Boston Mountains Scenic Loop/U.S. 71 and I-540
Two very different roads crossing the highest part of the Ozark
Mountains combine to make the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop one of the
Natural State's most interesting driving tours and most scenic motorcycle rides.
Following a former stagecoach route, U.S. 71 rises and falls, twists
and turns through the Boston mountain range, allowing travelers to
intimately experience the rugged terrain. Along the way are small
mountain towns, roadside farms, antique and other shops, and travel
courts.
Not far to the west, I-540 defeats the mountains streams, valleys and
ridges with several soaring bridges and a tunnel carrying the speeding
traffic of a super-highway.
Both routes offer impressive mountain vistas. I-540s cleared
right-of-way is sufficiently broad to give those traveling 70 m.p.h. a
good look at the countryside; the Boston Loop on U.S. 71 offers many locations to pull off
the road and commune with the mountains. There are also plenty of opportunities along the route to go hiking in the Ozarks.
ROUTE: The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop consists of two
state-designated scenic byways, U.S. 71 and Interstate 540, both of
which run
between Alma and Fayetteville in
Northwest Arkansas.
LENGTH: U.S. 71, 42 miles; I-540, 38 miles.
MAPS
THINGS TO KNOW:
Shopping, lodging and dining are available in Alma at the southern end of the Boston loop and
Fayetteville at the north end.
Cabins and camping are available near the Boston loop at Devil's Den State Park,
at the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area and at the
Lake Weddington Recreation Area.
MAJOR BOSTON MOUNTAIN RANGE ATTRACTIONS:
REGIONAL TOURISM INFORMATION:
