Scenic 7 Byway – Meandering Thru Arkansas

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Natural State along the Scenic 7 Byway, a route often lauded as one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. This designated Arkansas scenic byway offers a tapestry of landscapes, transitioning from the coastal plains in the south to rolling hills, dense pine forests, and majestic mountain ranges as it winds northward. Spanning approximately 290 miles, the Scenic 7 Byway traverses the state from Diamond City, near the Missouri border, to El Dorado, close to the Louisiana state line.

This north-south passage, designated as Arkansas’s first scenic byway, promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking natural beauty and historical exploration. The Scenic 7 Byway is more than just a road; it’s a pathway through the soul of Arkansas.

A Journey Through Varied Landscapes

The Scenic 7 Byway presents a diverse range of geographical regions. As you travel, the landscape unfolds, revealing the ecological richness of Arkansas. The route is perfect for a leisurely exploration, allowing ample time to immerse oneself in the stunning vistas and attractions that dot the landscape.

The byway is particularly notable for its passage through the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. Here, dramatic mountain views dominate the horizon, providing a stunning backdrop for the journey. Numerous historical and scenic attractions along the way offer opportunities to delve into the region’s rich heritage and natural wonders.

For those seeking a shorter, concentrated experience, the U.S. Forest Service has designated approximately 60 miles of Arkansas Route 7 as a National Scenic Byway. This segment cuts through the heart of the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, showcasing the distinctive mountain scenery and the vibrant colors of the changing leaves during the autumn months. Throughout this section, numerous recreation areas beckon with opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and horseback riding.

North to South: A Detailed Exploration

Beginning near Bull Shoals Lake, close to Diamond City, the Scenic 7 Byway initially meanders through the Boston Range of the Ozark Mountains. This section offers an exploration of unspoiled scenic landscapes, complete with breathtaking cliff views, intriguing rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Further south, travelers will pass by the remnants of Dogpatch, U.S.A., a defunct theme park located between Harrison and Jasper. This 825-acre attraction, conceived in 1967, was based on Al Capp’s comic strip "Li’l Abner," which ironically depicted Dogpatch as the most miserable place on Earth. Despite its initial popularity, Dogpatch, U.S.A. ultimately closed its doors in 1993 due to increased competition from entertainment options in nearby Branson, Missouri.

Continuing into the heart of the Ozark Mountains, the Mystic Caverns, located approximately eight miles south of Harrison, are a must-see attraction. This site offers commercial tours of two distinct cave systems at a single location. The upper-level cavern, discovered in the 1850s, was opened to the public in the 1920s. The lower-level cavern, known as Crystal Dome, remained hidden until 1968, despite being only 400 feet from the upper cavern’s entrance. Crystal Dome opened for tours in 1981, providing visitors with a unique subterranean experience. Tours are typically available daily from 9 a.m., running from March 1 through December 31.

As the Scenic 7 Byway proceeds, it enters the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, a vast expanse offering countless recreational opportunities. Camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing are all popular activities within the forests. The Ozark National Forest encompasses 1.2 million acres, predominantly within the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. Within its boundaries lies Mount Magazine, the highest point in the state, as well as the remarkable Blanchard Springs Caverns. The St. Francis National Forest, located in eastern Arkansas, covers 22,600 acres and is known as one of the country’s smallest and most diverse forests.

East of the byway, travelers can find Pedestal Rocks, offering spectacular views and unique geological formations. The short and relatively easy hike to these formations is well worth the effort.

Before departing the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, the Long Pool Recreation Area, situated west of the scenic byway, provides a perfect respite. This area is located on the Big Piney River, offering visitors a large natural pool across from the campground, complemented by high, picturesque bluffs. The campground provides facilities for camping, picnicking, swimming, whitewater boating, canoeing, and hiking. Big Piney Creek, designated as a National Scenic River in 1992, is a popular destination for float trips and is considered one of Arkansas’s most popular streams for bait-fishing and swimming.

As the Scenic 7 Byway descends towards Russellville, it begins its ascent into the Ouachita Mountain Range. At Lake Dardanelle State Park, travelers are surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains to the south and the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks to the north. Lake Dardanelle itself offers exceptional fishing and boating opportunities.

Further south, Lake Ouachita State Park, located west of the scenic route, is renowned for its clear waters and outstanding recreational activities. Lake Catherine State Park, nestled in secluded woodlands between Hot Springs and Malvern, offers a serene getaway.

In Hot Springs, visitors can explore the National Park Aquarium and the renowned Hot Springs National Park, where therapeutic baths have been utilized for over 200 years. Hot Springs National Park, the oldest park in the National Park System, predates Yellowstone National Park by 40 years.

South of Camden, the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources preserves and exhibits examples of Arkansas’s changing oil technology and brine industry, with a particular focus on the 1920s oil boom in southern Arkansas.

The southern terminus of the Scenic 7 Byway lies in El Dorado, where the downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district showcases a significant collection of 1920s and 1930s architecture, constructed during the oil boom that began in 1921. The Rialto Theatre, located downtown, is the only Art Deco theater still operating in the state. The area also offers a variety of unique specialty shops, shopping destinations, and fine dining establishments. The Scenic 7 Byway will deliver you to the doors of some great shopping and dining experiences.

Scenic Attractions Along the Byway

• Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources: This museum showcases the history of Arkansas’s oil and brine industries and the 1920s oil boom that transformed South Arkansas. The Oilfield Park features full-size derricks and other equipment.
• Blanchard Springs Caverns: Administered by the U.S. Forest Service, these caverns offer guided tours of two levels within a three-level system. The Dripstone Trail and Discovery Trail showcase the stunning formations within.
• Buffalo National River: The nation’s first federally protected stream offers premier whitewater floating in the Arkansas Ozarks, with soaring limestone bluffs, wilderness areas, and hiking trails leading to geologic marvels.
• Bull Shoals Lake: A water sports paradise with nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline, perfect for fishing, scuba diving, houseboating, water skiing, camping, and relaxation.
• Garvan Woodland Gardens: Arkansas’s botanical garden, located near Hot Springs National Park, features floral landscapes, streams, waterfalls, and architectural structures in a natural woodland setting.
• Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum & Elk Information Center: Located in Jasper, this center offers exhibits and video presentations about elk and other wildlife, along with river maps, brochures, and knowledgeable staff.
• Hot Springs National Park: The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitors Center tells the story of the thermal springs that prompted the area’s protection in 1832, showcasing Hot Springs as "The American Spa."
• Long Pool Recreation Area: Located on the Big Piney Scenic and Recreational River, this area offers a large natural pool, camping, picnicking, swimming, whitewater boating, canoeing, and hiking.
• Mount Magazine State Park: The highest point in Arkansas, offering hang gliding, rappelling, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking, with scenic overlooks and a butterfly population.
• Museum of Hot Springs: A comprehensive history of life in Hot Springs from 1850 to 1950, featuring the Gambling Era, sports figures, the bathing industry, and more.
• National Park Aquarium: Arkansas’s largest fish and reptiles exhibit, showcasing Arkansas fish, saltwater species, and reptiles in their natural habitats.
• Ouachita National Forest: Covering 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, this forest is managed for multiple uses.
• Ozark-St. Francis National Forests: Two separate forests with distinct topographical, geological, biological, cultural, and social differences, each contributing to the overall National Forest system.

The Scenic 7 Byway presents a wonderful exploration of the state of Arkansas. This Scenic 7 Byway gives you an experience you are sure to remember.