10 Country Roads In Arkansas That Are Pure Bliss In The Fall
Is anyone else singing a John Denver song after reading this title? Country roads, take me home . . . well, the West Virginia part throws me for a loop, but the rest fits. The Natural State is a beautiful place to find country roads since most of Arkansas is good old backcountry land. Some of the roads on this list are highways, but they’re not the packed, horn-honking nightmares some of Arkansas’s byways have become. Traveling these country roads is a great, relaxing way to take in some stunning fall foliage, and it’s easy to find one near you. In no particular order, here are some of our favorite scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas.
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Highway 170 is a highway, but you definitely feel out in the sticks when you drive it. This winding road takes you to Devil’s Den State Park, and there’s no better time to travel it than during the peak of Arkansas’s fall color.
Highway 71 might have been a popular thoroughfare before I-49 opened, but these days it’s pretty desolate. The stretch between Alma and Fayetteville is a fantastic way to see the leaves turn, and you don’t want to miss it this season.
3. This dirt road near the Buffalo National River.
The bluffs that characterize the upper Buffalo National River region are the perfect back drop to the explosion of autumn color that’s coming soon. You’re going to love cruising near the river and seeing all the trees that color your journey.
North central Arkansas has Stone County, which holds Mountain View, Blanchard Springs Caverns, and Mirror Lake. Those attractions are well worth the trip, of course, but if you happen to pass by a dirt road, try that too. You won’t find more beautiful foliage anywhere.
The stretch of Highway 62 near Eureka Springs is a dreamy drive any time of year, but it's especially gorgeous in the fall. You definitely won’t want to miss all the gorgeous color as you wind through the mountains.
Also known as the Pig Trail, Highway 23 is one of the most popular scenic drives in the Natural State. That doesn't mean it won't take you through the countryside. Most of Highway 23 gives you an amazing view of the rural Ozarks without much danger to your tires from the sharp rocks you’d find on most rural roads.
The road to Mount Magazine is going to lead you to some truly incredible views, but there are also great views all along the way. Highway 309 winds up to the top of Arkansas’s highest point, and you’re going to love it.
Highway 7 is Arkansas’s longest state highway. It passes the Arkansas Grand Canyon, but one of the best parts of this drive is the journey. There’s no better way to get out in the sticks to commune with the beauty of the Natural State than on this highway.
Whitaker Point is a truly breathtaking place to see fall leaves, but don’t let the end goal blind you to the beauty all around. You’ll love the gravel road you take to get to the trailhead. The trees there are truly impressive.
Seriously, I lived on a dirt road until they paved it some years ago, and I miss that slow-going drive. My best advice for a stunning tree-lined leaf extravaganza is to find the unpaved road closest to you and drive it. Then take the next dirt road you see, and keep doing that until you have to use your GPS to get back home.
Address: Buffalo National River, Calf Creek Township, AR 72675, USA
Address: Stone County, AR, USA
Address: US-62, Eureka Springs, AR, USA
Address: Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas, USA
Address: AR-309, Paris, AR, USA
Address: AR-7, Arkadelphia, AR, USA
Address: Kingston, AR, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
scenic drives to take in the fall in Arkansas
October 24, 2020
Jackie Ann
What is the most scenic town in Arkansas?
One of the perks of living in Arkansas is all of the natural wonders that are right in your backyard. The Natural State is just overflowing with scenic lakes, sweeping vista overlooks, waterfalls, and mountain ranges that will make you fall in love with Arkansas all over again. One of the most well known towns in Arkansas is Hot Springs, and it also happens to be one of the most scenic towns in the state. Home to the stunning Bathhouse Row and Hot Springs National Park, it’s easy to fall head over heels for this charming town.
Which hikes in Arkansas are short and sweet?
Arkansas has hundreds of miles of trails running through the state, some are much longer than others. When you’re not quite ready to take on the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail, there are plenty of short and sweet hikes that just about anyone could tackle in an afternoon. Located in Petite Jean State Park, the Cedar Falls Trail clocks in at just under two miles and will take you on a scenic journey through the park where you’ll be met with dazzling views of Cedar Falls. If you’re near Winslow, the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area has several beautiful hikes including the White Rock Rim Trail. This trail has one of the most breathtaking views of the Boston Mountains, and at 2 miles in length, it’s an easy trail for the whole family to enjoy.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas?
Whether you’re looking for a new kayaking spot or your next fishing hole, Arkansas has some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Located near Hot Springs, Lake Ouachita is the biggest lake entirely in the state of Arkansas, and it’s known for its crystal clear waters and camping opportunities. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mirror Lake near Blanchard Springs Caverns is only about 3 acres in size, but don’t let its size deter you, this stunningly beautiful lake is a fisherman’s paradise and offers some delightfully scenic views of the area.
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.
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