The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. My car sits idle and the most wildlife I get to see on any given day is the abundance of pigeons in Central Park. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. As you approach Pig Trail Falls, you will also find many suitable spots for hiking, camping, and picture-taking here. This drive is a real gem! Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? :) Then go to the Pruitt Ranger Station for info, and park in the picnic area, you will enjoy this little stop very much. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. 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. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? Or you can continue on the scenic drive in Oklahoma. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. Unsubscribe in one click. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street which is off Central Avenue downtown. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through 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. Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. After passing Mountain Valley (famous for its spring water), consider a side trip on AR-192 to Lake Ouachita State Park (H2). Are there any height restrictions. 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. The panoramic view of the valley below is one you'll never forget. 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. 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 . where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as 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 folds of the Ouachitas run east-west, which is uncommon for mountain ranges Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. The Springtime Jonquil Festival In Arkansas Thats Unlike Any Other, Spend A Magical Evening Savoring This Wine And Fondue Experience In Arkansas, Arkansas Oldest Drive-In Theater Is Hiding In A Small Town And Youll Want To Visit, Dine At The Historic Spot In Arkansas Where The Legendary Gangster Al Capone Drank Whiskey, This Amazing Mimosa Brunch Spot In Arkansas Will Make Your Morning Epic, Escape To This Hidden Oasis In Arkansas To Find Peace And Quiet, This Candy Store in Arkansas Was Ripped Straight From The Pages Of A Fairytale, Every Spring, Thousands Flock To This Arkansas Town For The World Championship Toad Races. Become an Agent. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. 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!). Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? Additionally, Hot Springs Mountain Tower can be seen standing tall on top of Hot Springs Mountain along with the Army-Navy Hospital standing tall below. 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. Just Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. 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. 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. However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. 4. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Museum and Mystic Caverns. Continuing north on AR-7, the road climbs the hills surrounding Nimrod Lake. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. We drove this highway for a whole day. , You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. 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 Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. Start in Arkansass capital city of Little Rock for this trip, and travel 96 miles along the edge of the Ouachita National Forest up to Holla Bend, Arkansas. Join us. It was a lovely, relaxing drive. The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. 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. Spend One Perfect Day in the Grand Canyon: Itinerary & Travel Tips. boating and water sports. This scenic drive may be short but its one that every Hot Springs visitor should take! Scenic 7: Among the Most Scenic Drives in AmericaRoute: Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. View Artist-In-Residence artwork at the Ozark Bathhouse. 12. 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. 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 . If you love fishing or canoeing, a stop at White River is a must. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. route). 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. Did you drive it and how was it. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Plan to take this trip in about two months for jaw-dropping foliage colors and cooler temps to enjoy. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). 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. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. Caddo Gap is about 15 miles from Mount Ida, Arkansas, and is near the Caddo River, a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts. Otherwise known as The Natural State, Arkansas is considered a natural beauty because of its towering mountains, glistening lakes, and must-visit parks. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Want a hair-raising experience? The driving part took 4 hours. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 has been designated as a scenic byway, and its no surprise as to why! Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. 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. During our visit, the water was green! Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. 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. Arguably The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. Have a favorite flower? Thanks! We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. Take advantage of the many pull outs. #9 - Scenic 7 Byway: Harrison to Russellville. From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! What national parks in Arkansas have scenic driving trails? Let us know in the comments below! Youll also pass through Marble Falls, Arkansas (the town formerly known as Dogpatch), and can see the glorious Marble Falls waterfall. Please Be watchful for loose gravel and heavily oiled roads which is abundant in Arkansas. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. 3.0 average from 1 vote. This is the perfect place to see migratory birds, beavers, and river otters during the winter, and abundant white-tailed deer year-round. Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. However its very curvy. Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. 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. Full information on Hot Springs Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. It runs along Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley. 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. 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. In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. Great area to enjoy. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and road biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? 290 miles. Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. Pass through Mt. 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. History Fangirl is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. Get . Love Arkansas? 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). Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the Hope you enjoy the drive. If digging is not your style, they have a fantastic rock shop. 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. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the 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! Recommended. 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. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper 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. isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Arkansas. Arkansas rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. 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. With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. The first overview affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage with five lakes in the region, its also a popular destination for fishing, 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. The museum is free and kid-friendly with hands-on exhibits. We started at Hot Springs, which has many, many places to stay. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Bring a flashlight for the cave. 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. To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? 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). We are coming to see fall color from Dallas. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Scenic There are horse trails that go through the park as well. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. 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. Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. Searchable list of Hot Springs tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. 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. Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Bed and Breakfast Arkansas Vacation Rentals Arkansas . You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. I would say October is the best time to tour Arkansas on your trusted two wheeled steed. The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. 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. This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. 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 second overlook has a historic trail shelter and picnic tables, and the summit has a view south to the Trap Mountains and Lake Hamilton. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at 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. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. 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. Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? 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. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in 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.
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