scenic drives near hot springs, arkansas scenic drives near hot springs, arkansas

The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. 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. 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. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. , Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. Quaff the elixir at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) manageable by beginners. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. There isnt much traffic and there are several overlooks with ample parking. Looking out from the pagoda is the city of Hot Springs with the Ouachita Mountains out in the distance. 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. Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. 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. Don't miss hiking Lost Valley Trail. Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? One Perfect Day in Waterton Lakes National Park: Itinerary & Travel Tips. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 49 min to complete. 7 can be connected to two other Arkansas scenic byways: the West-Northwest In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Or you can continue on the scenic drive in Oklahoma. per adult. lodging, boat rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and more. 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. It remains that way until climbing out of the Little Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. Two Mountain Way runs along White River, an extremely popular point for trout fishing. READ MORE. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Hike to the iconic Hawk's Bill Crag. Cruise the Ouachita Mountains by way of this Scenic Byway! Scenic 7 then gradually changes into smooth, green pastures and the scenic drive comes to an end in Harrison. Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. What better place to start this list than with Arkansass first scenic byway! 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! 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. Continuing north on AR-7, the road climbs the hills surrounding Nimrod Lake. Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! Print Directions. Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! 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! It runs along Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas River Valley. The Pagoda overlook offers a gorgeous view and fresh mountain air for drivers. It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. Starting at the St. Francis River near the Missouri border and winding all the way to Helena, Arkansas, Crowleys Ridge Parkway is the perfect way to see Crowleys Ridge and Arkansas delta regions! 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? boating and water sports. Arkansas Today, the lake is a haven for water-based recreation, especially fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. 5. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. This 15-mile stretch between White Hall to Pine Bluff greets travelers with handsome delta and beautiful bayou views. 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. Drive slowly and have your binoculars on hand. 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. Recommended. At the top of Hot Springs Mountain is the 10 story Hot Springs Tower with an observation deck at the top. You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. Unsubscribe in one click. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. There are horse trails that go through the park as well. No matter what route you take, youll be sure to encounter some truly unforgettable views. (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) Scenic Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center (I1) where you will not only learn about people who flocked to this area for hundreds of years seeking cures for their illnesses, but take in the extraordinary beauty and design of the bathhouse and its marble and stained glass. It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. 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. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. route). 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. 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. Learn more about the towns history and traditional arts when you head over to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. Need to visit Arkansas please advise best places to see & do. The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015, Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:25 am. There is a fee but many awesome specimens have been found here. One of the points we liked best was south of Harrison. Camping and RV hookups are available. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. 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. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. Is the 7 from Russellville to Hot Springs very scenic? The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. 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! This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. Stop and enjoy the picture perfect view. Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. Pass through Mt. 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. 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). Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. Other falls in are in the area. Starting Location: Hot Springs, AR Ending Location: Harrison, AR Length: 157 miles Best Season to Drive: All See this drive on Google Maps Winding through the mountains with forests full of pines and hardwoods, Scenic 7 affords unparalleled views of the Natural State. 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. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Print/PDF map. isnt very wide, for soon you will climb into the foothills of the Ouachitas. Explore a portion of the 196-mile long Ozark Highlands Trail (H9) which can be accessed shortly after the Fairview Campground. 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. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. 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. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. Where is the best town to start the scenic7. Shelter houses like the one found here were built to provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the view. Eureka Springs. Is it still enjoyable in the extreme heat? The popular trail is wheelchair accessible for the first half-mile, total round-trip is 2-miles. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the 290 miles. 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. A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. 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. Yes is in on highway 7 and no there isn't a charge. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. Get . We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. Nice getting off of the highwayd and looking at the mountains and valleys. Access to the river is right there, by foot. 1 h 10 mi. During our visit, the water was green! Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? Send to Phone. 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. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the 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. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. . 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. Starting and ending in Lake Village, Arkansas, Lake Chicot Loop circumnavigates part of Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in the state. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). The museum is free and kid-friendly with hands-on exhibits. She is Post Graduate in English (Do a quick search on the following sites). Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Arkansas. 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. 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. This Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. 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. U.S. 71 and Interstate 49 are two of my familys favorite drives for taking in the Ozarks fall foliage, and could be your familys new annual tradition too! Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. 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! Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. 3. There are several scenic lookouts along the drives as well as some picnic areas. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. Top ways to experience nearby attractions. Have a lot of time on your hands? The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. 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! Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. 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. Spot the glistening Arkansas River right before reaching the end of the byway in Webb City, Arkansas. 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. . Richland Creek has several falls that can be bushwacked to. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities Falling water falls is on the right at 2.3 miles, Six Finger falls is at mile 6 on the left. Hot Springs weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? Head out on this 3.6-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is a nice drive. There are no places to get fuel. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! Plan to take this trip in about two months for jaw-dropping foliage colors and cooler temps to enjoy. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Back in Dardanelle, head west on AR-22 for a side trip to Mount Magazine State Park (H5) which sits atop Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753-feet. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. A summary of what Hot Springs has to offer. Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. 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. 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. Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tours. The Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. This 38-mile long drive (61 kilometers) will take you to the topmost point of Ozark Mountain. 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. Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. If you wish to explore more around this loop, go camping or rent a cottage at Lake Chicot State Park. Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. Let us know in the comments below! If you want to soak in naturally heated springs, check out Hot Springs National Park. We'd like to explore the NW area and as far south as Hot Springs. An Arkansas classic and a personal favorite of mine is the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, a 19-mile stretch of forested road that takes you through the Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. The website features a bloom calendar. Great views, trails, and other amenities. Oklahoma City to Hot Springs, how far is callaham hotel from the train station, Little Rock to Eureka Springs scenic route, One Day in Ozark-St. Francis National Forest / Buffalo River. 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. Arkansas. Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. Bring a flashlight for the cave. 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). 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). Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! 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. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. The driving part took 4 hours. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a 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. 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. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. from. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. 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. this was an amazing scenic drive! The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, fall colors, a moment of peace, and everything in between at any one of these locations. From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. awaits visitors at Jasper. As you travel north, youll enter the Ouachita Mountains, then pass through to the Arkansas River Valley, and end in the Ozark Mountains. Then pack your snacks for the road and buckle up for the 261-mile West-Northwest Scenic Byway! If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. #9 - Scenic 7 Byway: Harrison to Russellville. One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for We started at Hot Springs, which has many, many places to stay. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail passes a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of bluff-dwelling Native Americans. Wed love to see your photos from the drive or nearby trails in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. Petit Jean State Park is one of the most attractive and most convenient options since it's only an hour outside of Little Rock. 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. Originally being made of wood in 1877, the tower was rebuilt with steel and an elevator in 1982 with both open and enclosed observation decks. 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 road dances along the hills, delighting with amazing views of mountains and valleys. 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 This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. From this overlook is a great aerial view of Bathhouse row and downtown Hot Springs. 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. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. 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. Very curvy, very steep sides, lots of areas with no shoulders. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing.