You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. The Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. 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. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) 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. It's a place 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. The flavor of the city is 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. From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. If you wish to explore more around this loop, go camping or rent a cottage at Lake Chicot State Park. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Pass through Mt. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. . You can send yourself an email as well. However its very curvy. 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. If you choose a night-driving experience, then you might hear the coyotes howling. reflected in the Main Street Harrison Historic Walking Tour, which includes Continue to Mobile Site Get a closer look via the 119 steps that bring you down 70 feet just make sure you have the energy to climb back up. Learn more about the towns history and traditional arts when you head over to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Keyword. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. 3. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. 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 valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. View the mountains and then bring it on home this scenic drive takes you from Mountain View, Arkansas to Mountain Home, Arkansas, and is 48 miles of not-to-be-missed sightseeing in between! The Talimena National Scenic Byway is a total of 54 miles, but if you want to keep it in-state youll still have 18 miles from the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line to Mena, Arkansas. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. Or you can continue on the scenic drive in Oklahoma. The first overview affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end Enjoy your trip! 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. With so much to see, consider another side trip to Long Pool Recreation Area (H7), along Big Piney Creek. 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. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. buildings, make up its national historic district. 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. Don't forget your camera. 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. By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? You can go to the picnic area on the west side of the road or the launch area on the east side. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters). AR-7 heads over the Little Buffalo River, traveling by limestone and sandstone walls. (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) #2 - Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. Just As you approach Pig Trail Falls, you will also find many suitable spots for hiking, camping, and picture-taking here. Fun drive! Accessible adventure: There are several scenic drives in and near the park, the most popular being the Hot Springs Mountain Drive that leads to the 216-foot lookout tower atop Hot Springs Mountain. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. 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 drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 271 community reviews. A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. 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. 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. before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and 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. 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. Arkansas is so naturally beautiful that just your drive to the grocery store could be a treat, but in case you need more than just a couple miles of nature and serenity, here are some of the best scenic drives in Arkansas for motorists and motorcyclists alike. Samali Basu, a Content Creator with almost a decade's experience, is a former field journalist with a demonstrated history of working with various industries. This 38-mile long drive (61 kilometers) will take you to the topmost point of Ozark Mountain. Seven miles from Hot Springs, turn left to remain on AR-7. Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. in the U.S. Near 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. Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). Stop at the Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2) where you can learn about the rich history of the Ouachita National Forest and get information on recreation opportunities, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, off-highway driving, fishing and non-motorized boating. Arkansas. Starting at the St. Francis River near the Missouri border and winding all the way to Helena, Arkansas, Crowleys Ridge Parkway is the perfect way to see Crowleys Ridge and Arkansas delta regions! The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. Arkansas Highway 123 Google Maps This route starts at the intersection of Arkansas Highway 7 and Highway 123 which is about 40 miles north of Russellville, AR in a town called Lurton, AR. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. This 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. Love Arkansas? 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." Otherwise known as The Natural State, Arkansas is considered a natural beauty because of its towering mountains, glistening lakes, and must-visit parks. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We drove this highway for a whole day. Spot the glistening Arkansas River right before reaching the end of the byway in Webb City, Arkansas. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you through 25 miles of the Ozark National Forest, then unfolding to showcase the states archetypal agricultural land. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. 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! A The park also features fishing, boating (with rentals), public pool, playground, cabins, camping and visitor center. 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. Read the sites full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. Reset. Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. Scenic 7: Among the Most Scenic Drives in AmericaRoute: Top ways to experience nearby attractions. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. 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. It might be big city with an expansive clutch of cultural and historic sites but temperate Little Rock is small-town friendly with easy access to the big outdoors. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Check out my Balkan Travel Blog + Oklahoma Travel Blog, 17 Magical Things to Do in Arkansas in Winter, 50 Awesome Las Vegas Quotes & Las Vegas Instagram Caption Inspiration, How to Visit Granja Colonia Pencil Museum in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Branson. As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. Is it still enjoyable in the extreme heat? Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. 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. While the northern portion is moist, the southern half of the mountain includes cacti. Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. 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. 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! 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. What is the most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas? the entire state from north to south. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. Follow the grand Mississippi along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway! The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas.