The 140-Mile Scenic Drive In Arkansas You Will Want To Take As Soon As You Can

Arkansans know that the journey is just as important as the destination. Our Natural State is filled with gorgeous drives in every corner for causal Sunday cruisers to dedicated motorcycle road-trippers. Take the whole three hour round-trip or just cruise around the mountain to enjoy the Petit Jean Mountain Climb scenic drive. Let's see a few snapshots of this beautiful drive:

Regardless if you're on two wheels or four, Arkansas can offer endless miles of beautiful drives.

The state has dozens of designated scenic drives featuring forests, mountains, and cities in every corner. Pick up a map or just pick a direct to find a promising weekend drive.

Our featured scenic drive today is a large loop that primarily tours through the Ouachita National Forest.

The drive begins and ends at Hot Springs, though you could start on the more northern points of the loop like Centerville or Oppelo.

The full loop is a rolling 146-mile tour of the forested mountains.

The main feature of Petit Jean Climb is, naturally, Petit Jean Mountain! The drive has winding curves and multiple pockets of canopy forest. There's plenty of other sights to see along the way, too! For a map of the drive use this one.

If you travel the loop clockwise from Hot Springs, you'll traverse Highway 7 first.

Besides the pretty forested drive, Highway 7 also takes you near multiple recreation areas and trails. Visit Iron Spring Roadside Park or stretch your legs along Little Blakely South Loop near Jessieville.

As you head east you'll begin the climb in elevation to Petit Jean Mountain.

The zigzagging route uphill reminds us of all the reasons why Arkansas backroads are the best!

Petit Jean could easily turn into a weekend-long pit stop.

You can simply enjoy the ride up the mountain and take a few vista photos or stay a bit longer. The Petit Jean State Park has a wonderful collection of campsites and cabins for longer visits.

You can finish your tour halfway at Petit Jean or continue onward to finish the loop.

The loop will head south from Oppelo and finish back at Hot Springs. For more ride inspiration follow the Arkansas Motorcycling Facebook Page.

Have you taken on the Petit Jean Mountain Climb? We'd love to see your scenic drive photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.