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! Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. 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. With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. 7. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Hot Springs. 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. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. 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. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! From here, turn left to observe Nimrod Dam and Lake (W1). Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! So many beautiful sites. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) Explore art galleries, antique shops, dining and nightlife. Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. 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. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. We just rode motorcycles on Hiway 7 from El Dorado to Harrison Arkansas, the road is good, plenty to see lots of curves, stop at the Cliff House just past Jasper have a steak mmm good! . Keyword. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street which is off Central Avenue downtown. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. 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. Arkansas. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. The museum is free and kid-friendly with hands-on exhibits. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. While the northern portion is moist, the southern half of the mountain includes cacti. 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. Start in Arkansass capital city of Little Rock for this trip, and travel 96 miles along the edge of the Ouachita National Forest up to Holla Bend, Arkansas. 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! Branson. 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. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. 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. 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! In Paris, head south on AR-309 for the park. We're thinking of staying near the Jasper area but are flexible at this point. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. View Artist-In-Residence artwork at the Ozark Bathhouse. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and 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. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Arkansas Area. One Perfect Day in Waterton Lakes National Park: Itinerary & Travel Tips. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Not that adventurous? Perfect drive way in US. 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! 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. Starting and ending in Lake Village, Arkansas, Lake Chicot Loop circumnavigates part of Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. It's a place 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. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. 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. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". The Whitaker Point Trail, often called the Hawksbill Crag (H11) Trail, is a 3-mile round trip through lush forest, passing waterfalls and large boulders. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the Other falls in are in the area. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. 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. sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." A 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. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. You can go to the picnic area on the west side of the road or the launch area on the east side. Thank you! Before leaving Hot Springs, explore the awarding-winning Garvan Woodland Gardens (A1). These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the . Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Send to Phone. Continue to Mobile Site Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 271 community reviews. 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. Right before the bridge is a ranger station and you can park and go down to the river edge and be in awe of the rock wall and the beautiful river. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. 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. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. Pass through Mt. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. 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. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Any season would be nice, but Winter certainly wasn't the best. 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. We drove this highway for a whole day. 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. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. A summary of what Hot Springs has to offer. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. manageable by beginners. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! 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. To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. My car sits idle and the most wildlife I get to see on any given day is the abundance of pigeons in Central Park. Send this link to your phone. 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. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. Searchable list of Hot Springs tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. Have more destinations? It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. this was an amazing scenic drive! Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 290 miles. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Arguably You can pass by the miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Paris a close second to the city of lights. Near Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! 2. You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! 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. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . 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! If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Crowleys Ridge is one of Arkansass six natural geographic distinctions, positioned above the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, commonly referred to as the delta, and is characterized by the juxtaposition of lush hardwood forests and agricultural land. If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. 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 57 mile War Eagle Ride takes you to War Eagle Mill, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and Hobbs State Park. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. Happy trails. Join us. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. 1921 near El Dorado. West Mountain Scenic Drive. 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. 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. A little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent buildings, make up its national historic district. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. There is a fee but many awesome specimens have been found here. 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. Beautiful scenery. This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. Searchable listings of Hot Springs RV parks and campgrounds. Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake.