scenic drives near hot springs, arkansas

There are several scenic lookouts along the drives as well as some picnic areas. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central 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. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Heading north on AR-7, you soon enter the Ouachita National Forest. Unsubscribe in one click. 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. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). All Rights Reserved and. awaits visitors at Jasper. 2. 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. View Artist-In-Residence artwork at the Ozark Bathhouse. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. Throughout the entire stretch, you will witness a plethora of splendid sights so you better keep your camera ready. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. 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! So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Hot Springs, Arkansas - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. 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. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. this was an amazing scenic drive! Length 2.4 miElevation gain 521 ftRoute type Loop. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. 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 Scenic 7 Byway is a nationally recognized riding treasure that traverses almost brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent Arkansas. 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! 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. sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." Print/PDF map. From wildlife watching to the extreme adventure, Mount Magazine is the only place in Arkansas which features rock climbing, rappelling and hang gliding. Scenic Drives near Hot Springs NP, Arkansas With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. Herons, bald eagles, egrets nest here and American alligators can be found in the small lakes. The canyon is just south of Jasper. Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of 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. Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. Taking you along AR-5 and AR-201, Two Mountain Way follows the White River, known for its bountiful trout fishing. 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. 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. Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. 15 Best Things to Do in Hot Springs (Arkansas) Keyword. 1322 Lakeshore Dr Unit 1.13 ac +/-, Hot Springs, AR 71913 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. In the 1880s, major league baseball teams began bringing their players to Hot . The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. 2023 Best 10 Scenic Driving Trails in Arkansas | AllTrails Pass through Mt. Make a quick visit to Hickory Nut Mountain where you can enjoy delightful views of Ouachita Lake. Happy trails. 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. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. This scenic drive may be short but its one that every Hot Springs visitor should take! Enjoy your trip! 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! Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive | Map, Guide - Arkansas | AllTrails 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 . Another absolute must-visit point is Mt. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Just before crossing, the Pruitt Ranger Station (I3) is open from March to September for information. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. The trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. At the summit of West Mountain is an overlook south to the Trap Mountains with Lake Hamilton visible far in the distance. The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. Primitive camping with no facilities at Richland Creek campsite. 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. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. 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. Become an Agent. AR We stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. We stopped three times: at the Rotary Ann overlook (a nice rest stop), at the Pedestal Rocks hike (added about 2 hours to the trip) and for a late lunch at the Cliff House (come hungry; their meals are huge!). After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. About 10 miles Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. Route: The top end of what Arkansans call "The Pig Trail," AR-23 is one of the state's most scenic drives, with wildflowers in the spring and . 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! There's also a picnic area nearby if you want to sit and stay for a while. It was a lovely, relaxing drive. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. 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. If you love fishing or canoeing, a stop at White River is a must. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. from. 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. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. At the top of Hot Springs Mountain is the 10 story Hot Springs Tower with an observation deck at the top. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Leaving 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. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. 1 h 10 mi. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. 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. 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! The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. The park also features fishing, boating (with rentals), public pool, playground, cabins, camping and visitor center. The thermal water we have today originated as rain water that fell over 4,000 years ago, soaking into these mountains and funneling back up at high speeds and hot temperatures. In addition, the town has the Boone County Heritage Museum and Mystic Caverns. we are heading that way soon. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities Any season would be nice, but Winter certainly wasn't the best. The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. Driving along the Scenic 7 Byway will take you through four of Arkansass distinct natural geographic regions. This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. the entire state from north to south. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? Photos (675) Directions. 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. You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Guest House Arkansas Holiday Homes Arkansas Holiday . If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. What is "must-see" or "must-do" in Arkansas? West Mountain Scenic Drive. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through Museum and Mystic Caverns. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Hot Springs. Learn more about the towns history and traditional arts when you head over to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. Petit Jean State Park is one of the most attractive and most convenient options since it's only an hour outside of Little Rock. 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. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Boston Mountains Scenic Loop Byway with 2,760 m of elevation gain. 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. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. Easy 4.5 (935) Hot Springs National Park. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. We're thinking of staying near the Jasper area but are flexible at this point. Read the sites full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. A few miles after Cowell, dont miss the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10), the highlight of which is a 130-foot natural bridge. The Buffalo River was the first designated National River in 1972. :) Then go to the Pruitt Ranger Station for info, and park in the picnic area, you will enjoy this little stop very much. Don't forget your camera. within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in Spring brings thousands of neotropical songbirds that use the refuge as a rest stop during migration. Fall Foliage Drives And Destinations | Arkansas.com 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. This is a nice drive. Send to Phone. It is a beautiful area with a lot of county roads to explore. Spot the glistening Arkansas River right before reaching the end of the byway in Webb City, Arkansas. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. Scenic Drives near Fort Smith, Arkansas little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old 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. Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 h 6 min to complete. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. Thank you! legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. If you opt for Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, there are some very fascinating spots that you will see along the road like a miniature of Paris Eiffel Tower. Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. Originally opened in 1909, it is, as the sign on the front says, "A North Arkansas Landmark." mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the Scenic Mountain Drives & Overlooks Non-hikers can drive to the top of Hot Springs and West Mountain summits. To experience the hot springs in a traditional sense, head to Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak and steam away stress and stiff muscles. The roads were in good condition and lots of places to turn off and take photos. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. Cruise the Ouachita Mountains by way of this Scenic Byway! The scenery is densely forested land with scenic overlooks that seem to go forever. Scenic 7 | Explore Arkansas - myscenicdrives.com Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! From there you can travel up into the beautifully rugged Boston Mountains. 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. Leave nothing but tire tracks and take nothing but pictures except maybe some quartz. The route was originally intended for carriage rides up the mountain during the late 1800s. In case you get hungry while on the road, drop by The Ohio Club and try out their scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. Great views, trails, and other amenities. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. You can send yourself an email as well. While the northern portion is moist, the southern half of the mountain includes cacti. Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway | Lead Hill, AR | Arkansas.com Go-Arkansas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Arkansas. The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. 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. The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Arkansas - TripSavvy Not recommended for young children. Aptly named, this drive will take you over the famed Buffalo River Americas first national river! See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Branson. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. 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. 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. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. 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. Scenic 7 then gradually changes into smooth, green pastures and the scenic drive comes to an end in Harrison. The real thrill is the abundance of wild animals here such as turkey vultures, eagles, black bears, and more. Youll also pass through Marble Falls, Arkansas (the town formerly known as Dogpatch), and can see the glorious Marble Falls waterfall. Other attractive stops here include the underground caves at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Calico Rock, and Norfork Lake. Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. Scenic Drives near Hot Springs, Arkansas in Library Science. Return to Main Site. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. Arkansas: With an ascent of 6,797 m, Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway has the most elevation gain of all of the scenic driving trails in the area. 8 Incredible Spots to See Fall Foliage in Arkansas Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. 17 Astounding Arkansas Scenic Drives to Get Out & Explore the Natural State Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. in the U.S. Near This is the perfect place to see migratory birds, beavers, and river otters during the winter, and abundant white-tailed deer year-round. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for the Ozarks." resort town is known for its thermal waters from which it gets its name, and broaden a bit, and the scenery is top-tier. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Both of these byways start near my neck of the woods, in Alma, and run up to Fayetteville. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. Wildlife observers and photographers will love the 8-mile Auto Tour which weaves through the refuge offering the chance to spot beavers, bobcats, coyotes, deer as well. 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. This shelter was built in 1924 making it one of the oldest mountain shelters still in use today at Hot Springs National Park. There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas?

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