Yes, you read it right. 7 begins in the Ozarks near the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. Love Arkansas? With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Arkansas State Highway 7 from the Louisiana border to Harrison, Arkansas. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) 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." A You can send yourself an email as well. Museum and Mystic Caverns. Hope you enjoy the drive. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. Explore mature pine and hardwood forest via the paved accessible 30-minute interpretive Friendship Trail that begins just behind the ranger station. Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. During the fall, this is one of my familys favorite routes for getting out and into the mountains. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Wild elk herds can be spotted along AR-74, particularly at dawn and dusk. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. U.S. 71 is 42 miles long and Interstate 49 is 38 miles long. THANKS Ron. The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. The Automobile Age lay in the future when Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive was laid out in 1886 as a carriage road. 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. Head up Zig Zag Mountain to the Hot Springs Mountain Overlook, enjoying hairpin curves before being rewarded with unforgettable views from the Hot Springs Mountain tower. south of Harrison, it becomes a tightly wound and challenging road, but still 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. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. This is the only unchanged part of the Trail of Tears. 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!). Most of this trek lies within the Ouachita National Forest, the oldest and largest National Forest in the South, and takes its travelers through Arkansass Ouachita Mountains. With great sweepers, great Scenic views, and beautiful countryside it just can't be beat. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, the Cliff House Inn and Scenic 7 Byway is a nationally recognized riding treasure that traverses almost It has a two-way road that leads to the Summit Loop where you will find three overlooks. We drove from Harrison to Hot Springs on the road. route). 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. I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail passes a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of bluff-dwelling Native Americans. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, The website features a bloom calendar. 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. Mount Nebo is also one of two launch sites in Arkansas for hang gliders (the other is Mount Magazine which is just ahead). It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita Scenic 7: Among the Most Scenic Drives in AmericaRoute: A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. 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. Is the 7 from Russellville to Hot Springs very scenic? Beautiful views await, but note some sections of the trail are cliff-hugging, and you must take caution at the top. Right before the byway ends, take a break and chill on Arkansas River. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, you exit the Ouachita National Forest. Copyright 2023 Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, A Public Treasure: The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Be on the lookout for waterfowl and the characteristic knees of the bald cypress trees along the river. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! Scenic drives to consider in the Hot Springs NP area are listed below. There are plenty of spots to throw on your hazards and hop out to snap some photos or just take in your surroundings. There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Arkansas? Downtown Harrison also embraces restaurants, an art gallery, antique stores, and other retail shops. The Pig Trail - One of the most scenic drives in the state of Arkansas. Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Basel: Itinerary for 48 Hours in Basel + Weekend Tips! After Jasper, but before you get to Harrison there is the great Buffalo River. The boyhood town of President Bill Clinton, Hot Springs features splendid Victorian architecture, and a downtown lined with historic buildings. Eiffel Tower in Arkansas? The varied colors of the foliage look simply magical. manageable by beginners. From here, you can hop onto U.S. 270 and travel up to U.S. 71. 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. The road winds through the mountains, and there are cute gift shops and a couple of restaurants along the way. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Especially if you can take perfect photos to commemorate the tour! Scenic 7 Byway South: Russellville to Hot Springs. and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. Top ways to experience nearby attractions. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. 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 The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. We left little rock to go up Scenic 7 on our way to eat at The Cliff House and then to go to the Mystic caverns in Harrison. Driving along with Boston Mountains Scenic Loop offers twists and turns of gorgeous views. 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. Additionally, the Zigzag Mountains is the area known as the recharge zone for the thermal springs. It doesnt matter which direction you are headed to as Arkansas will never run out of amazing destinations to check out. Scenic 7 then gradually changes into smooth, green pastures and the scenic drive comes to an end in Harrison. It's one of those attractions that everyone needs to do at least once. Restaurant offers a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of However, this is a part of it and I enjoyed my day. Explore the river by taking a side-trip from Jasper on AR-74, where you can rent a kayak or canoe or hike some of the trails. Want a hair-raising experience? Heading north on AR-7 from Centerville, hills of soybean and grain create a quilt of color far into the distance. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite. There are no places to get fuel. Please Be watchful for loose gravel and heavily oiled roads which is abundant in Arkansas. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Return to Main Site. Nice roads, nice environment and sceneries perfect for romantic drive, relax drive and fun time outing. I would say October is the best time to tour Arkansas on your trusted two wheeled steed. You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! 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. From the overlook, look 130-feet down the sheer rock walls and take in the views of the surrounding forest and Boston Mountains. You may also grab a meal at the states oldest restaurant, White House Caf. The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive is more than just a tourist attraction. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. this was an amazing scenic drive! Scenic Byway (it intersects in Ola) and the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (at It A 2-mile round trip, this hike is a little more strenuous but well worth the effort. The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. Have more destinations? West Mountain Drive has entrances on Prospect Avenue and Whittington Avenue. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street. 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. Thanks! rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland We drove this highway for a whole day. