Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. 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 Pass through Mt. and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. 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. Any season would be nice, but Winter certainly wasn't the best. The driving part took 4 hours. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. 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. On the way, stop at the Riverview Recreation Area (H6) for views of the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle Dam, as well as more recreational opportunities. You must drive slower due to all the curves. Picnic at one of the established picnic areas. 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 cross an old, green, iron bridge, over the Buffalo River. All Rights Reserved and. Scenic Byways and Drives - Eureka Springs, Arkansas Hotel Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. Otherwise known as The Natural State, Arkansas is considered a natural beauty because of its towering mountains, glistening lakes, and must-visit parks. 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. Scenic 7 then gradually changes into smooth, green pastures and the scenic drive comes to an end 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. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? One of the best places to picnic in Hot Springs, this overlook hangs higher up on West Mountain overlooking the city of Hot Springs. Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. 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 . They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. 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 cover this area. Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. During our visit, the water was green! 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. It runs along Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. 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 Best Scenic Drives In Arkansas - OnlyInYourState Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. If you wish to explore more around this loop, go camping or rent a cottage at Lake Chicot State Park. Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. THE 5 BEST Arkansas Scenic Drives (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. West Mountain Trail | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, Lake Chicot is also the largest flight path for several migratory birds so planning a drive during winter or fall can be great for birdwatching. Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. Join us. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. AR The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! Bring a flashlight for the cave. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. Scenic Drives near Fort Smith, Arkansas 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. rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. Ouachita National Forest - Talimena National Scenic Byway 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. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Pit toilet and picknic tables, fire rings. There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for #2 - Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. 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. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. 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. 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. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. 101 Reserve Street However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. Is it still enjoyable in the extreme heat? 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. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. 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. Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. AR buildings, make up its national historic district. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, 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. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. The website features a bloom calendar. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. Ida, a silver mining city and USAs quartz capital. This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. Return to Main Site. The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. Let us know in the comments below! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. 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!). 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." Road Trip Itinerary: The Best of the Ozarks - Fodors Travel Guide Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of My car sits idle and the most wildlife I get to see on any given day is the abundance of pigeons in Central Park. Have more destinations? Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! and other retail shops. Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. The park is named for the legend of Petit Jean, a French girl who disguised herself as a boy to secretly accompany her love to the New World and this mountain. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. 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. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. Scenic 7 Byway is a 290-mile route that stretches from the Louisiana state border to Harrison, Arkansas going darn-near straight through the middle of the state! 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. We are 40 ft long and 13.5 high. It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. 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 . , Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Spend One Perfect Day in the Grand Canyon: Itinerary & Travel Tips. Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. 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. Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. Happy trails. The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! Continuing north on AR-7, the road climbs the hills surrounding Nimrod Lake. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. Generally considered an easy route. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. However its very curvy. During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! the Ozarks." As you approach Pig Trail Falls, you will also find many suitable spots for hiking, camping, and picture-taking here. (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. 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. West Mountain Trail. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. 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. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. 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. Quaff the elixir at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. The Buffalo is hallowed land to Arkansas natives, and a quick trip on this byway will show you precisely why. This scenic drive may be short but its one that every Hot Springs visitor should take! Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. 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! Love Arkansas? 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. AR-7 heads over the Little Buffalo River, traveling by limestone and sandstone walls. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through 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. Museum and Mystic Caverns. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. 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. Searchable listings of Hot Springs hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. 4. Leaving 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. Be on the lookout for waterfowl and the characteristic knees of the bald cypress trees along the river. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. 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. little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. 8 Incredible Spots to See Fall Foliage in Arkansas Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. 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. Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. manageable by beginners. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The flavor of the city is Discover a rejuvenating world of untouched natural beauty on these scenic roads. 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. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Another absolute must-visit point is Mt. The Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. 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 . The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. Especially if you can take perfect photos to commemorate the tour! Become an Agent. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. 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. 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. Or some special points of interest places, or hikes that aren't too long or strenuous? Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. This lake is also one of the largest flyways in the United States, so be sure to check it out in the fall and winter for diverse bird watching! Caddo Gap is about 15 miles from Mount Ida, Arkansas, and is near the Caddo River, a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts. 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! Head out on this 4.7-mile point-to-point trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Drive Discover a wondrous world of tumbled moss-covered rock formations, bluffs, a natural bridge, caverns, Cobb Cave, and numerous waterfalls, nestled in lush green forest. West Mountain Scenic Drive | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails 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. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters). in Library Science. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. There are no places to get fuel. 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. Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. #9 - Scenic 7 Byway: Harrison to Russellville. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. 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! A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. The first overlook affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. 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. 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. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. We drove this highway for a whole day. Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the 10 Zip Line Zip Tour (1.5 hours) 536. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite. Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive Is Underappreciated In Arkansas We stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. Condos for sale near me; Hot Springs Property Records; AR New Listings; . Arkansas. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. You will pass Wilhelmina State Park with the possibility for something to eat. The scenery is densely forested land with scenic overlooks that seem to go forever. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Arkansas. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. While here, you can also check out Calico Rock Museum and Visitor Centre or Printing Press Caf. The folds of the Ouachitas run east-west, which is uncommon for mountain ranges Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. 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. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! Not that adventurous? Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street which is off Central Avenue downtown. 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