It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. You'll also find an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite at the top which was used by the Caddo Indians for making tools and weapons and later by European settlers for whetstones. 2023 Best 10 Scenic Driving Trails in Arkansas | AllTrails You must drive slower due to all the curves. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend excursion, a drive to this part of the United States is going to be one for the books. Starting and ending in Lake Village, Arkansas, Lake Chicot Loop circumnavigates part of Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. AR-7 heads over the Little Buffalo River, traveling by limestone and sandstone walls. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. Continue to Mobile Site 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. This will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in the breathtaking views of Arkansas. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. Return to Main Site. 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. and other retail shops. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Yes, you read it right. Send this link to your phone. Planning to go on a road trip where you can catch a glimpse of Arkansas captivating beauty? 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. downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, Want a hair-raising experience? Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Fall Foliage Drives And Destinations | Arkansas.com Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." We're thinking of staying near the Jasper area but are flexible at this point. The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. The website features a bloom calendar. 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. The 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. Oklahoma City to Hot Springs, how far is callaham hotel from the train station, Little Rock to Eureka Springs scenic route, One Day in Ozark-St. Francis National Forest / Buffalo River. Arkansas in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph If you want to soak in naturally heated springs, check out Hot Springs National Park. 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. The full address for this home is 1322 Lakeshore Drive Apartment 113 ac +/-, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913. Full information on Hot Springs Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. 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!). Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. 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. 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. Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. 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. Scenic 7 | Explore Arkansas - myscenicdrives.com Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for Are you a rock hound? In Paris, head south on AR-309 for the park. Where is the best town to start the scenic7. 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. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. (HSBOR) Vacant land located at 1322 Lakeshore Dr Unit 1.13 ac +/-, Hot Springs, AR 71913 sold for $24,900 on Feb 12, 2021. . 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. Print Directions. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, fall colors, a moment of peace, and everything in between at any one of these locations. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. 53 mi. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. Meander through the Ouachita National Forest, ascend Arkansass second-highest point, and check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park, all without even unbuckling your seatbelt. manageable by beginners. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? we are heading that way soon. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. the entire state from north to south. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. 101 Reserve Street 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! Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. 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. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. While the northern portion is moist, the southern half of the mountain includes cacti. 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. The panoramic view of the valley below is one you'll never forget. From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities Enjoy the drive. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. There is a fee but many awesome specimens have been found here. We have a trip planned end of july-early August. Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz Approaching historic Dardanelle, head west on AR-27 to Mount Nebo State Park (H3), where a drive to the top of Mount Nebo affords dramatic views of the Arkansas River and the Ozark National Forest. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Wed love to see your photos from the drive or nearby trails in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. From here, turn left to observe Nimrod Dam and Lake (W1). Great views, trails, and other amenities. Drive slowly and have your binoculars on hand. hardwood forests. 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. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. 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. Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. 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. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. Beautiful scenery. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. route). Today, the lake is a haven for water-based recreation, especially fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Lets head up the mountain to see the grand view. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Not that adventurous? Arkansas | Motorcycle Roads You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! Great area to enjoy. Enjoy your trip! We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. The Best Scenic Drives In Arkansas - OnlyInYourState If youre up for a longer hike, try Hunts Loop Trail that begins near the Iron Springs Recreation Area or the Ouachita Trail trailhead. Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Nice roads, nice environment and sceneries perfect for romantic drive, relax drive and fun time outing. Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. The folds of the Ouachitas run east-west, which is uncommon for mountain ranges Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. 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. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street which is off Central Avenue downtown. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. You can send yourself an email as well. from. 12. Other falls in are in the area. Before leaving Hot Springs, explore the awarding-winning Garvan Woodland Gardens (A1). 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. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. It was a lovely, relaxing drive. Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. 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 . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There is an abundance of wildlife to see throughout the year, but during the winter months, you can see a lovely variety of migratory birds, river otters, and more. 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. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. 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. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Turn around if you have to like we did. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. Unsubscribe in one click. Bring a flashlight for the cave. Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. This drive takes longer than the interstate obviously, but it is so well worth it. 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. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! She is Post Graduate in English (Do a quick search on the following sites). Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. Become an Agent. 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. This 38-mile long drive (61 kilometers) will take you to the topmost point of Ozark Mountain. ARKANSAS SIGHTSEEING: Check out Hot Springs beyond the obvious Hello! There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and road biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters).