Experience the 5 Best Scenic Drives This Fall in Arkansas

With fall fast approaching in the Natural State of Arkansas, there is nothing more adventurous than taking a drive through some of the most scenic routes on a cool crisp day.

National Scenic 7 Byway

The first one that comes to mind is the Nationa Scenic 7 Byway, the name says it all. Driving this route will take you on a magical journey through the plains, woodlands, and the Ouachita Mountains heading into the thermal waters of Hot Springs National Park. Keep heading northward on Highway Scenic 7 and you will eventually run into the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks with breathtaking views and plenty of roadside overlooks along the way. October and early November are probably the best time to go as the fall leaves will most likely be at their peak.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway

According to Campbell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, The Pig Trail Scenic Byway is one of the state's most popular drives during the fall season offering bikers and drivers some of the most rugged terrain at every turn with sweeping views of the valley below. The colors of the leaves pop with every hue offering visitors some of the most stunning natural beauty you've ever seen. This trail stretches about 19 miles up Highway 23 with plenty of hairpin curves, steep hills, and slopes that will challenge you but boy, what a ride! This drive has been called by many the most dangerous but most beautiful in the state.

Mount Magazine Scenic Byway

Just southeast of Bentonville, this drive will take you through the towns of Havana and Paris without even having to leave the country. These small towns are both charming with  19th-century architecture with quaint little shops and boutiques leading up to the beauty along the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway. At the top of Mount Magazine is Signal Hill the highest point in Arkansas with a state park lodge that resembles a ski lodge in Colorado. There are surrounding cabins overlooking the Arkansas River valley with spectacular views from the cabin deck or lodge. Cove Lake is just minutes down the road and offers mesmerizing vistas along the wooded forest region with camping spots, and hiking trails that will let you connect to nature.

Boston Mountains Scenic Loop

Traveling 1-49 north to Fayetteville, Arkansas to catch a football game during the fall season is what they call hog heaven. The drive takes over picturesque bridges over and through the amazing Ozark Boston Mountains that feel like you are flying at times. If that's not enough drivers will experience going straight through a surreal mountain tunnel. The views through the Boston Mountains will leave you breathless at every turn.

Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway

You can't go wrong taking a drive through any of these 5 scenic byways in Arkansas this fall or anytime. After driving any of these routes you will better understand why Arkansas is truly named the Natural State.

See this Texas road trip to Arknsas' Most Scenic Drives.