Aptly named the “Natural State,” Arkansas is brimming with spectacular scenery from the Ozarks mountains to the Ouachita National Forest. You can hike to a mountain lookout, go kayaking on a river, and soak in natural hot springs all in one day!
Practically crossing the state from north to south, the Arkansas Scenic Byway 7 is nationally recognized, and for a good reason.
It passes through both the Ozark mountains and Ouachita National Forest, plus beautiful pine groves and picturesque farmland.
One of the prettiest drives through the Ozark mountains, Highway 21 is a relatively short but absolutely jaw-dropping drive in Arkansas.
The route passes by five of the mountain rivers in the Ozarks: The Buffalo, the Kings, the White, the Big Piney Creek, and the Mulberry.
Cruising along the winding roads over Rich Mountain and Winding Star Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest, every mile of this drive is full of incredible views.
All along the route, you’ll find access to some of the most popular hiking trails in the Ouachita National Forest, like the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Trails, the Billy Creek Trail, and the Earthquake Ridge Trail.