National Forest Scenic Byways Beckon
Travelers
Any Time of Year
Winter, spring, summer, fall. Arkansas' seven scenic byways can be enjoyed
all year long. From the peacefulness of dogwood blossoms in the spring to the
brilliance of fall colors, travelers along any of the byways are treated to
an experience they can only get in the Ozark Mountains or along the Mississippi
River Valley on the St. Francis National Forest.
Since May of 1988, over 90 highways or portions of highways across the Nation have been designated as a National Forest
Scenic Byway. Scenic Byways highlight outstanding cultural,
historic and simply beautiful areas located on a national
forest. The Natural State has seven highways with this national
designation.
CLIMATE
The Ozark Region has four distinct
seasons with a temperature range from 10-15 degrees below
zero to over 100 degrees F. Winters have occasional cold
periods of brief duration with daily temperatures near zero
in January and February. Annual precipitation measures around
50 inches, but the range may vary considerably from this
average. Snowfall occurs in the forest covering the ground
from a few hours to occasional extended periods of up to
several days. The area can offer comparatively snow-free
outdoor recreation opportunities during the winter months.
However, be prepared for occasional cold weather during the
winter, especially at the higher elevations of the Forests.
OVERVIEW
SCENIC 7 BYWAY includes 60.6 miles of Highway 7
that connects Louisiana to Missouri through Arkansas. It
crosses the Piedmont area of Arkansas through the Ouachita
Mountains, then drops into the Arkansas River Valley near
Russellville before once more climbing into the Ozark Highlands.
Scenic 7 takes the traveler through two national forests
and a national park, over a national river, and by several
state parks.
OZARK HIGHLANDS BYWAY includes 35 miles of Highway 21
north of Clarksville in Johnson County to the Upper Buffalo
Wilderness and Buffalo National River in Newton County. This
is truly a "highland route," crossing ridges between
the headwaters of major streams. Traveling the byway from south
to north you will find the historic Ozone Recreation Area and
a trailhead for access to the Ozark Highlands Trail. The Mulberry,
Big Piney and Buffalo Rivers are accessed from this road and
provide many canoe launching sites. Common sightings include
elk, eagles, and deer.
SYLAMORE SCENIC BYWAY is made up of a 26.5 mile portion
of Highways 5 and 14, and Forest Service Road 1110. The route
goes through a park-like portion of the Ozark National Forest
which leads visitors to Blanchard Springs Caverns. The Byway
is also a major link to Mountain View to the south and the
mountain community of Calico Rock to the North.
PIG TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY includes 19 miles of Highway
23 between the towns of Ozark and Brashears. The Pig Trail
is a major route to the northwest Arkansas cities of Fayetteville,
Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville. This route provides access
to well-known locations such as Eureka Springs, Beaver and
Table Rock Lakes and to the nationally-known craft fair at
War Eagle. When driving this byway on an autumn weekend,
visitors often encounter carloads of people wearing bright
red hog hats and yelling "Wooo-pig-sooee" out the
windows while on their way to Arkansas Razorback games.
MT. MAGAZINE SCENIC BYWAY leads travelers across
the top of Mt. Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas. It
includes a 20.4 mile segment of Highway 309 south of Paris
to Havana in Logan County, Arkansas. The byway passes Cove
Lake Recreation Area and the Cove Lake Trail. From the mountain,
visitors can see hundreds of miles.
ST. FRANCIS SCENIC BYWAY is a winding 21-mile route,
part of the designated Great River Road. The byway is located
between the cities of Helena/West Helena and Marianna. It
passes Bear Creek and Storm Creek Lakes and the Mississippi
and St. Francis River Valleys.
TALIMENA SCENIC BYWAY is a 54-mile byway spans one of the highest mountain
ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies. One breathtaking panorama
follows another as this national forest scenic byway winds along the crests
of forested mountains between Mena, AR and Talihina, OK. No matter what your
preferred recreational activity is, the Byway and the Winding Stair Mountain
National Recreation Area are sure to please every visitor.
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