The Remote Destination in Arkansas Where the Drive is Worth the Final View

Nothing is more relaxing than a scenic drive through the countryside of Arkansas. It gives you a chance to clear your head and appreciate all the beauty around. Cruising the highways on a road trip brings me a sense of freedom. Singing along to my favorite songs, seeing the different landscapes and vistas, while anticipating reaching my final destination, is exhilarating, especially when the drive is full of adventure. You can expect that when you take the Peel Ferry Route in Northwest Arkansas. The 113-mile route that meanders through small towns in the Ozark Plateau, then takes you on a ferry over the massive Bull Shoals Lake and into the Missouri countryside, is one that you need to experience for yourself. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, then gas up the car and come with us to Harrison for this scenic road trip in Arkansas. 

Once you begin the journey from Harrison, you’ll head north on Scenic Byway 7 then to Highway 14, which leads to AR Highway 268 that intersects with AR Highway 125. Since the entire route is only a little over 100-miles long, you can easily finish it in 3 hours and be home in time for supper. But you can certainly plan a weekend adventure too, to include camping and fishing at some of the spots along the route.   

As you progress away from the town, the remote drive takes you through the gorgeous Arkansas countryside, where you’ll see farmhouses, farms with hay bales, and beautiful winding roads lined with towering trees. While cruising AR125, you’ll also have glimpses of Bull Shoals Lake, which just adds more pretty scenes to this trip. This winding route is especially popular for motorcyclists because there are a whopping 378 curves. So, chances are, you’ll be seeing lots of bikers as you cruise.     

One of the best parts about this unique road trip in Arkansas is that AR 125 leads directly to the vast lake , where you’ll get to ride Peel Ferry, the only operating ferry in the state. The stunning water views on the 2-mile journey along the lake is worth the drive. Even if you don’t continue the trip into Missouri, making this ferry ride your final destination will be quite the adventure. The jaw dropping 20-minute trip across the lake is FREE and it eventually leads to Missouri Route 125. Cars, small trucks, and motorcycles are allowed on the ferry, so you can continue your drive as you dock on the other side. 

This would be a great trip for the little ones, so if you plan to bring them along, be sure to pack delicious road trip snacks for your journey. As you cruise through the countryside of Missouri, you’ll enjoy seeing the small, charming towns as you make your way to Branson and then back into Harrison Arkansas. 

Between the gorgeous countryside of the Ozarks, the small towns, the winding roads, and the stunning ride across Bull Shoals Lake, you can easily see why this scenic road trip in Arkansas belongs on your list. It’s arguably one of the most unique drives in the state.

Have you ever cruised this picturesque route? What was the highlight of the trip? Tell us below! Be sure to visit the Explore Harrison website for a full map of the Peel Ferry Route as well as for turn-by-turn directions. Also, check out our previous article telling you more about the Peel Ferry Trip across the lake.