Posted in Arkansas
October 03, 2016
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 back country 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.
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.
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.
For a fall foliage road trip you’ll never forget, click here. To find the best scenic byways in Arkansas, try this list.
