Scenic Highway 7 Lives Up To Its Name

Scenic Highway 7 wanders through the mountains of Arkansas, looping its way through the northwest Ozarks and then the Ouachitas on its way to Hot Springs. Along the way are ridges and valleys, forests, rivers, streams, overlooks, towns, parks, lakes, and a lot more.

Scenic 7 is as much a state of mind as a highway, a lazy passageway to some of the loveliest landscapes Arkansas has to offer, The portions that traverse the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests -- a total of 61 miles -- have been named National Forest Scenic Byways, and the nearly 200 mile stretch from Harrison to Arkadelphia was designated the first State Scenic Byway.

And no wonder. The roadway twists through miles of forests filled with hardwoods; across pristine streams such as the Buffalo National River, the nation's first national river; near state parks and wildflower-strewn meadows, by rock formations and high bluffs, over mountaintops and down into valleys still unspoiled.

Around every bend lies adventure, a sense that anything can happen, a sense of life moving to its own rhythms. Those who stop a while can choose their own relaxation, ranging from hiking through woodlands to simply dawdling over fresh-baked pie and hot coffee at a friendly café.

Along the byway are communities which welcome travelers, farmlands, U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, a national park, homesteads dotting the hills and valleys, shops selling handmade Arkansas crafts, antique galleries, mountain overlooks, general stores, cafes and more.

Scenic 7 drivers often catch glimpses of deer, raccoons, possums and an occasional elk grazing in the meadows. Overhead, hawks and other feathered predators patrol the skies. Bald eagles are casual winter visitors.

Larger towns on Scenic 7 include Harrison, which calls itself the "Crossroads of the Ozarks" because of its central location. The town is close to the resort city of Eureka Springs as well as Branson, MO, with their many attractions and is an excellent hub for outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking.

A historic town square, antique stores, shopping, nearby tour caverns and other attractions make this a popular destination. Accommodations are plentiful, as are restaurants and cafes. Brochures, maps, and other information are available at the town's Chamber of Commerce as well as the state-run Tourist Information Center.

An old-fashioned town square, complete with inviting benches, anchors Jasper, located in the heart of Buffalo River country. Those who linger here might observe a cut-throat game of checkers or an impromptu concert on the square. Craft shops; lodging; and the appeal of nearby canoeing, hiking, fishing and outdoor activities are among the attractions here. The popular Ozark Ecotours, which feature guided excursions into the rugged countryside, are headquartered here.

Located between the Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains, Russellville is an excellent jumping-off point into either mountain chain. A bustling town, the city is home to Arkansas Tech University, shops filled with local crafts, lodging, restaurants and water recreation.

Lake Dardanelle, which contains 34,000 acres loaded with sport fish, such as bass and stripers, spreads westward from the city. The state park located along the lake features camping, hiking and boating.

Other attractions include the Bona Dea Sanctuary, which contains about six miles of fitness trails that wonder through protected wetlands, and the Arkansas River Visitors Center, which contains exhibits on the history of the Arkansas River as well as other information.

Just to the south is Dardanelle a historic town renowned for its stately old trees. It is a hub for visits to nearby state parks such as Lake Dardenelle, Petit Jean, and Mount Nebo.

One of the state's major tourist destinations, Hot Springs offers many attractions. America's only national park located within a city, Hot Springs contains historic bathhouses, lakes, resorts, art galleries, museums, antique shops, craft galleries, bed and breakfasts, elegant old hotels as well as excellent modern accommodations and horse racing at Oaklawn Park.

Forty-seven thermal springs, which give the city its name, are just some of the outdoor delights here. Others include hiking, fishing, boating and birdwatching.

Arkadelphia, at the highway's southern end, is home to Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State Universities. Fishing and other activities are available on the Ouachita River and at nearby DeGray Lake.

DeGray Lake Resort State Park, the state's only resort state park, is a destination in its own right. A large resort lodge, 18-hole championship golf course, marina, tennis, bicycle rentals, swimming, a restaurant and other attractions make this a complete "getaway" resort. The park offers outstanding opportunities for observing wildlife, including the eagle watch trips scheduled each winter.

The U.S. Forest Service keeps a watchful eye on public lands in the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests along the highway. Hiking trails, campgrounds, overlooks and other facilities are maintained by the agency.

Deep in the Ouachita forestlands at Jessieville, the service operates a popular Visitor Center which draws people from all over the world. Faculties were recently upgraded, including adding the sixth-tenths mile barrier-free Friendship Trail. A stocked pond at the site has barrier-free fishing.

Four miles north is the Iron Springs Recreation Area, one of the state's oldest recreation areas. Two picnic shelters and the dam there have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Forest Service records indicate the facility was reconstructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In the 1930s. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail crosses the highway about two miles north of Iron Springs. Also recently upgraded, the site has ramps allowing disabled people to visit the springs and three picnic tables built for accessibility.

In the Ozark National Forest, the Forest Service operates three campgrounds on or near Highway 7. Long Pool on the 67-mile-long Big Piney Creek is about six miles off the highway. A favorite with canoers, Long Pool contains primitive campsites as well as a natural mountain pool.

The 187-mile-long Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail cuts across the highway at Fairview Campground. Another primitive camping area, the site has city water, grills, tables and chemical toilets.

Eight miles west of the highway is Haw Creek Falls, also crossed by the Ozark Highlands Trail. The site has primitive camping facilities.

Improvements to Pedestal Rocks, a hiking area located six miles east of the Byway were recently completed. More trails with new overlooks and a better parking lot are among the projects that were added.

Alum Cove, a popular day use picnic site, includes a one mile loop trail that crosses a natural bridge. Carved by water, the bridge spans 130 feet.

Lodging can be found all along the highway. In addition to campgrounds, accommodations include cabins, bed and breakfast inns, motels and hotels. Reservations are a good idea, especially spring through fall.

The most difficult part of any journey along Scenic 7 is deciding where to start. Anywhere along the highway lies adventure, a sense of the unexpected.