Great views, trails, and other amenities. 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. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. From here, turn left to observe Nimrod Dam and Lake (W1). 7. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Hot Springs Mountain Overlook | Explore Arkansas - myscenicdrives.com In case you get hungry while on the road, drop by The Ohio Club and try out their scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. 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. Besides the breathtaking Ozark views, you will also be able to stop off at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View for some folksy art, music, and education, go trout fishing in the White River, or embrace the chill up your spine at Calico Rocks ghost town the countrys only ghost town within a towntown-ception. 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. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! Caddo Gap is about 15 miles from Mount Ida, Arkansas, and is near the Caddo River, a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. The short and easy Rock House Cave Trail leads to a deep rock shelter which features early Native American rock paintings. As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. 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. hardwood forests. Not that adventurous? The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. While on this 45-mile scenic byway (72 kilometers), you will pass through Mount Magazine State Park as well as the serene Ozark National Forest. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! We are coming to see fall color from Dallas. Follow the grand Mississippi along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway! We stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. 1 h 10 mi. AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Primitive camping with no facilities at Richland Creek campsite. 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. 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. You cross an old, green, iron bridge, over the Buffalo River. 5. A The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. 4. Arkansas 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. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Arkansas in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. 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. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. in Library Science. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. Send to Phone. 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). Drive slowly and have your binoculars on hand. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. Russellville to Hot Springs through Ouachita National Forest 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! Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. buildings, make up its national historic district. Address: AR-170 Scenic, West Fork, AR 72774, USA Address: US-71, Alma, AR, USA Address: Buffalo National River, Calf Creek Township, AR 72675, USA Address: Stone County, AR, USA Address: US-62, Eureka Springs, AR, USA Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. Arkansas. 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. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, Condos for sale near me; Hot Springs Property Records; AR New Listings; . About 10 miles This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita 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. If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. Shelter houses like the one found here were built to provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the view. Preview trail Scenic driving Forest Paved Views Wildflowers Wildlife Description 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. In a few miles, consider a side trip on AR-16 to the trailhead for Pedestal Rocks (H8), where a 2.2-mile round trip trail brings you to unique geologic formations weather-carved rock pedestals. 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 driving part took 4 hours. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! Best Scenic Drives In Arizona: Apache Trail Near Apache Junction Hike to the iconic Hawk's Bill Crag. 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. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arkansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. 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. See our full. The top of the tower has tons of information about the town and its history as well as an even grander view than the overlook. With the charming Mulberry River as a backdrop, breathe in the fresh air as you drive on this lush, forested road that resembles a green tunnel. I would say October is the best time to tour Arkansas on your trusted two wheeled steed. Hot Springs National Park The Greatest American Road Trip A summary of what Hot Springs has to offer. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. 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. 10 Best Scenic Drives In Arkansas, USA | Trip101 Route: The top end of what Arkansans call "The Pig Trail," AR-23 is one of the state's most scenic drives, with wildflowers in the spring and . 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. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. 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. getting a good plate of inexpensive food. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. When 290 miles. Or some special points of interest places, or hikes that aren't too long or strenuous? Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you through 25 miles of the Ozark National Forest, then unfolding to showcase the states archetypal agricultural land. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. 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. $66.67. Scenic 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the route). Leaving The flavor of the city is The unique habitats create homes for rare and endangered plants like Ozark Chinkapin and the Maple-leaf Oak tree and animals such as the middle-toothed snail. Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. 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. West Mountain Scenic Drive | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? 101 Reserve Street Under this protection, no dams or other obstacles can be built along it, meaning nature takes its course. Explore art galleries, antique shops, dining and nightlife. 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. 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. After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. We have a trip planned end of july-early August. Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. 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. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? So many beautiful sites. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. 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. 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. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? Generally considered an easy route. A leisurely drive awaits you on this scenic excursion of about 96 miles (154 kilometers) that starts from the states capital called Little Rock to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. While the northern portion is moist, the southern half of the mountain includes cacti. Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. 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. Learn more about the towns history and traditional arts when you head over to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the 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. 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 Arkansas. Just Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! 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. On the way back, stop at the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge (A2) which protects 7,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and wetlands. From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. Scenic 7 Byway is a nationally recognized riding treasure that traverses almost lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. 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. 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. (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) Arkansas: With an ascent of 22,299 ft, Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway has the most elevation gain of all of the scenic driving trails in the area. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. The Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. Continuing north on AR-7, the road climbs the hills surrounding Nimrod Lake. before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and AR The Road Less Traveled: Arkansas Fall Foliage Scenic Drives With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. The real thrill is the abundance of wild animals here such as turkey vultures, eagles, black bears, and more. One of the best places to picnic in Hot Springs, this overlook hangs higher up on West Mountain overlooking the city of Hot Springs. What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? What national parks in Arkansas have scenic driving trails? We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. Access to the river is right there, by foot. Enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, fall colors, a moment of peace, and everything in between at any one of these locations. Read the sites full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. 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. Quaff the elixir at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. boating and water sports. 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. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Ouachita National Forest (Hot Springs) - Tripadvisor 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. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. It runs along Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley. 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. downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas - Arkansas Hot Springs National Park - Camping & Hiking | Scenic Pathways and other retail shops. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Go-Arkansas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Arkansas. 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. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. You can send yourself an email as well. After passing Blue Springs on AR-7, consider a side-trip heading west on AR-298 to get dirty and dig for crystals at Arrowhead Crystal Mine. View Artist-In-Residence artwork at the Ozark Bathhouse. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. 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! U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. This 38-mile long drive (61 kilometers) will take you to the topmost point of Ozark Mountain. Roosevelt Lake is among the most spectacular natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State - but the drive to get there is almost, if not equally, as beautiful. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Plan to take this trip in about two months for jaw-dropping foliage colors and cooler temps to enjoy. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. Continue to Mobile Site Feast your eyes on the fabulous views of the city from Pinnacle Mountain. With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. 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. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. UP and UP you go, lots of curves, and the scenery is wonderful.. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. ARKANSAS SIGHTSEEING: Check out Hot Springs beyond the obvious Ouachita National Forest - Talimena National Scenic Byway In no particular order, and with each route offering a unique landscape, youll want to check out all of these amazing Arkansas scenic byways! south of Harrison, it becomes a tightly wound and challenging road, but still Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. 53 mi. Spend One Perfect Day in the Grand Canyon: Itinerary & Travel Tips. Did you drive it and how was it. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and road biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. Are there any height restrictions. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. 3. 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! This is the perfect place to see migratory birds, beavers, and river otters during the winter, and abundant white-tailed deer year-round. Enjoy your trip! The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Return to Main 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. 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. The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. Home to top scenic drives in Arkansas, the route starts at the fantastic Hot Springs National Park, passes through Ouachita National Park, and finally, ends at Page in Oklahoma. Beautiful scenery. The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. Keyword. Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. Where to stay by the Crater od Diamonds State Park. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. This route is 54-mile long (87 kilometers) but if you want to stay within the state, then your drive will be of about 18 miles (29 kilometers). Highway 7 travels Arkansass rolling hills, curves through the Ouachita National Forest, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Hot Springs National Park, and the first national river, Buffalo National River. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. Searchable listings of Hot Springs hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. This will give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take in the breathtaking views of Arkansas. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Head out on this 4.7-mile point-to-point trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Unsubscribe in one click. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Photos (675) Directions. THE 5 BEST Arkansas Scenic Drives (with Photos) - Tripadvisor 95% of travelers recommend this experience. If you finish driving the loop and are left longing for more, you can pitch a tent or rent a rustic cabin at the Lake Chicot State Park to take advantage of all this park has to offer. In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook.