It might not be fall yet, but autumn is close enough that we can all dream of pumpkin spice and cooler temperatures now. There are bigger dreams to be had, and those dreams have to do with hands-down the best fall foliage in the United States. This road trip will make all your fall dreams come true in less than nine hours of drive time, which sounds to me like the perfect way to spend a long weekend wrapped in the warmth of fall color. From the high overlooks of the Ozarks to the winding roads of the Ouachitas, this road trip will show you the Natural State’s fall foliage like you’ve never seen before.
It will take you a little while to hike to Hawksbill Crag, but the trail is fairly easy and the beauty from Arkansas’s most popular rock is well worth the short hike. You’ll get stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys below. Hawksbill Crag in the fall is a 360 degree experience of the Ozarks, and you don’t want to miss that explosion of color.
Next up we’ll be traveling to and then driving down one of the Natural State’s most popular scenic byways. The Pig Trail, or Highway 23, is popular for a reason — it’s one of the prettiest drives you'll find anywhere. It will give you the chance to see the fall color amid the dense trees that line the highway.
We’re still in the Ozarks, headed up to a mountain with another absolutely spectacular view. The bonus here is that the during your drive to the summit of White Rock, you’ll be driving through the Ozark National Forest, which makes this stop on our dreamy road trip a double whammy of fantastic fall fun.
Next up we’re headed to Arkansas’s highest point, where the scenic overlooks allow you to pull off the highway and step out of your car to witness absolutely jaw dropping views. When it comes to fall foliage, Mount Magazine may just be the absolute best of the best, and you don’t have to exert yourself on a long and winding trail to see a sweeping view that will take your breath away.
Arkansas’s oldest state park is certainly worth writing home about, and you’ll want to get out of the car at Mather Lodge to gaze out at the valleys below Petit Jean Mountain. While you’re out of the car, you might also consider taking a hike out to the 95-foot Cedar Falls, which is an absolute dreamscape when the leaves are turning and fall rains have bumped up the flow rate of the falls.
Your drive to our next spot will take you through the beauty of the Ouachitas. Queen Wilhelmina State Park is the final destination of the Talimena Scenic Drive, and though you’re not taking that particular drive, you still get to wind through the Ouachita National Forest and step out at Queen Wilhelmina to take in some views you won’t believe.
We’re headed through more of the Ouachitas, this time to a tall tower above Arkansas’s favorite spa town. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower offers a view of Hot Springs like you’ve never seen it before. There are two observation decks, one in the tower and one on top of it, and both are absolutely extraordinary places to survey the fall color of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
We’re ending with a scenic lake that has one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Natural State. With the leaves turning on the shore, trees reflected in the calm lake, and a very short hike to Falls Creek Falls, Lake Catherine State Park is gorgeous year round, but it’s particularly beautiful when the leaves turn.
I must admit that I am not spontaneous at all. Call me boring, but if I’m going on a trip, I need to know what I’m doing from beginning to end. Perhaps it’s not the best way to live life because spontaneity is exciting and keeps things interesting and full of adventure. On the other hand, some folks are the opposite and don’t mind living life as it comes to them. If you’re like that and in the mood for a spontaneous weekend road trip in Arkansas, I’ve got the perfect itinerary for you. Check out these eight destinations in Arkansas that are great for a weekend adventure.
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This weekend road trip covers about 250 miles through Arkansas and will take about six hours of drive time.
Of course, you’ll need to add time to explore all the incredible destinations along the way. And if you need a place to stay, we included a rustic cabin for you. Feel free to use this interactive map to add stops to your trip.
Let’s kick off this spontaneous weekend road trip with a high-flying adventure. Head to Buffalo Outdoor Center, get strapped up, and soar above the trees for this unique ziplining experience in the Ozarks. As the longest canopy tour in Arkansas, this fun activity is guaranteed to get you energized for the rest of the adventures to follow.
After your high-flying adventure in Compton, it just makes sense to keep the energy going with a visit to the Arkansas Air and Military Museum. Here you will find some of the coolest vintage airplane displays that you’ll see in your life. Aside from the incredible exhibits, you can also experience the state-of-the-art flight simulator (by appointment only) while you’re here.
Next, we’ll slow things down but keep the vintage vibe going with a visit to one of our favorite antique shops in Prairie Grove - Daisies and Olives. Browse the showroom and shop for antique items for your home or for a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone. With over 70 vendors selling antiques and collectibles, you could easily spend hours here.
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4. Artist Point Gift Shop and Cultural Center, Mountainburg
From Prairie Grove, let’s drive south to Mountainburg to visit the Artist Point Gift Shop and Cultural Center. Not only can you explore the museum and purchase unique glassware from the gift shop, but you will also witness the most mind-blowing views of the Ozarks. If you’ve ever wondered why Arkansas was nicknamed the Natural State, witnessing the pretty vistas from the overlook at this roadside attraction will convince you.
Since Mountainburg is about the halfway point on our road trip, I suggest that you spend the night here. Not too far from Artist Point off Highway 71, you’ll find the Red Star Cabin, one of the coziest cabins in the area. The pet-friendly 1-bedroom bungalow features a comfy king-sized bed, a full kitchen, a hot tub, a large deck, and everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can’t beat the stunning views of Lake Fort Smith. It’s the perfect place to rest after your first day of exploration.
