The Road Less Traveled: Arkansas Fall Foliage Scenic Drives
Arkansas delivers unforgettable views in every season, but fall turns The Natural State into a living canvas. Hillsides blaze with candy apple reds, pumpkin oranges and brassy bronzes, accented by flashes of lime green and sunshine yellow. From mid-October through November, trails, lakeshores and scenic byways become prime spots to witness the season’s bold transformation.
The Natural State has its noted drives: Scenic 7 Byway in the Ozarks, the Talimena National Scenic Byway in the Ouachitas, Crowley’s Ridge National Scenic Parkway in the Delta, the Pig Trail in the Ozarks, and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway in the Delta, just to name a few. Alongside these celebrated routes are countless lesser-known drives that wind through small-town Arkansas, offering their own blend of striking scenery and unexpected stops.
Drive Arkansas 16 from Clinton to Fayetteville
Arkansas 16 from Clinton to Fayetteville delivers a show worth the drive. It cuts through the heart of the Ozarks, curling past hillsides and weaving through towns like Crabtree, Ben Hur, Deer, Fallsville, and a handful more.
Drive U.S. 64
The fall color on U.S. 64 traveling west from Russellville to Altus packs a colorful punch. Start the day at Lake Dardanelle State Park off Marina Road in Russellville, with its views of the lake. The park’s lakeshore visitor center features exhibits that bring the area’s history and natural story to life. After leaving the park, turn left onto Marina Road and follow it to the end. Then take another left onto U.S. 64 west, which leads to Altus and Arkansas Wine Country. Local wineries offer tours and tastings, while downtown Altus honors the area’s coal mining heritage.
Drive Ark. 7 to Jasper
If you take Ark. 7 to Jasper, you can grab a meal at the historic Ozark Café or overlook the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks while dining at the Cliff House Inn and Restaurant, then go right on Ark. 74 east, a favorite of motorcyclists with scenic overlooks, windy roads and not much traffic. Take Ark. 74 to Ark. 374 west for more scenery and a view of Red Rocks, also a favorite of motorcyclists. From there go south on Ark. 7 to Lurton and take Ark. 123 to make a side trip to Sam’s Throne parking lot. A short hike from here takes you to great rock formations and a beautiful overlook of Sam’s Throne. Continue north back up to U.S. 65.
Drive Village Creek State Park
The roads in Village Creek State Park near Wynne are a fall delight in eastern Arkansas. While there you can stop at the park and play a round at The Ridges at Village Creek golf course.
Drive. U.S. 82
U.S. 82 cuts across southern Arkansas, offering a drive through varied terrain, small towns, and state parks. Extend your trip with a cabin stay at Moro Bay State Park or a waterfront one at Lake Chicot State Park.
Drive to Perryville
Heading toward Pinnacle Mountain on Ark. 10 is always a pretty drive, but roll through in the fall and you get a real show. By the time you’re on that stretch, you’re in the foothills of the Ouachitas, where every turn seems to bring another postcard view. From Ark. 10, take Ark. 113 past Wye Mountain, turning on Ark. 300 for a loop around Lake Maumelle back to Ark. 10.
Drive to Scott and Keo
U.S. 165 southeast out of Little Rock takes you through the farmlands of Scott and Keo, two special small towns in central Arkansas. You’re in the flatlands, so it’s a different type of scenic drive. The crops take on a color all their own, and the fields stretch out before you. At Scott, you can stop at the Plantation Agriculture Museum and Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, formerly Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, and Scott Plantation Settlement.