The 10 Best Backroads In Arkansas For A Long Scenic Drive
By J.B. VanDyke|Updated on August 17, 2023(Originally published July 10, 2017)
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J.B. VanDyke
Author
J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. She is a writer, a mom, and a graduate student. She is also an avid collector of tacky fish whatnots, slightly chipped teapots, and other old things. In her spare time she enjoys driving to the nearest creek to sit a while. If you were to visit her, she'd try to feed you cornbread.
Sometimes the best way to get some peace of mind is to take a long, tranquil drive through the countryside. The new highways that have been built have had an interesting impact on some of those roads we thought of as big-time highways when we were kids. Moving the traffic to shiny new roads, like I-49, for example, has left the old highways relatively empty. That’s good news for those of us who love driving because a back road no longer has to mean the possibility of a rough-going dirt road. These days we can take the ten highways below and find just the perfect road to drive away our troubles as we enjoy some of the most scenic drives in Arkansas.
Highway 309 has some pretty great views, mostly because it’s on Arkansas’s tallest mountain. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway has ample opportunities to pull over and stretch your legs while taking in truly breathtaking scenic vistas. You can follow the signs from Paris to check out this stunning drive.
Enjoy a peaceful drive on the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, one of the best backroads near you in Arkansas, in this video from Leo Bermúdez:
Highway 71 used to be the main thoroughfare between the river valley and Fayetteville, but since I-49 has been around, 71 isn’t exactly a bustling speedway. If you get on at Alma and drive north as far as you want to go, you’re going to see the best of the Boston Mountains on your way to nowhere.
You can’t take the entire Great River Road in Arkansas. That’s because it’s a national scenic byway that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Minnesota, following the Mississippi River for over 3,000 miles. Since the Mississippi forms the eastern border of the Natural State, you can travel a good chunk of the Great River Road in Arkansas. That road is going to take you through the prettiest alluvial plain in the world, the stunning Arkansas Delta.
We can’t fault the Talimena Scenic Byway for beginning in Oklahoma. Lots of good things have begun in Oklahoma. The Talimena drive runs from Tallahina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas, and no matter which direction you choose to drive it, you’ll be treated to some of the prettiest country in the Ouachitas.
Crowley’s Ridge Parkway is a national scenic byway that will take you 198 miles through the Arkansas Delta. It follows the path of a unique geological formation, Crowley’s Ridge, which is the Delta’s only "highlands." This parkway is an incredible way to explore a unique part of the Natural State’s natural beauty.
While you are driving on Crowley’s Ridge Parkway, be sure to stop at Crowley’s Ridge State Park. Learn more about this destination in this video from Team Trucker Travels:
The Pig Trail has been a favorite of bikers for a long time now, and since it’s basically a tree tunnel running through the Boston Mountain portion of the Ozarks, it’s no wonder folks love it. The Ozark National Forest makes for a beautiful place to wander, and Highway 23 cuts right through it. For the best results, get on at Ozark and drive north until you can’t drive anymore.
If you’re thinking about getting out and stretching your legs at the end of your drive, we suggest Highway 21. The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway ends near the Buffalo National River, and it crosses many headwaters and ridges in the Ozark National Forest along the way. To get the best out of your long drive, get on the highway just north of Clarksville.
If you’re thinking you need a road trip to the Grand Canyon, we couldn’t agree more - but we're going to direct you to the Arkansas Grand Canyon. You can see that gorgeous greenery right from the road on Highway 7, just south of Jasper. You can get on Highway 7 at El Dorado and follow it all the way up to Jasper, but really you can hop on that highway just about anywhere and enjoy a long and winding drive.
If you get on Highway 59 at Van Buren, you’ll notice that part of town is pretty over-developed. Have no fear, however, as you’re going to drive away from town pretty quickly and you won’t run into another proper town for a long time. Highway 59 north of Van Buren winds through a gorgeous portion of the Ozarks. Bonus: Stop off and stretch your legs at Natural Dam’s lovely waterfall.
Highway 123 is a gorgeous road that runs through Johnson, Pope, and Newton Counties. The road winds through the mountains with so many switchbacks that big trucks aren’t allowed on it. It will take you through some absolutely incredible forest views, but you’ll want to keep your eyes on the road for those curves.
Arkansas Highway 123, also known as the Dragon's Tail for its many winding switchbacks, is a fun drive on the back roads in Arkansas. Take a ride with the Backroads Traveler in this video:
These scenic drives in Arkansas are an enjoyable way to explore our great state. What are the go-to stretches of road that you travel when you simply want to take your time enjoying the beauty of Arkansas? Share one or two with a comment.
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Explore backroads near you in Arkansas
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What are some scenic country roads in Arkansas?
Whether you pick an official scenic byway or just meander through random back roads in Arkansas, there are so many wonderful places to enjoy a drive. Here are some scenic country roads in Arkansas that you can enjoy when you need to get away from the city:
The Jasper Disaster: The name sounds ominous but this scenic road in Arkansas flows through some of the prettiest areas of the state. What is nice about this drive is that it is a 60-mile loop so you can book a nice rental and make it a weekend getaway. It has plenty of twists and turns which makes it fun for sports cars and motorcycles alike. Two of the scenic areas you'll pass through and wind around are the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo National River.
Two Mountain Scenic Drive: If you love scenic mountain views this 50-mile jaunt is just about perfect. Not only will you follow alongside the Ozark Mountains but you'll wind around the White River. A stop at the Hell Creek Natural Area to enjoy cave exploring and interesting rock formations is a must if you need a little hike to stretch your legs.
Highway 155: Mount Nebo State Park is the prime focal point of this peaceful drive in Arkansas. It is another winding road with panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley and Lake Dardanelle. The park has many scenic overlooks you can stop at to enjoy the incredible landscape. It is especially nice when the sun sets over the valley.
No matter when you travel or where you travel, these quiet scenic roads in Arkansas give you a relaxing way to enjoy more of our great state.
