Arkansas--Hot Springs Mountain Drive

Route 7, from Hot Springs to Harrison, is a 160-mile stretch over wooded hills and through mountain towns. The daylong trip begins in Hot Springs, where President Bill Clinton grew up. Before leaving Hot Springs, stop 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 scenic overlook of the city and its surroundings.

Head north out of town on Rte. 7 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 Rte. 7 toward the 1.6 million-acre Ouachita National Forest. A quick detour left on Rte. 298 offers the opportunity to tour the crystal mines. Return to Rte. 7 to begin twisting and winding though the Ouachita Mountains. Crossing the Fourche La Fave River, turn left into Quarry Cove Park to see the 97 foot-high Nimrod Dam. The dam stretches 1,012 feet across Nimrod Lake's eastern shoreline. For additional views of the lake, continue the uphill climb on Rte. 7.

Back on the road again, you'll proceed north through the small town of Centerville. Sixteen miles east of Centerville, on Rte. 154, is Petit Jean State Park, home of the 95 foot-high Cedar Falls. Eight miles to the north of Centerville is the historic Port of Dardanelle and Lake Dardanelle State Park. The Ozark National Forest begins five miles beyond Dover. The Booger Hollow Trading Post, nestled in the forest, features souvenirs, crafts and food. The 165 mile-long Ozark Highlands Trail begins just one mile outside of the next town, Pelsor. Continue north on Rte. 7 through Cowell, Jasper, and the Boston Mountains. Descending the mountains takes you down to the Buffalo National River. Your scenic 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:
Petit Jean State Park
Nimrod Dam
Ozark Highlands Trail

UsedCars.biz Road Trip in the Same State:
Arkansas--The Great River Road

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