Located on this overlook is the historic Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda, designed by architect J.G. Have a lot of time on your hands? Did you drive it and how was it. There is a fee but many awesome specimens have been found here. 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! Samali Basu, a Content Creator with almost a decade's experience, is a former field journalist with a demonstrated history of working with various industries. Roll down your windows to appreciate the refreshing views while passing through Ouachita National Forest and Ozark National Forest. Perfect drive way in US. 16 and 23 are a perfect choice for you. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. Beautiful views with vistas and rest stops to take pictures from. The breezy tour up the mountain is one that perfectly snapshots the beauty of Hot Springs, all without taking more than an hour. Drive the park's scenic mountain roads. downtown parks, the historic Lyric Theater, the 1909 Boone County courthouse, Grab a bite at one of Little Rocks many incredible local eateries to fuel up for your adventure to Holla Bend. The drive from Harrison to Jasper winds through the countryside and crosses the Buffalo National River, so you'll have plenty of places to stop for photos or stretch your legs. What is nearest place to stay near this scenic byway starting point? Fall foliage will have the hills ablaze with color. With the lush forest forming tunnels overhead, and the Mulberry River rushing by, you may even forget that you are in your car! legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. Is this road safe to drive in a rented rv (24-26')? 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. This is a nice drive. It remains that way until climbing out of the Little Other attractions also include Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and backwater areas. In five miles, you enter the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. READ MORE. Not that adventurous? The trail shares the road with vehicles, so using reflective materials, lights, or flagging is recommended for safety. All Arkansas Novaculite is found within a 50-mile radius of Hot Springs, drawing Native Americans from all over to this location. Our 3-4 day agenda is to just take in the scenery, some smaller hikes, and an ATV rental for day/part day. There are several scenic pull outs to stop and look at. 290 miles. What are your favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas? Snap some photos of the regions magnificent waterfowl on your way through! Hot Springs National Park is home to 2 scenic driving trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 271 community reviews. Go-Arkansas.com, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Arkansas. In the 1880s, major league baseball teams began bringing their players to Hot . The drive begins at the intersection of hwy 43 and hwy 74, and travels north to the town of Ponca. Petit Jean State Park is one of the most attractive and most convenient options since it's only an hour outside of Little Rock. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. 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. 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. I would say October is the best time to tour Arkansas on your trusted two wheeled steed. By the way, Arkansas website is very good with maps and detailed info. The Arkansas portion of Crowleys Ridge Parkway is 198 miles of Eastern Arkansas goodness. Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. We had the time and decided to do the entire byway from Eueka Springs to El Dorado. 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. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and route). 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. 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). Return to Main Site. We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Meander through the Ouachita National Forest, ascend Arkansass second-highest point, and check out Queen Wilhelmina State Park, all without even unbuckling your seatbelt. 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. Happy trails. Fully submerge yourself in the thermal water and let your worries melt away. Is this road suitable for large fifth wheells?We will be coming off of I 40 to go to Branson. 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 drives to consider in the Hot Springs area are listed below. A road adventure offers limitless opportunities in terms of exploring your desired destination, and Arkansas is one such incredible place where even the shortest drive is a treat. 3. In a few miles, consider a side trip on AR-16 to the trailhead for Pedestal Rocks (H8), where a 2.2-mile round trip trail brings you to unique geologic formations weather-carved rock pedestals. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Once you reach the end of the road, check out the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, right off the Arkansas River. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Scenic drive from Paris, Arkansas to the summit of Mount Magazine State Park. Heading west, the Talimena Scenic Drive might just be the most iconic trip in the state. Pin These Beautiful Arkansas Scenic Drives for Your Travels! Searchable list of Hot Springs tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. the 1914 Boone County Jail, and the completely restored 1929 Hotel Seville. Back on AR-7, you soon exit the Ozark National Forest and are welcomed by the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks (V3). Discover a rejuvenating world of untouched natural beauty on these scenic roads. Get . Now that I live in New York City, I dont driveanywhere. It is a 26.5-mile stretch (47.7 kilometers) that usually begins at the countrys only ghost town Calico Rock all the way to Blanchard Springs Caverns. She is Post Graduate in English (Do a quick search on the following sites). You go over a tiny bridge, but LOOK left! What national parks in Arkansas have scenic driving trails? 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. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. 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." (Husband is recovering from torn tendon surgery.) This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Nothing can beat the thrill of a road journey! Where to stop between Memphis and Little Rock? Arkansas's largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. At just 22 miles, this loop is the perfect round-trip drive for a quick excursion into Arkansass wilderness. West Mountain Trail. 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. Pit toilet and picknic tables, fire rings. Pig Trail Scenic Byway - a U.S. Forest Service-selected drive with a name as colorful as the scenery. per adult. buildings, make up its national historic district. So many beautiful sites. It's been in the upper 90's/low 100's in the last week or so. The Boston Mountains are the highest point in the Ozark Mountains, making this byway one of the coolest sights in the state. 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. 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. Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway 2 Scenic Drives By maldenmusic The grave site of local legend (and my gr gr uncle!) Drive through historic Hot Springs and the glorious Hot Springs National Park and then continue through the Ouachita National Forest to Page, Oklahoma. Planning to go on a road trip where you can catch a glimpse of Arkansas captivating beauty? The road is paved so no 4WD is necessary but keep the hairpin turns in mind! Swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing are enjoyed here. 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! Hot Springs can be reached by heading south on I-30 from Little Rock and taking exit 111 for US-70 and following the signs for US-70 Business Route to Hot Springs. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. resort town is known for its thermal waters from which it gets its name, and , Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. 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. This valley features rich farmland with patches of woodlands. Horn in 1911 and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. We would have loved to visit some tourist attractions, but by and large, they were not open during this time of year. Thank you! The first overlook affords a good view of Bathhouse Row and the former Army-Navy Hospital. We have a trip planned end of july-early August. Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz Home to top scenic drives in Arkansas, the route starts at the fantastic Hot Springs National Park, passes through Ouachita National Park, and finally, ends at Page in Oklahoma. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 has been designated as a scenic byway, and its no surprise as to why! The garden contains nearly three miles of trails traversing a diverse mix of botanical landscapes. 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. 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. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Besides the 3 Scenic Byways, #'s 21, 23, and 309 we're planning on driving does anyone have recommendations for other drives? Enjoy the drive. Especially if you can take perfect photos to commemorate the tour! 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. Wax museums are fascinating places to learn about the lives of famous, infamous and extraordinary people from all over the world. Structures blend in with the environment such as Mather Lodge, Water Tower and Davies Bridge. Your first stop is South Arkansas Arboretum, a wonderfully maintained botanical garden. Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt. 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.