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. We drove this highway for a whole day. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. 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! Thanks! The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! 5. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. 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. Branson. The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. We're thinking of staying near the Jasper area but are flexible at this point. awaits visitors at Jasper. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. The Buffalo is hallowed land to Arkansas natives, and a quick trip on this byway will show you precisely why. After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. It Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. 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. Drive 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. Pack your hiking boots if youre in the mood to hop and explore the abundance of trails along this journey. 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. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. It is a two way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. It's a place So many beautiful sites. Get . Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 271 community reviews. Scenic 7 then gradually changes into smooth, green pastures and the scenic drive comes to an end in Harrison. 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. Scenic 7: Among the Most Scenic Drives in AmericaRoute: We have a trip planned end of july-early August. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). Searchable listings of Hot Springs restaurants, bars, diners, and more. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of . Head out on this 4.7-mile point-to-point trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Cruise this route and youll see why we chose this spectacular spot. The panoramic view of the valley below is one you'll never forget. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, You can get a map of these at the Visitor Center. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? AR We are coming to see fall color from Dallas. Although you can opt for this route any time of the year, Talimena Scenic Drive is specifically gorgeous during fall. See our full. Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. Swim in the natural pool or explore the rolling hills and steep rocky bluffs with one of the many hiking trails. Happy trails. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. $66.67. This spot will hopefully give you a moment of breath catching joy straight from God. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. 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. To visit, from AR-16, turn right onto the gravel Forest Road 28 for 3 miles. 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There is also a tunnel on the way and a great shopping spot called Fayetteville. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. 12. Seven miles from Hot Springs, turn left to remain on AR-7. It remains that way until climbing out of the Little 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. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. Jasper take Arkansas State Highway 74 to Ponca, then 43 to the top of the Arkansas is so naturally beautiful that just your drive to the grocery store could be a treat, but in case you need more than just a couple miles of nature and serenity, here are some of the best scenic drives in Arkansas for motorists and motorcyclists alike. The real thrill is the abundance of wild animals here such as turkey vultures, eagles, black bears, and more. 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. 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. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. Scenic Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. 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! 3. . Choose from a wide variety of day-use areas and overnight accommodations. 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. After passing Blue Springs on AR-7, consider a side-trip heading west on AR-298 to get dirty and dig for crystals at Arrowhead Crystal Mine. Don't miss hiking Lost Valley Trail. Starting in Havana, Arkansas, this scenic byway takes you up through Mount Magazine State Park, and then down through the charming town of Paris, Arkansas. 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. 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! rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland Pit toilet and picknic tables, fire rings. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Just the sight of the soaring gliders is incredible. 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. 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. It's not for the faint of heart but if you like getting close to nature, enjoying brilliant fall foliage and visiting small communities, then Ark. Eureka Springs. One of eight historic buildings that make up Bathhouse Row, The Fordyce was restored in 1989. Hike some or all of the park's 26 miles of trails. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. From the park, continue south on AR-309/AR-10 until you join up to AR-27, where driving east leads back to Dardanelle. Top ways to experience nearby attractions. Leaving the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper along the Buffalo National River on its way to Harrison. 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. Commencing in Lake Village, this drive covers a stretch of 22 miles (35 kilometers) and is perfect for enjoying the backwoods of this state. Keyword. The unique habitats create homes for rare and endangered plants like Ozark Chinkapin and the Maple-leaf Oak tree and animals such as the middle-toothed snail. Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. 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. There are multiple overlooks to stop at and take in the view. 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. Arkansas. 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). 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. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you through 25 miles of the Ozark National Forest, then unfolding to showcase the states archetypal agricultural land. This valley features rich farmland with patches of woodlands. Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! Youll also pass through Marble Falls, Arkansas (the town formerly known as Dogpatch), and can see the glorious Marble Falls waterfall. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. 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. You may check out the haunted Crescent Hotel nearby. You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! Take advantage of the many pull outs. 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