hardwood forests. 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. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street which is off Central Avenue downtown. We drove this highway for a whole day. within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. The panoramic view of the valley below is one you'll never forget. Indulge in the refreshing flavors of locally-grown fruit and vegetables at the many roadside stands. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. Enjoy your trip! 12. Hot Springs 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. 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. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. West Mountain Trail. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. What is the most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas? 1.8 million acres of stunning landscape spans across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. $66.67. 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. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops 17 Astounding Arkansas Scenic Drives to Get Out & Explore the Natural State The Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. 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 this was an amazing scenic drive! Standard text messaging rates apply. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The spectacular 95-foot cascade of Cedar Falls can be experienced by hiking the popular Cedar Falls Trail. At the top of Hot Springs Mountain is the 10 story Hot Springs Tower with an observation deck at the top. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. Shelter houses like the one found here were built to provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the view. Arkansas Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. Thanks! Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. Let us know in the comments below! At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. Another absolute must-visit point is Mt. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. 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. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. 3.0 average from 1 vote. Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves Unsubscribe in one click. We stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. There are no places to get fuel. . THE 5 BEST Arkansas Scenic Drives (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. 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. At the summit of West Mountain is an overlook south to the Trap Mountains with Lake Hamilton visible far in the distance. Top 10 Scenic Drives in Arkansas | YourMechanic Advice To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. When its late summer, absolutely sweltering outside and far too hot for a hike, or when its a cool and misty autumn day but I still want the chance to see Arkansass stunning foliage, the best thing to do is load the car and go for a cruise. Follow the grand Mississippi along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway! This is a nice drive. This drive along the Parkway will take you past seven Arkansas state parks and through the St. Francis National Forest! The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. 15 Best Things to Do in Hot Springs (Arkansas) Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. As the name suggests, Two Mountain Way takes you on a spectacular journey of 48 miles (77 kilometers) from Mountain View to Mountain Home in Arkansas. lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. So many beautiful sites. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Discover a rejuvenating world of untouched natural beauty on these scenic roads. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. The driving part took 4 hours. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas - Arkansas What national parks in Arkansas have scenic driving trails? Seven miles from Hot Springs, turn left to remain on AR-7. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. The trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. After Jasper, but before you get to Harrison there is the great Buffalo River. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. The park also features fishing, boating (with rentals), public pool, playground, cabins, camping and visitor center. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. While here, you can also check out Calico Rock Museum and Visitor Centre or Printing Press Caf. We would have loved to visit some tourist attractions, but by and large, they were not open during this time of year. Camping and RV hookups are available. Then pack your snacks for the road and buckle up for the 261-mile West-Northwest Scenic Byway! 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. This drive takes longer than the interstate obviously, but it is so well worth it. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Continue to Mobile Site The folds of the Ouachitas run east-west, which is uncommon for mountain ranges We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. 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. Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. 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. 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 The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110-9362, USA Phone +1 501-727-5441 Web Visit website When it comes to breathtaking state parks, the Natural State doesn't disappoint. 53 mi. Located on this overlook is the historic Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda, designed by architect J.G. 290 miles. Fun drive! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Under this protection, no dams or other obstacles can be built along it, meaning nature takes its course. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Hot Springs. Fall Foliage Drives And Destinations | Arkansas.com The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. 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. Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? Altogether, it took about 7 hours. resort town is known for its thermal waters from which it gets its name, and You can go to the picnic area on the west side of the road or the launch area on the east side. The full address for this home is 1322 Lakeshore Drive Apartment 113 ac +/-, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. The dam was built in 1942 to control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and created Nimrod Lake. Where is the best town to start the scenic7. But we were happy with our short jaunt up the middle of AR, though it does veer west a bit. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? If digging is not your style, they have a fantastic rock shop. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. Branson. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Spot the glistening Arkansas River right before reaching the end of the byway in Webb City, Arkansas. Scenic Drives & Overlooks - Hot Springs National Park (U.S. National Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. 1 h 10 mi. Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, Ouachita National Forest (Hot Springs) - Tripadvisor Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. Heading north on AR-7 from Dardanelle, you cross the mighty Arkansas River where you will see the grain elevators which load grains and soybeans onto ships. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you through 25 miles of the Ozark National Forest, then unfolding to showcase the states archetypal agricultural land. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. 12 Best Road Trips In Arkansas That Will Lead You On An Adventure 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. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. Steal this Madeira Itinerary: What the RHOP Did in 4 Days in Madeira, Portugal, The Perfect 3 Days in Jackson, MS: A Magical Weekend in Jackson Itinerary. 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. per adult. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. Scenic Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. Best Scenic Drives In Arizona: Apache Trail Near Apache Junction 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. The Route 187 Scenic Loop Drive 3 Scenic Drives By 68kevanj The loop starts in downtown Eureka Springs, goes out past Beaver Lake and Beaver Dam, then goes up through the little. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! Ida, a silver mining city and USAs quartz capital. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. The drive from Harrison to Jasper winds through the countryside and crosses the Buffalo National River, so you'll have plenty of places to stop for photos or stretch your legs. 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! Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. 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. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Falling water falls is on the right at 2.3 miles, Six Finger falls is at mile 6 on the left. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Boston Mountains Scenic Loop Byway with 2,760 m of elevation gain. The scenic drive is described as beginning in the town of Hot Springs and traveling to Harrison, but it could be done in either direction. the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. 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. 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 Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. Hot Springs National Park The Greatest American Road Trip 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. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. Things To Do - Hot Springs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Voyage down the 45-mile Mount Magazine Scenic Byway for breathtaking views from Arkansass highest point. I would say October is the best time to tour Arkansas on your trusted two wheeled steed. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. Continuing though the forested Ouachitas, it passes through the Ouachita National Forest and by Lake Nimrod, then reaches Russellville and crosses the more level terrain of the Arkansas River Valley. Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 has been designated as a scenic byway, and its no surprise as to why! AR Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita See our full. route). Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. 1921 near El Dorado. The scenery is densely forested land with scenic overlooks that seem to go forever. and other retail shops. buildings, make up its national historic district. 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. . Have a lot of time on your hands? With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. Photos (675) Directions. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. Want a hair-raising experience? The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. Today, the lake is a haven for water-based recreation, especially fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Explore art galleries, antique shops, dining and nightlife. 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. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, Other attractive stops here include the underground caves at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Calico Rock, and Norfork Lake. Bring a flashlight for the cave. 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. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. Print/PDF map. Arkansas in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph 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. 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