As the Natural State, Arkansas has several scenic drives that showcase its diverse geography: the Ozark Mountains and the peaceful Delta plains. If traveling from one of Arkansas' major airport's, you won't have to travel far to enjoy the natural beauty it has to offer. Within an hour, you can start your scenic road trips providing stunning views through lush forests, quaint historic towns, and back to placid waterways.
Whether you're looking for an instant nature escape, a scenic drive, or a delightful add-on for travel plans, these drives near the airports in Arkansas are guaranteed to create meaningful experiences.
The Scenic 7 Byway is just a quick trip from Little Rock National Airport as one of the prettiest scenic drives in Arkansas. This scenic road meanders deep into the Ouachita Mountains and will wow you with stunning mountain views, lush pine trees, and soothing lakes. As we journey through Scenic 7, you see the town of Hot Springs and perhaps because of the mineral contradictions, it is famed for its natural thermal baths, the dynamic art scene, and the charming downtown area with its variety of shops and dining. Another stop to take a good break is DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Arkansas' only resort state park which allows you to boat, fish, hike, and lodge in comfortable proximity to nature.
About an hour away from the Northwest Arkansas National Airport is the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, which is a favorite route for both motorcyclists and nature enthusiasts. This picturesque ride snakes its way through the heart of the Ozark National Forest and features breathtaking ridgelines, timbered valleys, and lush green scenery. In the fall, the drive is enchanting with the forest coming to life in brilliant shades of crimson, gold, and amber. This is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the splendours the season brings absent the barrier of a steel cage. Whether you are traversing the road on a motorcycle or casually driving a vehicle, the Pig Trail Scenic Byway is nothing short of a natural wonder.
Starting at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport, Crowley’s Ridge Parkway enables a distinct scenic road trip along a unique topographical feature that rises above the flatness of the Delta region, creating sweeping views along an assortment of cultural and natural areas. Scenic destinations can include quaint small towns, state parks, and historical sites that could include, but are not limited to, Civil War battlefields and Native American mounds. The Crowley’s Ridge Parkway will allow you to travel through an area rich in scenic beauty and historical significance—one of the more unique regions in Arkansas for sure!
In a short drive from Fort Smith Regional Airport, lies the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop with two distinct experiences through the magnificent Ozarks. The traveler has a choice of Interstate 49 for a faster direct drive or to take in the scenic U.S. Route 71 to experience the sumptuous ruggedness of the Ozarks at a leisurely pace. Both routes involve driving up through the lofty Boston Mountains with towering cliffs, dense timber and scenic overlooks. What's unique to this experience along the way is Devil's Den State Park, which is famous for its scenic hiking trails, amazing rock formations, and caves - a good diversion for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway is another exciting route from Fort Smith Regional Airport to venerable Mount Magazine, atop the highest peak in Arkansas. This drive will take you on high; giving you views of valleys and mountain ridges which are overlooked frequently along the route, especially in the Mount Magazine State Park. The state park is mostly undeveloped with the opportunity for hang gliding, hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. You can have peace or excitement on this scenic byway, you will certainly be very happy with the surrounding panoramic beauty or magnificent high altitudes.
The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway commences just outside of Clarksville Municipal Airport and traverses Highway 21, slicing through the stunning Ozark National Forest. A beautiful route along the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway offers travelers a sense of untouched wilderness and natural beauty.
The bluffs seem to rise out of the clear waters of the streams like natural art, dense forests surround travelers and the vast expanses of wilderness provide lots of areas to explore: from well-marked, scenic hiking trails to cascading waterfalls to the remarkable Buffalo National River, the first national river pebble - overflowing with stunning limestone cliffs and clear blue waters.
It is a must-see drive for anyone wanting to lose themselves in nature, solitude, and adventure.
Starting just beyond Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport, the Talimena Scenic Drive goes into Oklahoma, giving travelers one of the best, panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains. This scenic byway scampers along the top of Rich Mountain and provides spectacular views to the east and west, especially in the fall when the vibrant reds, oranges, and gold foliage covers the entire view. A very popular stop will be in Queen Wilhelmina State Park that has hiking, camping and the historic lodge, which makes a great place to stop for two reasons: for a place to rest and relax and the chance to enjoy hiking and camping in the natural beauty of the area.
About an hour from Little Rock National Airport lies a hidden gem. Richland Creek Wilderness is an adventurous scenic drive for people wanting solitude and raw nature, not something that was paved for tourists. This drive will take you through rugged, unspoiled, thick forests, past running waters and beautiful waterfalls, all contributing to the calm and refreshing ambiance of the wilderness. If you want a scenic drive where you can actually unplug and get away from it all, Richland Creek Wilderness is there to meet you. It is the perfect getaway for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone else wanting to connect with nature in Arkansas.
Accessible via Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport, the tour around Lake Ouachita is a peaceful sight of one of America's most pristine lakes. Located in the Ouachita Mountains, this tour offers tourists stunning sights of sparkling waters bordered by wood-laden hillsides. Both visitors and outdoor enthusiasts themselves cherish this route, which greets guests to unwind and indulge in activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking along the lake shores. In search of solitude or thrills, the Lake Ouachita scenic drive perfectly captures Arkansas's beauty and serenity of nature.
Beginning close to Helena-West Helena Municipal Airport, the Delta Heritage Trail provides a distinct driving experience of the Mississippi Delta's rich cultural heritage. Along the way, there are historic sites, wetlands, and chances to explore the area's musical and agricultural heritage.
Arkansas's varied landscapes and rich heritage provide a haven for scenic drives. Whether you're landing at Little Rock, Fort Smith, or any other local airport, a road trip to remember is just an hour off. From the mountain heights of the Ozarks to the peaceful Delta plains, these drives provide travelers with an opportunity to experience the state's natural beauty up close.
So, the next time you find yourself in Arkansas, consider taking the road less traveled. These scenic drives not only provide a feast for the eyes but also a deeper appreciation for the Natural State's unparalleled charm.
This content was created by AI