Now that you are nice and rested, let’s kick off day 2 of this spontaneous road trip at Lake Fort Smith State Park, which is just minutes away from the cabin. The park offers many recreational activities including boating, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and a pool for swimming. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic here and be sure to stop by the visitor center, too.
7. Wiederkehr Village Wine & Spirits, Wiederkehr Village
Wine country is less than an hour away, so why not drive to one of the oldest and largest wineries in America - Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. Enjoy wine tasting and a tour of the iconic winery and learn about the Wiederkehr family and their rich Swiss wine-making heritage. If you are a wine lover, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.
By now, you should be hungry, am I right? If so, hop in the car and let’s drive 25 miles north of Wiederkehr Village to the tiny town of Oark. Here you’ll find the Historic Oark General Store and Cafe, the oldest general store in Arkansas. It’s a popular spot for bikers and road trippers, so you might run into a few folks while you’re here. They can’t get enough of the mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches, not to mention the delicious homemade pies.
What better way to end this spontaneous road trip than to perch on top of the most photographed place in Arkansas - Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point. Tucked inside the Ozark National Forest, the iconic spot features views of the rolling hills of the Ozarks as far as the eye can see. The 3-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging, but the rewards are well worth the trek. After you’re done basking in all this glory, we suggest you drive back to the Buffalo Outdoor Center to spend the night.
The next time you’re in the mood for a quick escape, hop in the car for this spontaneous weekend road trip in Arkansas. It’s guaranteed that you’ll have lots of adventures along the way.
It’s that time of year again - road trip season is back! And if you’ve been thinking about Arkansas road trip ideas then you’re in luck. Your next adventure should be filled with fun activities and explore all that the Natural State has to offer. From the scenic byways to the breathtaking overlooks to the gorgeous waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, you’ll want to see it all. Luckily, OIYS has done the legwork and has put together the best road trips in Arkansas. Gas up the car and let’s begin the journey to explore the vast landscapes and activities in the Natural State.
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These road trips will take you through parts of Northwest Arkansas, and you’ll pass through major cities like Little Rock, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and more.
So, be sure to stop in to take advantage of the fun activities that await. In these cities, you’ll find lots of attractions that include live music, mountain biking, as well as riverfront festivities.
Route: Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point >Catalpa Cafe and General Store > Lake Dardanelle State Park
Distance: 87 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
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Have you ever witnessed the breathtaking sunrises or sunsets in the Natural State? If not, this one-day road trip in Arkansas will provide a front row seat to the luminous show. Start the morning at Hawksbill Crag at Whitaker Point and watch the sunrise over the Arkansas River valley below. Once you’ve basked in the gorgeous vistas, grab a bite to eat and then head to Lake Dardanelle to watch the sun go down. At only 87 miles and 2 hours of drive time, you’ll have ample time to explore each area. You'll also appreciate the scenic drive along the way.
Route: Mount Magazine State Park>Petit Jean State Park>DeGray Lake Resort State Park
Distance: 150 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours driving time
With 52 state parks in Arkansas, chances are, you haven’t seen all of them. And while all the parks are worth seeing, there are a few that you must add to your list. Fortunately, this 3-day weekend road trip in Arkansas will explore 3 of the most incredible parks. At 150 miles and only 3 hours of driving time, you’ll have lots of time to explore these bucket-list worthy parks. At Mount Magazine State Park, you’ll be able to hike to the highest point in Arkansas. Petit Jean features one of the most spectacular cascades in the state as well as some mind-blowing rock formations. You can’t go wrong with a stay at DeGray Lake State Park, where you can bask in lots of relaxation as well as fun outdoor activities. Bonus, this road trip is also family-friendly, so do take the kids along for the ride.
Route: Spainhour Falls>Glory Hole Falls>Magnolia Falls>Big Creek Cave Falls Kings Bluff Falls>Long Pool Falls>Highway 123 Falls>Haw Creek Falls>Car Wash Falls
Distance: 183 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours driving time
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If you haven’t heard, the Ozark National Forest is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Arkansas. By far, it features the most spectacular cascades in the state. While it would be nice to marvel at them all, your schedule might not allow it. But have no fear, OIYS has compiled an
" target="_blank">Ozarks waterfall road trip that loops around Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area and highlights the most breathtaking falls that you can imagine. You’ll need time to hike to witness these cascades, so be sure to plan this 180 miles, 5-hour journey with that in mind. This waterfall road trip is perfect for the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast.
Route: PattiCakes Bakery>Daisy's Lunchbox Cafe and Bakery>Ms. Lena's Pie Shop>Charlotte's Eats and Sweets>Morrison's Fried Pies
Distance: 221 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
One of the best parts about a road trip is that you can make it into your own unique adventure. And if you’re a foodie, chances are, you’ve been on a trip to eat delicious grub. So, we thought it would be great to include this ultimate pie road trip through Arkansas to soothe your foodie soul. Of course, everybody loves pies and there are so many pie shops between the Arkansas River Valley and Hot Springs that are a must-visit. At 220 miles, the driving time for this road trip is about 4 hours, which means you can easily visit all the bakeries in one day. Be sure to take some pie home for later.
