10 Zip Line Zip Tour (1.5 hours) 536. . 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. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! 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 Lake Chicot is also the largest flight path for several migratory birds so planning a drive during winter or fall can be great for birdwatching. (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) 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. The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. 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. Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs to take in the Ouachita Mtns. . There is a fee but many awesome specimens have been found here. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. There's also a picnic area nearby if you want to sit and stay for a while. 12. As these forests remain undeveloped, the views are endless trees, rock cliffs, and rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? 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. Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. Not recommended for young children. Traveling north, the road becomes twisty and steep, revealing magnificent views with every turn. lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in 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. Scenic Drives near Hot Springs, Arkansas It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? Road Trip Itinerary: The Best of the Ozarks - Fodors Travel Guide The popular trail is wheelchair accessible for the first half-mile, total round-trip is 2-miles. Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. Beautiful drive and leaves beginning to turn. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. Happy trails. 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. 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. It From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. 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. 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! The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Bring a flashlight for the cave. 2023 Best 10 Scenic Driving Trails in Arkansas | AllTrails You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Best Scenic Drives In Arizona: Apache Trail Near Apache Junction Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. 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. Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. We started at Hot Springs, which has many, many places to stay. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. 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. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. But we were happy with our short jaunt up the middle of AR, though it does veer west a bit. Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. Spend One Perfect Day in the Grand Canyon: Itinerary & Travel Tips. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway with a 4.5-star rating from 7 reviews. All Rights Reserved and. Continuing north for 10 miles, the forest opens up to grand views. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. Have a lot of time on your hands? Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. 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. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! History Fangirl is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. The Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. As you continue, the forest changes to pasture and farmland. West Mountain Scenic Drive. 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. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. Explore a portion of the 196-mile long Ozark Highlands Trail (H9) which can be accessed shortly after the Fairview Campground. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. Ouachita National Forest - Talimena National Scenic Byway Send to Phone. Discover a rejuvenating world of untouched natural beauty on these scenic roads. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. 17 Astounding Arkansas Scenic Drives to Get Out & Explore the Natural State THANKS Ron. 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. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. 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. 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). You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. the entire state from north to south. 5. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. 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. Thank you! 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. A summary of what Hot Springs has to offer. The nameOuachitacomes from Caddo and Choctaw words meaning good hunting grounds, so you know youre bound to see some extraordinary wildlife along this byway! 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. 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. Buckle up and explore north-central Arkansas through Sylamore Scenic Byway. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Mystic Caverns (A3) is a geologic wonder featuring incredible rock formations, stalactites and the 28-foot pipe organ. Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. 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. Scenic Drives & Overlooks - Hot Springs National Park (U.S. National 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. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. Leave nothing but tire tracks and take nothing but pictures except maybe some quartz. 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. One of the best scenic drives in Arizona, the roughly 40-mile Apache Trail gains nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, featuring jaw-dropping mountain passes, vibrant wildflowers, and pristine . Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. 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). Are you a rock hound? Is the 7 from Russellville to Hot Springs very scenic? 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. $66.67. Great area to enjoy. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. The road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. There are several scenic lookouts along the drives as well as some picnic areas. Follow the grand Mississippi along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway! mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the Yes, you read it right. Hot Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. To reach it, head west on FR-1801 and then northwest on FR-1804. , Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Guest House Arkansas Holiday Homes Arkansas Holiday . 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. One of the best places to picnic in Hot Springs, this overlook hangs higher up on West Mountain overlooking the city of Hot Springs. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. Arkansas. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. (There seems to be SO many beautiful drives!) Sometimes the river floods and sometimes it dries to a mere trickle. Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. 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." 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. Need to visit Arkansas please advise best places to see & do. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 has been designated as a scenic byway, and its no surprise as to why! If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. Love Arkansas? Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. We are traveling in October from Harrison, Arkansas on 7 to Little Rock. 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. We drove this highway for a whole day. Hot Springs Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. 3.0 average from 1 vote. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Boston Mountains Scenic Loop Byway with 2,760 m of elevation gain. :) Then go to the Pruitt Ranger Station for info, and park in the picnic area, you will enjoy this little stop very much. 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. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. Meander through the Ouachita National Forest, ascend Arkansass second-highest point, and check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park, all without even unbuckling your seatbelt. Between Mena, AR, and Talihina, OK, the drive offers scenic vistas, historical sites, camping, picnicking, hiking, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Visitor Information Stations, and Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum and Nature Center and Botanical Area. By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. Once on top of the ridgeline, the curves Scenic 7 Byway South: Russellville to Hot Springs. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Arkansas - TripSavvy You cross an old, green, iron bridge, over the Buffalo River. The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue.