RV Traveler's Roadmap to Scenic Highway 7 Drive Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. Arguably one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in 1921 near El Dorado. 1 Highlights & Facts For The Ideal Experience Petit Jean State Park Trip Length: Roughly 290 miles, plus side trips Best Time To Go: Year round What to Watch Out For: Steep grades make some roads off limits to RVs. Must See Nearby Attractions: Little Rock (state capital) Eureka Springs (mountainside resort community) Ozark Folk Center State Park (exhibits on Ozark mountain culture, mountain view) 2 Traveler's Notes Mount Magazine State Park Near Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bathhouse Row of Hot Springs National Park. Continuing though the forested Ouachitas, it passes through the Ouachita National Forest and by Lake Nimrod, then reaches Russellville and crosses the more level terrain of the Arkansas River Valley. Leaving the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, and the Ozark National Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper on its way to Harrison. Just before Scenic 7 sharply twists its way down to Jasper, stop at the Cliff House Inn and Restaurant, for a great meal and amazing vistas of the "Grand Canyon of the Ozarks." A quaint small town square boasting several antique shops awaits visitors at Jasper. Across from the Newton County Courthouse is a legendary diner -- the Ozark Cafe. 3 What To See Along the Way Hot Springs Long Pool Recreation Area Lake Ouachita State Park Rotary Ann Overlook Ouachita National Forest Pedestal Rocks Holla Bend National Wildlife Ref. Alum Cove Natural Bridge Rec Area Petit Jean State Park Grand Canyon of the Ozarks Dardanelle Buffalo National River Mt. Nebo State Park Mystic Caverns Mt. Magazine Harrison Ozark National Forest 4 Facts & More Information To Plan Your Trip! Pedestal Rocks Hot Springs: Located in the Ouachita Mountains among the U.S. Interior Highlands, and is set among several natural hot springs for which the city is named. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge: A 6,486 acre wildlife refuge located 5 miles southeast of Dardanelle. Petit Jean State Park: Features the 21 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, year-round camping, a mountain lodge, cabins, restaurant, and scenic views from atop. Dardanelle: A city of historic homes, giant trees and friendly people. Located in the shadow of Mount Nebo and on the banks of the Arkansas River. Mt. Nebo State Park: Scenic views from 1,350 feet in this rugged park with camping, mountain biking, hang gliding & more. Mt. Magazine: The park is a place to enjoy sightseeing, exploring the mountain and nature study. Rotary Ann Overlook: Affords an endless view of the jagged Ozark Mountains. Alum Cove Natural Bridge Rec Area: Designed primarily for visitors to be close to nature. Grand Canyon of the Ozarks: Actually a collapsed cave, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks is a wide-valley carved by the Buffalo River. Buffalo National River: The first National River to be designated in the United States. Mystic Caverns: Located on the Arkansas Highway 7 Scenic Byway near the defunct amusement park Dogpatch USA. Ready, set, go! Presented by: Great RV Escapes 7071 Warner Ave. Suite F120, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (888) 727.1118.