After the Winter freeze, you’ll want to cure cabin fever in the most magical way. Since Spring is the start of road trip season, the best Spring road trip in Arkansas would be to witness the blooming wildflowers. The vibrant blooms are in the prairies, natural areas, nature trails, and the lovely flowers extend as far as the eye can see. With the gorgeous weather, you can spend lots of time basking in all the natural beauty. This 11-hour road trip will cover approximately 600 miles, and you’ll get to see 9 wildflower fields. We recommend making this into a week-long adventure, so you’ll get to marvel at all that these colorful fields have to offer.
Route: AGFC Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center>Jacksonport State Park>Holland Bottom Farm LLC>Riverfront Park>Arkansas Railroad Museum>Cane Creek State Park
Distance: 215 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
Kick off the Summer by taking the family on a road trip that features lots of fun activities. Whether it’s spending time camping, kayaking, visiting a museum, or exploring a nature center, this
" target="_blank">Summer road trip in Arkansas will be epic. And best of all, the road trip will be inexpensive, so you won’t have to break the bank to do it. And there’s even some sweet treats along the way, which means you’ll for sure gain some bonus points with the kids. Just under 4 hours driving and 215 miles, you can make this into an overnight or a 2-day adventure.
Route: Hot Springs>Mount Magazine>Artist Point>Jasper>Mountain View
Distance: 339 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
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Vibrant hues await during the Fall season in Arkansas. And luckily, the Natural State is abundant with scenic byways, overlooks, and state parks, where you can witness the colorful foliage. This 7-hour Fall foliage road trip in Arkansas will explore a few of the gorgeous parks like Hot Springs National Park, and it’s packed with fun adventure. Truly, you’ll get to see the best of what Fall has to offer. With over 300 miles to cover, you’ll want to spread this trip out over 7 days, so that you’ll have time to fully enjoy the beauty of the season.
Route: Hot Springs>Mount Magazine>Artist Point>Jasper>Mountain View
Distance: 292 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours driving time
During the Winter, it’s natural to want to stay indoors to escape the cold. And while sitting inside drinking hot cocoa sounds divine, it’s best to venture out to see the enchanting places in Arkansas that celebrate the holiday season in the most magical way. If you love everything about Christmas, then this 5-hour
" target="_blank">Winter road trip in Arkansas is for you. The kids will enjoy all the light shows as well as the fun entertainment. Be sure to plan this trip accordingly as the evenings are better to delight in all the twinkling holiday light displays.
Route: Eureka Springs Music Park>Scott Family Amazeum>Botanical Garden of the Ozarks>Briar Rose Bakery and Deli>Terra Studios>Short Grotto Falls>All Aboard Restaurant and Grill
Distance: 270 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours driving time
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When it comes to family-friendly adventures in Arkansas, the possibilities are endless. From fairytale bakeries to botanical gardens to waterfalls, art museums, and more. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find lots of activities that the entire family will love. And on this
" target="_blank">family-friendly Arkansas road trip, you’ll get to experience it all. The little ones will have a chance to learn, play, and explore the best kid-friendly places in the state. Expect to drive just under 6 hours for this road trip, and you’ll cover about 270 fun-filled miles along the way.
Route: Blanchard Springs Caverns>Mirror Lake>Buffalo National River>Richland Creek Wilderness Area>Pedestal Rock Scenic Area>White Rock Mountain>Cove Lake>Mount Magazine>Lake Ouachita>Hot Springs National Park
Distance: 445 miles
Trip Time: 11 hours driving time
Are you ready to explore some of the most incredible places that you can imagine? Well, you’re in luck because natural wonders and landmarks are abundant in Arkansas. From natural hot springs to breathtaking waterfalls to underground adventures, and more, there is so much to see in the Natural State. And this natural wonder road trip will take you to spectacular gems like the Buffalo National River in Ponca and the Blanchard Springs Caverns. With 10 sites to visit, 445 miles to cover as well as 11 hours of drive time, this will be a multi-day trip. You’ll want to plan accordingly to make the best of each spectacular location.
Route:Hardy>Mirror Lake>Mountain View>Jasper>Eureka Springs>Oark>Altus>Paris>Subiaco>Mount Ida
Distance: 436 miles
Trip Time: 9 hours driving time
Small towns are the heart and soul of Arkansas. Whether you’re searching for the best mom-and-pop restaurants, antique shops, historic sites, or Victorian mansions, look no further than these charming towns in the state. This small towns road trip in Arkansas will start in the delightful town of Hardy, you’ll travel through Eureka Springs, and it will end in Mount Ida, where you can dig for hidden gems. It will cover 430 miles with just over 9 hours of driving, so we recommend you make this a week-long road trip.
Well, which one of these fun road trips through Arkansas are you most likely to take? Tell us about it in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out this previous article about the best scenic hiking trails in Arkansas. And don't forget to take a look at our ultimate road trip essentials packing list!
