This valley features rich farmland with patches of woodlands. We started at Hot Springs, which has many, many places to stay. It's a place 1 h 10 mi. Scenic 7 | Explore Arkansas - myscenicdrives.com Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. It's not for the faint of heart but if you like getting close to nature, enjoying brilliant fall foliage and visiting small communities, then Ark. With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. This Preview trail Scenic driving Forest Paved Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description Top ways to experience nearby attractions. 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. This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou 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. Yes, you read it right. Leaving Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at #9 - Scenic 7 Byway: Harrison to Russellville. Photos (675) Directions. Arkansas. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Indulge in the refreshing flavors of locally-grown fruit and vegetables at the many roadside stands. You cross an old, green, iron bridge, over the Buffalo River. Encompassing more than 1 million acres, it is made up of two separate forests, the Ozark National Forest and the smaller St. Francis National Forest, each with distinct topography, geology and wildlife. Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. This drive is a real gem! To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. Reset. Enjoy the drive. There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. the entire state from north to south. 12 Best Road Trips In Arkansas That Will Lead You On An Adventure ARKANSAS SIGHTSEEING: Check out Hot Springs beyond the obvious 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. The scenery is densely forested land with scenic overlooks that seem to go forever. With 26 miles of hiking trails in the Park, you can find great views, beautiful forest scenery, and feel like you're not in the City. route). Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Scenic Drives & Overlooks - Hot Springs National Park (U.S. National During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). Hot Springs Thank you! Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street which is off Central Avenue downtown. Voyage down the 45-mile Mount Magazine Scenic Byway for breathtaking views from Arkansass highest point. 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 . At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. Regarding the Buffalo River: there's no way to know it's coming until you are there, and then it's too late to stop and look. 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. From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. 1322 Lakeshore Dr Unit 1.13 ac +/-, Hot Springs, AR 71913 brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. 7. The Road Less Traveled: Arkansas Fall Foliage Scenic Drives By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. 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? Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. Hot Springs National Park The Greatest American Road Trip Altogether, it took about 7 hours. You'll find an outcrop of Arkansas Novaculite at the top as well; this rock was used by the Caddo Indians for making tools and weapons and later by European settlers for whetstones. This drive takes longer than the interstate obviously, but it is so well worth it. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. Searchable listings of Hot Springs hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. 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). This is a nice drive. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. 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. Continuing north for 10 miles, the forest opens up to grand views. sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Enjoy your trip! 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. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. Discover a rejuvenating world of untouched natural beauty on these scenic roads. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 has been designated as a scenic byway, and its no surprise as to why! Falling water falls is on the right at 2.3 miles, Six Finger falls is at mile 6 on the left. At the summit of West Mountain is an overlook south to the Trap Mountains with Lake Hamilton visible far in the distance. The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. from. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. 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. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. 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. downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, Great area to enjoy. #2 - Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. Get . Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Any season would be nice, but Winter certainly wasn't the best. But we were happy with our short jaunt up the middle of AR, though it does veer west a bit. This is the perfect place to see migratory birds, beavers, and river otters during the winter, and abundant white-tailed deer year-round. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. 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. What is the most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas? From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. Starting in one of my all-time favorite towns, Hot Springs, and trailing westward over the state line, this 100-mile excursion is sure to please. West Mountain Scenic Drive. Then pack your snacks for the road and buckle up for the 261-mile West-Northwest Scenic Byway! Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Click here to add your listing to Go-Arkansas.com, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. Things To Do - Hot Springs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) 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. Other attractive stops here include the underground caves at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Calico Rock, and Norfork Lake. Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway | Lead Hill, AR | Arkansas.com Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! 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. 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. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. per adult. 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. 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. 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. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. In case you get hungry while on the road, drop by The Ohio Club and try out their scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. If digging is not your style, they have a fantastic rock shop.