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Join the Discussion "My favorite Arkansas attraction is either Pinnacle Mountain State Park (it's nice because it is really close to Little Rock and you can just go anytime. I normally go at least once a month in the summer time just to walk and have lunch) or the Hot Springs Aquarium." What's your favorite place?

Related Resources • Tour Arkansas • Tourism • Downtown Hot Springs

From Other Guides • Oregon's Scenic Highway • Georgia Scenic Drives • Wyoming Drives

Elsewhere on the Web • Other Scenic Byways in the Ozarks • Scenic Drives • A Guide To The Ouachita National Forest • Scenic 7 in Arkansas

If quaint towns, beautiful mountains, outstretched lakes, friendly people, history and never ending forest sound good to you, you should spend a day exploring Arkansas Scenic Highway 7.

Over 60 miles of the highway pass through the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests. This 60 mile section has been designated by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the system of National Forest Scenic Byways. The entire highway spans from the Louisiana state line, near El Dorado, to Diamond City, Arkansas which is near the Missouri state line.

Throughout the drive the traveler is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. You can choose to sit back and take a relaxing drive or you can stop along the way at one of the many recreation areas or natural features that litter the highway. The scenic region of the highway is noted for its cliffs, bluff lines, waterfalls and wildlife observation. There are also unlimited opportunities to canoe, fish and hike on three national recreation trails that are found along the route. The nature minded tourist can experience Arkansas' natural beauty at its best in this unspoiled part of the state.

However, the tourist who wants to see Southern hospitality and charm at its best can also benefit from a nice drive down Highway 7. The highway passes through many quaint towns that are tourist friendly. Along the way, you will see Arkadelphia, DeGray Lake, Hot Springs National Park and its bath houses, Lake Ouachita, Ouachita National Forest, Like Nimrod, the Arkansas River Valley, Lake Dardanelle, the Ozark National Forest, Dogpatch USA, the Buffalo National River and Harrison.

Many of these towns have museums, tourist shops and boutiques that are perfect for the tourist who wants to get an inside look at Arkansas life. A trip down the highway can bring tourists into cities they never thought of visiting and to adventures that they never expected. Driving the highway has something to offer everyone.

Have fun!

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