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Ideal for nature lovers, there are several appealing spots on the way. . Download map or text a link to your phone, Jessieville Visitor Information and Ranger Station (I2), Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area (H10). mountain ranges along with the Arkansas River Valley before running through the Searchable lists of Hot Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why theres nothing better than Arkansas stunning nature. Definitely recommend to people who aren't in a hurry. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for swimming, water skiing, scuba diving and fishing. What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? Located on this overlook is the historic Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda, designed by architect J.G. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. 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. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have! The driving part took 4 hours. Wed love to see your photos from the drive or nearby trails in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. Although it boasts some of the best views in Arkansas throughout the year, there's something particularly magical about fall. The short and easy Rock House Cave Trail leads to a deep rock shelter which features early Native American rock paintings. 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 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. Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Right before the bridge is a ranger station and you can park and go down to the river edge and be in awe of the rock wall and the beautiful river. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. To the west of the town is a field of wild tallgrass prairie, much like the midwest. Many hikes of varying levels allow the opportunity to explore the incredible and unique geology. Being part of Sunset Trail, Hot Spring's longest and most remote hiking trail, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife hidden from other parts of the park like wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and vultures. 5. 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. . Branson. 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. Have a lot of time on your hands? Mount Magazine is where my husband and I exchanged our vows, taking in the overlooks beauty in sheer nuptial bliss. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Jo-Jos Catfish Wharf located on the northern side of Mountain View. 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. 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. 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. Crystal Dome cave is just 400 feet away and there is a fee to enter one or both with a guided tour. This byway passes through ten U.S. states, with the Arkansas portion of the journey will take you straight down through Eastern Arkansas. Pine Bluff is a town full of rich history, so hop out of the oljalopy and explore a bit! 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! But we were happy with our short jaunt up the middle of AR, though it does veer west a bit. Gods beauty but keep your eyes on the road. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Arkansas. A number of trails, bike rentals, lakes, campsites and cabins make this a great stop. We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. reflected in the Main Street Harrison Historic Walking Tour, which includes more, Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Little Rock by Crazy Dash, Little Rock Scavenger Hunt: Big Fun In Little Rock, Little Rock City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks, Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Little Rock by Zombie Scavengers, Little Rock City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest, Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Little Rock by 3Quest Challenge, Celebrate with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Little Rock with Holly Jolly Hunt. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Or use the observation tower and foot trails. 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. The 4.25-mile moderate trail passes fascinating geologic features on its way up Short Mountain, culminating with panoramic views of the forest. 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. Prepare to be welcomed by refreshing vistas of oak-hickory forests and limestone cliffs. Go-Arkansas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Arkansas. 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. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. This drive is a real gem! getting a good plate of inexpensive food. A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. At a Glance Activities Scenic Driving Amenities 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! The first overlook affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. Shelter houses like the one found here were built to provide visitors with a place to relax and enjoy the view. Unsubscribe in one click. We stopped at 3 national forests; one national recreation area; one state park; there are many other state parks along the way. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 1921 near El Dorado. 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. The first overview affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop is formed by two state scenic byways - U.S. 71 and Interstate 49. It can be hiked, biked, or auto-toured at proper times for a small fee. The trip starts at Mena and ends at Rich Mountain where you will get to see Quachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. 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. Stop for a bite to eat at the Ozark Caf in town, or continue south to view the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. AR The drive begins at Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The panoramic view of the valley below is one you'll never forget. Primitive camping with no facilities at Richland Creek campsite. If you fancy a wine-tasting tour, check out the largest winery in the state called Post Familie Vineyards. crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. 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. 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. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and road biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. In addition to picnic tables is a historic mountain shelter located on the left side of the overlook. The most popular and difficult scenic driving trail in Arkansas is, Pea Ridge National Military Battlefield Loop. 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). 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 cover this area. 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! Discover this 2.4-mile loop trail near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 266 community reviews. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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! If youre from Hot Springs, then this is one pretty drive youve already seen and done; however, travelers can easily overlook this underappreciated tour. The flavor of the city is Searchable list of Hot Springs tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Or you can continue on the scenic drive in Oklahoma. Scenic Highway 7 is one of the most scenic and longest drives in Arkansas due to its 290-mile stretch (466 kilometers). Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Where is the best town to start the scenic7. Explore the beauty of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest with a picnic or hike and take in one of the park tours or programs. Meander through the Ouachita National Forest, ascend Arkansass second-highest point, and check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park, all without even unbuckling your seatbelt. Print/PDF map. downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Turn around if you have to like we did. The park offers full amenities such as boat rentals, cabins and camping.
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