Photographers from all over the country come to Arkansas during the autumn season – there’s just that much beauty here to capture on film. People who like to get out and take road trips the Natural State is a grand destination for scenic views, too. These scenic road trips in Arkansas in particular are the best when it comes to viewing the state in all of its fall glory.

10. Sylamore Scenic Byway
Sylamore, AR 72560, USA
Brandonrush / Wikipedia
Beginning on Arkansas Highway 5, Sylamore Scenic Byway passes through the Ozark National Forest and takes drivers on a long and winding road past picturesque white oak forests and limestone cliffs.
9. Crowley's Ridge Parkway
Crowleys Ridge Road, Crowleys Ridge Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72404, USA
Thomas R Machnitzki / Wikipedia
The major towns on this byway are Piggott, Paragould, Jonesboro, Wynne, Forrest City, Marianna, and Helena. Four state parks lie along the parkway, which passes through the St. Francis National Forest and makes for one of the most scenic motorcycle rides in the state. Crowley's Ridge Parkway became one of America's national scenic byways in 1998. This is a great scenic road trip in Arkansas!
8. Arkansas Highway 309/Mount Magazine Scenic Byway
Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, Paris, AR, USA
Google Maps
This byway begins in the small town of Havana, Arkansas, and it doesn't take long for drivers to journey up the steep curves and slopes of Mount Magazine. After making the ascent over the mountain, the byway takes drivers past beautiful Cove Lake down into the town of Paris. If you’re in the Mount Magazine area, this scenic drive near me is a perfect place to explore!
7. Interstate 530 State Scenic Byway
Interstate 530, I-530, White Hall, AR, USA
Google Street View
Nearly two thirds of the southern portion of this route take drivers through a wetlands area once set aside for preservation. This scenic byway crosses Bayou Bartholemew a number of times and drivers can still see the waterfowl and beautiful wildflowers for which the land was originally set aside as a greenbelt. It's a great Arkansas road trip!
6. Talimena Scenic Drive
Talimena Scenic Drive, Talimena Scenic Dr, Mena, AR 71953, USA
zrfphoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus
The Talimena Scenic Drive starts on U.S. 71 in Mena and follows Ark. 88 to Oklahoma. The route takes drivers through Ouachita National Forest, climbing up Rich Mountain and passing through Queen Wilhelmina State Park. You'll get an eyeful of gorgeous mountain vistas on this drive! It’s one of the best road trips in AR.

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5. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop
BOSTON MOUNTAIN, 4004 E Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA
Wikipedia
Route 71, a former stagecoach route, takes drivers through several twists and turns through pretty mountain towns and farms. West of this route is I-540, taking tourists over spectacular bridges that rise high above valleys and streams. Both of these routes offer plenty of pullover places for drivers to take photographs or even hike into the mountains.
4. Arkansas Highway 7
Scenic 7 Drive South, Scenic 7 Dr S, Ola, AR 72853, USA
Wikipedia
Arkansas Scenic 7 traverses the north-south length of the state from Harrison to Louisiana, offering spectacular views as it passes through the rugged landscape of the Ozark and Ouachita mountains and forests. Arkansas Scenic 7, one of America's most beautiful drives, runs for approximately 290 miles and affords drivers breathtaking looks at some of the Natural State's more historic locations. This is one of our favorite scenic road trips in Arkansas!
3. The Ozark Highlands
Peter Essick / Cavan / Getty Images
This route starts north of Clarksville as Arkansas Highway 21, crosses the southern boundary of the Ozark National Forest, passing the Ozark Highlands Trail and continuing through the forest until Highway 21 exits the forest near the Buffalo National River. You'll want to keep going north on Highway 21 until you reach U.S. 62, which will end your trip in lovely Eureka Springs. If you’re in Eureka Springs, you need to do this road trip near me.
2. The Great River Road
Great River Road, Great River Rd, Arkansas 71674, USA
Arkansas's Great River Road/All-American Road./ Facebook
The Great River Road runs through 10 states along the Mississippi River and is marked by green-and-white highway signs depicting a steamboat pilot wheel. Arkansas' portion of the route goes through the Delta, one of America's largest alluvial plains. The Great River Road was designated a national scenic byway in 2002, and the major towns on the byway are Blytheville, West Memphis, Marianna, Helena, DeWitt, Dumas, McGehee, and Lake Village. We love this Arkansas road trip.
1. Arkansas Highway 23 - The Pig Trail
Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas, USA
Flickr/Anna
A popular route to take whenever seasons change, drivers take Ark. 23 from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest to its intersection with Ark. 16 at Brashears to get the best views out of this 19-mile drive. It takes tourists through the Boston Mountains and crosses the Mulberry River. Arkansas Highway 23, in particular, has a strong connection with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, connecting fans in both the Central and Northwest parts of the state. We think it's one of the best scenic road trips in Arkansas!

Be safe on the roads out there and have a great time taking in the beauty of the Natural State! You might even want to bring along a few hiking necessities in case you get the urge to pull over and explore some of the trails in the forests you’ll pass through.

Do you think these are the best scenic road trips in Arkansas? Let us know in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Scenic Road Trips In Arkansas

Megan McDonald | August 16, 2023

What is the most scenic road in Arkansas? 

The most scenic road in Arkansas is the renowned Arkansas Scenic Highway 7. Spanning from the Louisiana border in the south to the Missouri border in the north, this highway offers a diverse and breathtaking journey through some of the state's most picturesque landscapes. As travelers make their way along this route, they pass through the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains, showcasing panoramic vistas, deep forests, and sparkling streams. The road also winds through the heart of the Ozark National Forest and close to the Buffalo National River, offering glimpses of rugged bluffs and pristine waters. Beyond the natural beauty, Highway 7 meanders through charming towns like Hot Springs, with its famous thermal baths, and Jasper, a gateway to the Ozarks. Whether for its towering mountain peaks, verdant valleys, or the serene beauty of Arkansas's countryside, Scenic Highway 7 captures the essence of "The Natural State."

What is the most popular state parks in Arkansas?

Arkansas boasts a variety of state parks that appeal to locals and tourists. Some of the most popular state parks include:

  • Hot Springs National Park: Noted for its famous thermal springs and Bathhouse Row.
  • Petit Jean State Park: Renowned for its picturesque waterfalls, canyons, and viewpoint at Petit Jean's Grave.
  • Mount Magazine State Park: As Arkansas's highest point, it offers panoramic views and various outdoor activities.
  • Crater of Diamonds State Park: The only public diamond-bearing site in the world where visitors can search and keep any gemstones.
  • Devil's Den State Park is popular for its unique rock formations, caves, and hiking and biking trails.
  • Lake Ouachita State Park: Known for its clear waters, islands, and various water-based activities.
  • Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Close to Little Rock, this park is favored for hiking and offers great views from the summit of Pinnacle Mountain.
  • Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area: Celebrated for its river rapids and stunning geological formations.

Each of these parks offers a distinct experience, showcasing Arkansas's natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

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