Visit Hot Springs National Park, President Bill Clinton’s childhood home, crystal mines, and mountain towns in scenic forests.
Route 7, from Hot Springs to Harrison, is a 160-mile stretch above wooded hills and through mountain towns. The daylong journey begins in Hot Springs, where President Bill Clinton grew up. Before leaving Hot Springs, drop by the visitors center for Hot Springs National Park. Take Fountain Street to Hot Springs Mountain Drive, which leads to Hot Springs Mountain Tower, where you can take in a picturesque overlook of the city and its surroundings.
Drive north out of town on Route Seven to the town of Mountain Valley, home of Lake Ouachita State Park, where 975 miles of shoreline are surrounded by 48,000 acres of parkland. Continue north on Route Seven toward the 1.6 million-acre Ouachita National Forest. A fast detour left on Route 298 offers the chance to tour the crystal mines. Return to Route Seven to start twisting and winding though the Ouachita Mountains. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, swerve left into Quarry Cove Park to see the 97 foot-high Nimrod Dam. The dam extends 1,012 feet across Nimrod Lake’s eastern shoreline. For additional views of the lake, continue the uphill climb on Route Seven.
Back on the road once more, you’ll continue north through the small town of Centerville. On Rte. 154, sixteen miles east of Centerville, is Petit Jean State Park, home of the 95 foot-high Cedar Falls. Eight miles to the north of Centerville is Lake Dardanelle State Park and the historic Port of Dardanelle. The Ozark National Forest begins 5 miles beyond Dover. The Booger Hollow Trading Post, nestled in the forest, features souvenirs, food and crafts. The 165 mile-long Ozark Highlands Trail starts just one mile outside of the next town, Pelsor. Proceed north on Route Seven through Cowell, Jasper, and the Boston Mountains. Moving down the mountains takes you down to the Buffalo National River. Your picturesque drive ends as you reach the resort town of Harrison.
Starting Point:
Hot Springs, AR
Distance of Drive:
160 miles
Must Eat:
Granny’s Kitchen
332 Center Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: 501-624-6183
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Blackberry Cobbler
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round
Points of Interest on Drive:
Ozark Highlands Trail
Nimrod Dam
Petit Jean State Park
Tagged with: Arkansas • best time:yearround • hot springs
Filed under: Best Road Trips