scenic drives near hot springs, arkansas
Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 has been designated as a scenic byway, and its no surprise as to why! After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. As you approach Pig Trail Falls, you will also find many suitable spots for hiking, camping, and picture-taking here. Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Today, the lake is a haven for water-based recreation, especially fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. 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. Did you drive it and how was it. After Jasper, but before you get to Harrison there is the great Buffalo River. Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. The real thrill is the abundance of wild animals here such as turkey vultures, eagles, black bears, and more. However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. Hot Springs The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. As these forests remain undeveloped, the views are endless trees, rock cliffs, and rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. more, Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Little Rock by Crazy Dash, Little Rock Scavenger Hunt: Big Fun In Little Rock, Little Rock City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks, Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Little Rock by Zombie Scavengers, Little Rock City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest, Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Little Rock by 3Quest Challenge, Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Little Rock with Holly Jolly Hunt. We're thinking of staying near the Jasper area but are flexible at this point. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. When Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? 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. Petit Jean State Park is one of the most attractive and most convenient options since it's only an hour outside of Little Rock. 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. Read the sites full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. 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). We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. and other retail shops. With 40 sites right by Gulpha Creek, the Gulpha Gorge Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Park. 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. A Russellville. 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. Great area to enjoy. Print/PDF map. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? Scenic 7 Byway South: Russellville to Hot Springs. Is this road safe to drive in a rented rv (24-26')? This overlook is located on top of North Mountain overlooking the Zigzag Mountains with a view of Indian Mountain to the right, also know as Silver Mountain. Located along the ridge of Sugarloaf Mountain is an outcrop of novaculite, now known as Balanced Rock Overlook. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. 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. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. Head out on this 4.7-mile point-to-point trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. Thank you! Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Bed and Breakfast Arkansas Vacation Rentals Arkansas . It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. 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. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. Arguably 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. At the summit of West Mountain is an overlook south to the Trap Mountains with Lake Hamilton visible far in the distance. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. 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. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Nice roads, nice environment and sceneries perfect for romantic drive, relax drive and fun time outing. 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 . Museum and Mystic Caverns. 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. Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as Become an Agent. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. 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. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the the Ozarks." brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arkansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. Buffalo River Valley at Jasper. Enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, fall colors, a moment of peace, and everything in between at any one of these locations. 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. 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. Quaff the elixir at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. Pit toilet and picknic tables, fire rings. 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. The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. 5. There are no places to get fuel. :) Then go to the Pruitt Ranger Station for info, and park in the picnic area, you will enjoy this little stop very much. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Under this protection, no dams or other obstacles can be built along it, meaning nature takes its course. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. The Scenic 7 Byway is a wonderful drive, offering travelers the opportunity to see Arkansass diverse landscape! With so much to see, consider another side trip to Long Pool Recreation Area (H7), along Big Piney Creek. Searchable list of Hot Springs tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. buildings, make up its national historic district. 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. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. Before leaving Hot Springs, explore the awarding-winning Garvan Woodland Gardens (A1). You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, Top 9 All-Inclusive Resorts In Maine, USA - Updated 2023, 14 Best Cabins With Hot Tub In Arkansas - Updated 2023, 24 Best Cabins With Hot Tub In Maine - Updated 2023, 4 Most Scenic Train Rides In Arkansas, The USA, Top 10 Scenic Drives In And Around San Francisco, California, Restaurants With A View In Newport Beach, California, USA, Top 10 Stayz Accommodations In Albany, Australia, Top 9 Stayz Accommodations In Avoca Beach, Australia, Top 10 French Restaurants In London, England. 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. 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! 4. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 271 community reviews. Recommended. Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. 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. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. , We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. this was an amazing scenic drive! Bring a flashlight for the cave. But we were happy with our short jaunt up the middle of AR, though it does veer west a bit. One of the best places to picnic in Hot Springs, this overlook hangs higher up on West Mountain overlooking the city of Hot Springs. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. 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! Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! more, Reply to: Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas, Scenic Drives, points of interest, in northwest Arkansas, Get answers to your questions about Arkansas, Hills or Mountains? AR 7 reaches Pelsor, it begins its descent into the Arkansas River Valley at Click here to add your listing to Go-Arkansas.com, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. 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. Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. Just From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. 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. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. It was a lovely, relaxing drive. It You can go to the picnic area on the west side of the road or the launch area on the east side. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. 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. Buckle up and explore north-central Arkansas through Sylamore Scenic Byway. She is Post Graduate in English (Do a quick search on the following sites). 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. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In Paris, head south on AR-309 for the park. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. We are 40 ft long and 13.5 high. Continuing north on AR-7, the road climbs the hills surrounding Nimrod Lake. 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! We are coming to see fall color from Dallas. 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. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a 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. 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. Enjoy your trip! The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. 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. 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. Arkansas In the 1880s, major league baseball teams began bringing their players to Hot . If youre up for a longer hike, try Hunts Loop Trail that begins near the Iron Springs Recreation Area or the Ouachita Trail trailhead. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. (HSBOR) Vacant land located at 1322 Lakeshore Dr Unit 1.13 ac +/-, Hot Springs, AR 71913 sold for $24,900 on Feb 12, 2021. . 3. An amateur historian and travel enthusiast, I travel around the world full-time visiting historic sites: hidden chapels, Communist monuments, ancient cities, religious relics, national parks, or any place that is beautiful, interesting, or weird. Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. 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. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. 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. Take advantage of the many pull outs. Standard text messaging rates apply. Get . Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. It's a place where swapping stories over cups of coffee is as important to the locals as getting a good plate of inexpensive food. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. Spend One Perfect Day in the Grand Canyon: Itinerary & Travel Tips. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. 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. You must drive slower due to all the curves. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. What is "must-see" or "must-do" in Arkansas? Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. The spectacular 95-foot cascade of Cedar Falls can be experienced by hiking the popular Cedar Falls Trail. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. This 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. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. Immensely loved by travelers, Pig Trail was featured on USA Todays list of top 10 motorcycling routes. Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. Great views, trails, and other amenities. 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. The park also features fishing, boating (with rentals), public pool, playground, cabins, camping and visitor center. Indulge in the refreshing flavors of locally-grown fruit and vegetables at the many roadside stands. 101 Reserve Street The flavor of the city is 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. The popular trail is wheelchair accessible for the first half-mile, total round-trip is 2-miles. Cruise the Ouachita Mountains by way of this Scenic Byway! Drive slowly and have your binoculars on hand. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. 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. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. Falling water falls is on the right at 2.3 miles, Six Finger falls is at mile 6 on the left. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Not that adventurous? within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) 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 road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! Scenic drives to consider in the Fort Smith area are listed below. Meander through the Ouachita National Forest, ascend Arkansass second-highest point, and check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park, all without even unbuckling your seatbelt. Arkansas. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. 1.8 million acres of stunning landscape spans across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. This drive takes longer than the interstate obviously, but it is so well worth it. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. 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. 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. Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. 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! Generally considered an easy route.