This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Arkansas Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
By J.B. VanDyke|Updated on February 07, 2023(Originally published February 02, 2023)
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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.
No matter what time of year it is a road trip is a great way to experience something new. What if I told you that in just 11 hours of driving time, you could see 10 of Arkansas’s most incredible sights? The Natural State is chock-full of natural wonders, and we’ve mapped out 10 natural wonders in Arkansas for your next epic road trip. Most of us working stiffs only get weekends for adventures, but you’ll want to linger at every one of these places, so let’s consider this adventure just perfect for a three-day weekend. Most of these places are already on your Natural State Bucket List, so really you’ll be killing two birds with one stone in the course of one epic road trip. That third day you need off work? Well, I think you have a fever. And is that a cough I heard? Luckily the only cure is the open road and these 10 slices of heaven.
This living cave system is truly incredible, and it stays a cool 58 degrees year-round. It’s called a "living cave" because the formations there are always growing and changing, so no matter if you’ve seen it before, you’ll likely see something different this time. It’s absolutely one of the most wonderful places in the state, and no matter which of the tours you choose to take there, you won’t be disappointed.
Only minutes away from the glorious cave system you just left, Mirror Lake is three acres of watery paradise. From the mirror-perfect still water to the two-tiered waterfall, this lake is the result of the damming of Blanchard Spring. That's right, as in the Blanchard Spring that flows from the cave you just toured. So you'll get to see the spring from its genesis to where it becomes that spectacular waterfall.
Join In Depth Angling for a little trout fishing in Mirror Lake and Blanchard Springs near Mountain View, Arkansas:
3. Buffalo National River
Buffalo National River Park Road, Buffalo Nat'l River Pk Rd, Arkansas 72634, USA
At this third stop, you’ll see the nation’s very first national river. The Buffalo is one of the most popular scenic spots in Arkansas and for good reason. Its upper region is known for incredible bluffs like the one above.
4. Richland Creek Wilderness Area
Richland Creek Wilderness, Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
This place is incredibly rustic, and it’s also a waterfall paradise. Set in the gorgeous and expansive Ozark National Forest, the Richland Creek Wilderness Area is crisscrossed with amazing streams and even more amazing waterfalls. Do mind your supplies here, though, as this water is not potable.
5. Pedestal Rock Scenic Area
Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, Witts Springs, AR 72686, USA
Next up you’ll get to view some of the most ancient and inspiring rock formations in the Natural State. Pedestal Rock Scenic Area offers a trail called Pedestal Rocks Trail that will lead you through these astounding, ancient weather-made formations.
Are you ready for a scenic overlook? Well, good, because White Rock Mountain is waiting near the small town of Mulberry to meet your needs. The overlooks there run along the bluff line surrounded by white rocks and looking out over the Ozark National Forest.
Rick Stone Travels take us on an adventure to White Rock Mountain for some hiking and beautiful scenic overlook exploration:
Congratulations, you’ve gone from the Ozarks to the Ouachitas! Wasn’t that drive lovely? Get ready for more lovely, because now you’re going to sit a spell at beautiful Cove Lake. If you’re up for a little more inspection, you can rent a paddleboat, a kayak, or a canoe to explore this gorgeous lake.
You’ve just traveled a little way up the road from Cove Lake and reached the highest point in Arkansas. The overlooks there make you feel like you’re looking out over the whole world, and they’ll absolutely leave you breathless. (And not just because of all that mountain wind in your face.)
We’re deeper in the Ouachitas now, to the lake formed from the river that is their namesake. Lake Ouachita is not only the clearest, most pristine lake in Arkansas, but it’s also one of the cleanest in the world. Whether you want to admire the clear water, take a refreshing dip, or explore the hundreds of islands in the middle of the lake, you’re sure to enjoy your time there.
Last up we’re headed back to civilization, right into the heart of Arkansas’s most famous resort town. You’ll find 47 hot springs in Hot Springs, and they’re a natural wonder you won’t want to miss. You can explore the origins of these springs in the national park area, and even have a soak in one of the bathhouses. You’ve been in the car a lot these last few days, and you’ve done a ton of exploring. You deserve the full spa treatment.
Jump in the car with One Dayte with Will & Tara for a road trip to Hot Springs National Park. From the hot springs bath houses, miles, and miles of hiking trails, and the only brewery in a national park that uses the hot springs in the brewing process:
With so many beautiful areas and natural wonders in Arkansas to explore, a road trip is a great way to see and do more than simply plopping down in one location for your entire vacation. Which of these beautiful places in Arkansas are you looking forward to the most? Let us know with a comment.
If you really love exploring the state on a road trip, you definitely don’t want to miss this weekend road trip in Arkansas.
If you’d rather set out on AR road trips that only require one tank of gas, this is the trip for you.
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More to Explore
More beautiful places in AR
Chris Muras|February 07, 2023
What are some natural wonders in Arkansas?
Arkansas is a pretty special place with so many wonderful natural wonders to explore. From the Arkansas Grand Canyon in the Ozarks to waterfalls splashing down from epic heights, and lakes, rivers, and scenic overlooks that take your breath away - Arkansas has a lot to offer the outdoor lover in you. Here are a few natural wonders in Arkansas we think you'll enjoy:
The Grand Canyon of the Ozarks: While not as famous as the big 'ol Grand Canyon that gets all of the attention, the Ozarks is a gorgeous spot that those in the know are happy to keep all to themselves. You'll find the AR Grand Canyon along the stunning Scenic Byway 7 a few miles from Jasper.
Ozark National Forest waterfall loop: If you love a good hike with a plummeting waterfall surprise, you'll love this scenic waterfall tour through the Ozark National Forest. With 13 different waterfalls to discover this day-trip exploration really needs to be on your bucket list. There is even a waterfall you can drive under!
Natural Bridge of Arkansas: If you enjoy the epic views of a natural stone bridge carved out of the earth, Arkansas has a beautiful one. At 120 feet long and 12 feet high it isn't as high up as some, but the hiking in the area is certainly worth coming back for again and again.
For even more natural wonders to explore in Arkansas check out this list of 11 beautiful places in Arkansas that are definitely worthy of a road trip.
