The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. resort town is known for its thermal waters from which it gets its name, and little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old The Arkansas Tourist Information Center (I4) has information on visiting there. the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, $66.67. Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. Please be forewarned that you will have the occasional person who's going 15 miles an hour under the speed limit. Museum and Mystic Caverns. Fun drive! If you love fishing or canoeing, a stop at White River is a must. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. from. We are coming to see fall color from Dallas. Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. Explore art galleries, antique shops, dining and nightlife. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. Don't forget your camera. On the way back, stop at the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge (A2) which protects 7,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and wetlands. Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. Scenic The Rotary Ann Overlook (V2) features an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains and is an excellent location for a picnic. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. Approaching historic Dardanelle, head west on AR-27 to Mount Nebo State Park (H3), where a drive to the top of Mount Nebo affords dramatic views of the Arkansas River and the Ozark National Forest. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. south of Harrison, it becomes a tightly wound and challenging road, but still Thanks! Crystal Trail deserves a day trip or a weekend excursion. So fasten your seat belts and explore the best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. 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). Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. Under this protection, no dams or other obstacles can be built along it, meaning nature takes its course. We drove from Hot Springs north to Harrison in Route 7. Condos for sale near me; Hot Springs Property Records; AR New Listings; . Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. 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 . before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. A birders paradise, over 100 species make their home here. Resorts and marinas are located on the lakes for Arkansas. We enjoyed driving the Scenic 7 Byway. 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. 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). 53 mi. Bring a flashlight for the cave. Or should we take 40 at Russellville to Little Rock? Reset. 2. 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. Cruise through this classic 37-mile stretch (59 kilometers) via Boston Mountains at an altitude of about 1500 feet (457 meters). Interstate 49 and U.S. 71, which are often referred to as two scenic byways of Arkansas, form Boston Mountains Scenic Loop. 290 miles. The short and easy Rock House Cave Trail leads to a deep rock shelter which features early Native American rock paintings. Did you drive it and how was it. 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 . 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. 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. Thank you! Just The highways and byways of the state are great for scenic driving and you may enjoy the best road trips in Arkansas. and other retail shops. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Pack your hiking boots if youre in the mood to hop and explore the abundance of trails along this journey. Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. West Mountain Trail. If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? At the top of Hot Springs Mountain is the 10 story Hot Springs Tower with an observation deck at the top. Was meant to be a bike trip but am now worried about the weather. The museum is free and kid-friendly with hands-on exhibits. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Arkansas. A little farther north, hanging baskets of flowers and awnings accentuate old brick storefronts that line the Harrison square, which with a few adjacent buildings, make up its national historic district. 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. A summary of what Hot Springs has to offer. There are horse trails that go through the park as well. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Has anyone stayed at the Harmony Mountain Retreat in Jasper? Additionally, Hot Springs Mountain Tower can be seen standing tall on top of Hot Springs Mountain along with the Army-Navy Hospital standing tall below. During our visit, the water was green! 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved and. immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. This 38-mile long drive (61 kilometers) will take you to the topmost point of Ozark Mountain. If you want to soak in naturally heated springs, check out Hot Springs National Park. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the 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 . Wonderful way to travel to Branson, MO from Texas! 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. 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. There's a lot more to do for those who want to spend more days. Fanstastic rural drive through winding two lane state road. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? The remains of a quartz sandstone cave, the arch can be reached by a short trail, passing rare flowers, including the Frenchs shooting star. You can also fill your own jugs of fresh hot spring water at a nozzled fountain near the Visitor Center. 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. 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. Arkansas the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend excursion, a drive to this part of the United States is going to be one for the books. 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. Leave nothing but tire tracks and take nothing but pictures except maybe some quartz. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. Map: http://www.arkansashighways.com/scenic_byways_program/highway7.aspx. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. The only thing that obstructed your view was the fact that the forest had grown up so much. 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. 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. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. A few of the most photographed gardens include the Evan Children's Adventure Garden and the Garden of the Pine Wind. Altogether, it took about 7 hours. 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. I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Ida, a silver mining city and USAs quartz capital. route). This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Arkansas. 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. 1921 near El Dorado. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. The park has a small fee which is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. Try this 69.6-mile point-to-point trail near Dardanelle, Arkansas. Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. Nice roads, nice environment and sceneries perfect for romantic drive, relax drive and fun time outing. One of the things I miss most about living in the Natural State is being able to round up some friends, grab my trusty mutt, hop in the car, and just go for a classic Arkansas scenic drive. You can experience the beauty of Hot Springs National Park by driving to one of our six scenic overlooks. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. Have you checked this scenic drive off your Hot Springs sights-to-see list? 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. one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Hotels Arkansas Bed and Breakfast Arkansas Vacation Rentals Arkansas . Scenic Day Trips War Eagle Mill-- From Eureka Springs take Highway 23 South to Highway 12 and follow it to War Eagle Mill. My car sits idle and the most wildlife I get to see on any given day is the abundance of pigeons in Central Park. The first overlook affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. What is the most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas? The full address for this home is 1322 Lakeshore Drive Apartment 113 ac +/-, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913. These 10 best scenic drives in Arkansas, USA, can be a great way to explore the diverse and treasured corners of the state. Make sure you stop and go to the scenic overlooks on Mount Nebo, you'll be happy you did. The canyon is just south of Jasper. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. Ida, an old silver mining town and the quartz capital of the United States! After passing the impressive Boston Mountains, you cross the Buffalo National River framed again by massive limestone bluffs. It may be one of the most touristy sites in Hot Springs but for good reason. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). 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.