtle rocks that look like turtle shells and below the cave is another trail that leads to an overlook of Cedar Falls. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. 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! Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. Print/PDF map. 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. Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. Top ways to experience nearby attractions. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. However its very curvy. Arkansas. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Thank you! (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. There are several scenic lookouts along the drives as well as some picnic areas. Have a favorite flower? 1 h 10 mi. 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. Hello! lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. 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 breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. 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. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. $66.67. one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. The folds of the Ouachitas run east-west, which is uncommon for mountain ranges Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? 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.