Branson. Leaving 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. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Starting down near the Louisiana border, youll pass through the West Gulf Coastal Plain region, where youll likely get a view of some Loblolly shortleaf pine trees the Arkansas state tree! Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. 290 miles. Take advantage of the many pull outs. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway with a 4.5-star rating from 7 reviews. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. Along with the stunning natural beauty, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1938 is outstanding. Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? Thanks! 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. Before leaving Hot Springs, explore the awarding-winning Garvan Woodland Gardens (A1). 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. 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! You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. dense pine woodlands of southern Arkansas. Happy trails. You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! 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. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. Nice roads, nice environment and sceneries perfect for romantic drive, relax drive and fun time outing. The spectacular 95-foot cascade of Cedar Falls can be experienced by hiking the popular Cedar Falls Trail. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. reflected in the Main Street Harrison Historic Walking Tour, which includes A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. Full information on Hot Springs Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. 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. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. Russellville. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. 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 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 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. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. 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. 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. 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. 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. Arkansas. Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. This will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in the breathtaking views of Arkansas. 101 Reserve Street Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. Become an Agent. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. West Mountain Scenic Drive. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. Cruise the Ouachita Mountains by way of this Scenic Byway! Unsubscribe in one click. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. 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. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Join us. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. 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. READ MORE. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Arkansas. Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. 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. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. 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. Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. Scenic 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the route). Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. Continuing north on AR-7, the road climbs the hills surrounding Nimrod Lake. Shelter houses like the one found here were built to provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the view. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. Where to stay by the Crater od Diamonds State Park. Pit toilet and picknic tables, fire rings. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. THANKS Ron. 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. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Starting in Havana, Arkansas, this scenic byway takes you up through Mount Magazine State Park, and then down through the charming town of Paris, Arkansas. Good decisio and good time of year, Nov. the traffic was light and some attractions are out of season but overall it is a warm year so it was lovely. 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 Hello! To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. this was an amazing scenic drive! Arkansas: With an ascent of 6,797 m, Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway has the most elevation gain of all of the scenic driving trails in the area. Continuing though the forested Ouachitas, it passes through the Ouachita National Forest and by Lake Nimrod, then reaches Russellville and crosses the more level terrain of the Arkansas River Valley. It remains that way until climbing out of the Little It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 has been designated as a scenic byway, and its no surprise as to why! Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Fun drive! Leave nothing but tire tracks and take nothing but pictures except maybe some quartz. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. 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. You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. Spot the glistening Arkansas River right before reaching the end of the byway in Webb City, Arkansas. Want a hair-raising experience? The first overlook affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. 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. Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! 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. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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!). 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. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. There are plenty of spots to throw on your hazards and hop out to snap some photos or just take in your surroundings. Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. 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. 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. in Library Science. with five lakes in the region, its also a popular destination for fishing, By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. The trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. This is the perfect place to see migratory birds, beavers, and river otters during the winter, and abundant white-tailed deer year-round. See our full. The website features a bloom calendar. 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. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. EXPERIENCE the magnificence of this world and this beautiful state. This scenic drive may be short but its one that every Hot Springs visitor should take! You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Head up Zig Zag Mountain to the Hot Springs Mountain Overlook, enjoying hairpin curves before being rewarded with unforgettable views from the Hot Springs Mountain tower. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Bring a flashlight for the cave. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Scenic 7 then gradually changes into smooth, green pastures and the scenic drive comes to an end in Harrison. Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Then pack your snacks for the road and buckle up for the 261-mile West-Northwest Scenic Byway! Did you drive it and how was it. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. 5. 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. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. We have a trip planned end of july-early August. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. Look but don't touch! Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. West Mountain Trail. Send this link to your phone. The 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. When Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! Enjoy your trip! Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. 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. 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. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. Drive You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. 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. 10 Zip Line Zip Tour (1.5 hours) 536. The Buffalo River was the first designated National River in 1972. Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center (I1) where you will not only learn about people who flocked to this area for hundreds of years seeking cures for their illnesses, but take in the extraordinary beauty and design of the bathhouse and its marble and stained glass. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways - U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. The Buffalo is hallowed land to Arkansas natives, and a quick trip on this byway will show you precisely why. The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. Read the sites full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. Standard text messaging rates apply. As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. Arguably 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. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the 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. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. 7. 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? Feast your eyes on the fabulous views of the city from Pinnacle Mountain. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Bed and Breakfast Arkansas Vacation Rentals Arkansas . awaits visitors at Jasper. If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. 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. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. Primitive camping with no facilities at Richland Creek campsite. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). 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. Ida, a silver mining city and USAs quartz capital. 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. Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves During our visit, the water was green! legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. In no particular order, and with each route offering a unique landscape, youll want to check out all of these amazing Arkansas scenic byways! 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. You will find an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite at the top as well; this rock was used by the Caddo Users note that this is the most impressive scenic drive in all of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas or Missouri. 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. The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! 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. 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. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail passes a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of bluff-dwelling Native Americans.
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