Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. Just Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! Feast your eyes on the fabulous views of the city from Pinnacle Mountain. My car sits idle and the most wildlife I get to see on any given day is the abundance of pigeons in Central Park. It runs along Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper See our full. In case you get hungry while on the road, drop by The Ohio Club and try out their scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. Leave nothing but tire tracks and take nothing but pictures except maybe some quartz. A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. One of the best scenic drives in Arizona, the roughly 40-mile Apache Trail gains nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, featuring jaw-dropping mountain passes, vibrant wildflowers, and pristine . Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. 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. Take advantage of the many pull outs. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. The flavor of the city is in the U.S. Near Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. 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." Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. We have a trip planned end of july-early August. Spend One Perfect Day in the Grand Canyon: Itinerary & Travel Tips. Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. the Ozarks." To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. This valley features rich farmland with patches of woodlands. If digging is not your style, they have a fantastic rock shop. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. Not that adventurous? A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. 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. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. Learn more about the towns history and traditional arts when you head over to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. 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! 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. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." EXPERIENCE the magnificence of this world and this beautiful state. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. Thank you! You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. 2. Fun drive! Picnic at one of the established picnic areas. With so much to see, consider another side trip to Long Pool Recreation Area (H7), along Big Piney Creek. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. Enjoy your trip! Follow the grand Mississippi along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway! For a quick trip, hop on the Buffalo Hills Scenic drive, a 19-mile section of Scenic 7 Byway, which will take you from Harrison to Jasper. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of 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. 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. 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. Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at 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. Head up Zig Zag Mountain to the Hot Springs Mountain Overlook (V1), enjoying hairpin curves before being rewarded with unforgettable views from the Hot Springs Mountain tower. Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. 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. We stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. 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. Did you drive it and how was it. Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. Pack your hiking boots if youre in the mood to hop and explore the abundance of trails along this journey. Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Youll also pass through Marble Falls, Arkansas (the town formerly known as Dogpatch), and can see the glorious Marble Falls waterfall. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. 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! the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. It was a lovely, relaxing drive. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? 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. Arkansas We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. View Artist-In-Residence artwork at the Ozark Bathhouse. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? Leaving It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. Start out by spelunking the Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, then snake through the eastern portion of the Ozark National Forest. See the Ouachitas characteristic Paleozoic rocks and stunning mountain vistas, look out your window for views of red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, ominous turkey vultures, and even majestic eagles. Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. Reset. Is the 7 from Russellville to Hot Springs very scenic? The Whitaker Point Trail, often called the Hawksbill Crag (H11) Trail, is a 3-mile round trip through lush forest, passing waterfalls and large boulders. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. Preview trail Scenic driving Forest Paved Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description 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. Interstate 49 and U.S. 71, which are often referred to as two scenic byways of Arkansas, form Boston Mountains Scenic Loop. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Boston Mountains Scenic Loop Byway with 2,760 m of elevation gain. Throughout this journey of 100 miles (16 kilometers), get ready to be mesmerized by panoramic views as well as the diversity of flora and fauna. This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! Arguably (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and AR You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Drive 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. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. If you love fishing or canoeing, a stop at White River is a must. Generally considered an easy route. Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. 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. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) The driving part took 4 hours. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. This drive is a real gem! dense pine woodlands of southern Arkansas. Meander through the Ouachita National Forest, ascend Arkansass second-highest point, and check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park, all without even unbuckling your seatbelt. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. 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. 101 Reserve Street You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. Starting Location: Hot Springs, AR Ending Location: Harrison, AR Length: 157 miles Best Season to Drive: All See this drive on Google Maps Winding through the mountains with forests full of pines and hardwoods, Scenic 7 affords unparalleled views of the Natural State. A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. Top ways to experience nearby attractions. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. This She is Post Graduate in English (Do a quick search on the following sites). Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. There are no places to get fuel. reflected in the Main Street Harrison Historic Walking Tour, which includes Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. Pass through Mt. 7. we are heading that way soon. awaits visitors at Jasper. What national parks in Arkansas have scenic driving trails? Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. If youre up for a longer hike, try Hunts Loop Trail that begins near the Iron Springs Recreation Area or the Ouachita Trail trailhead. We would have loved to visit some tourist attractions, but by and large, they were not open during this time of year. 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 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. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking.