The scenery in Arkansas is brimming with beautiful vistas. Even better, you can enjoy some of the state’s most stunning sights from the comfort of your own car on one of Arkansas’ scenic drives – at least, that’s the case when traveling along one (or all) of Arkansas’ most beautiful backroads like the Highway 9 Scenic Drive. Follow along as we take a look at these best driving roads in Arkansas:

1. Scenic 7 Byway
Arkansas, USA
Newton County, Arkansas/Facebook
Not only is this Arkansas’ first state-designated scenic byway but it’s revered as one of the most scenic drives in America! Part of what makes the route so popular is the fact that it meanders through four of the state’s geographical regions, making for views that are as varied as they are stunning. For more details on Scenic 7 Byway, check out the Arkansas Department of Transportation website.

Follow along on a motorcycle trip along the Scenic 7 Byway:

2. Highway 365 North toward Conway
Arkansas 365, AR-365, North Little Rock, AR, USA
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook
If you're looking for "backroads near me," a scenic alternative to Interstate 40, this route is perfect for those traveling between Conway and Little Rock. Start the route by taking the first Maumelle exit after crossing the Arkansas River. From there, you’ll follow Highway 365 north towards Conway, passing stunning sights, including Lake Conway, along the way.
3. Bull Shoals Dam Route
153 Bull Shoals Dam Blvd, Bull Shoals, AR 72619, USA
KTrimble/Wikimedia Commons
Spanning 100 miles, this route boasts tons of lovely vistas, including sprawling farmlands, Crooked Creek, and Bull Shoals Lake, where you’ll cross the 256-foot-high Bull Shoals Dam.
4. Jasper Disaster
72401, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
arkansas.com
This 60-mile route has 316 curves, making it the state’s curviest route. The adrenaline-pumping ride is only made better by spectacular views. As you travel the Jasper Disaster, you’ll traverse a section of scenic Highway 7, towering mountains, and the Boxley Valley.

See what it's like to ride on the Jasper Disaster:

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5. Twisted Lady
Arkansas, USA
arkansas.com
Boasting just as much history as scenic beauty, this route through the Ozarks is named in honor of Belle Starr, a famous outlaw known as the Twisted Lady. Long ago, Starr used the trail to visit her paramour, Cole Younger, and his partners in crime, Frank and Jesse James.
6. Sylamore Scenic Byway
Arkansas 5, AR-5, Little Rock, AR, USA
jus Todd/Google
A Forest Service Scenic Byway, this route is nestled in the southeast corner of the Ozark National Forest. Beginning at Calico Rock and ending at Blanchard Springs Caverns with tons of hiking trails sandwiched in between, this route is a great choice for those who want to have some on-the-foot adventures along the way.

Here is some of what you'll see along the Sylamore Scenic Byway:

7. Interstate 530
Interstate 530, I-530, White Hall, AR, USA
Keith Yahl/Wikimedia Commons
Designated a scenic byway in 2001, this is one of the state’s newer vista-filled routes. Great for those seeking views on the go, it extends 15 miles, traversing a portion of Bayou Bartholomew, the world’s longest bayou.
8. Crowley’s Ridge Parkway
72450, Paragould, AR 72450, USA
arkansas.com
Arkansas’ first National Scenic Byway, this 198-mile-long route consists of more than a dozen highways, a couple of county roads, a slew of city streets, and some incredible sights, including upland hardwood forests, orchards, and a wide variety of recreational and historical sites. This is one of the best scenic drives in Arkansas.
9. Camden Expedition Scenic Byway
New Edinburg, AR 71660, USA
redheadedmama/Trip Advisor
Designated a state byway in 2021, this route focuses on the area’s rich heritage, running through the communities and towns impacted by the Camden Expedition of 1864. There are several points of interest along the byway, including Historic Washington State Park and Mark’s Mill Battleground State Park, giving you plenty of chances to get out and stretch your legs.

So, have you navigated any of the best driving roads in Arkansas? If so, which one(s) and what’d you think? Did we mention your favorite scenic route? Tell us!

When it comes to scenic drives in Arkansas, the Natural State has got plenty of them. However, one reigns supreme, and that’s because it offers an exhilarating adventure like no other! Take a look at one of the best drives in Arkansas and take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list before you hit the road!

 

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More to Explore

Day Trips Worth Seeing in Arkansas

William Suphan | February 13, 2023

What are some hidden gem attractions in Arkansas?

Hidden gem attractions in Arkansas include:

  • Moro Bay State Park. Locals and tourists seek this place out for fishing and kayaking through the lovely groves of Cypress.
  • Monster Mart. This strange place is a roadside stop in Fouke with a cryptozoological oddity on display called the Boggy Creek Monster.
  • Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This is the place to go for amazing vistas that overlook the lush forests as far as the eye can see.
  • Daisy State Park. Located at the base of the Ouachita mountain range, this is an excellent camping spot right next to Lake Greeson.

Find out more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Arkansas.

What are the best roadside attractions in Arkansas?

The best roadside attractions in Arkansas include

  • Humpty Dumpty. This effigy of the egg-shaped storybook character is located in Eureka Springs.
  • Old Flippin Jail Cell. Located in Flippin, this 12X9-foot jail cell that was built in 1928 was used to detain those arrested for fighting and public drunkenness. 
  • Mr. Peanut. The mascot of its namesake snack company stands near Fort Smith.
  • Popeye’s Garden. See the statue of the famous spinach-eating cartoon character in the tiny town of Alma.

Discover more about the best roadside attractions in Arkansas. 

What are the best day trip destinations in Arkansas?

The best day trip destinations in Arkansas include

  • Blue Spring Heritage Center. This 33-acre botanical garden in Blue Spring is a beautiful place that should not be missed.
  • Cotter. Fishermen come to this area on the White River for some of the best fishing in Arkansas. 
  • Rush. This is an old ghost town that is what is left of the zinc mining industry and the decaying buildings hold quite a bit of history.
  • Walnut Ridge. This small town has a restaurant on an old plane and holds an annual Beatles festival at the Ridge festival.

Learn more about these and more of the best day trip destinations in Arkansas.

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