Autumn is a beautiful time in Arkansas. Thankfully, the Natural State offers many, many excellent places to view breathtaking landscapes covered in fall colors. Whether you're moving, traveling, or just ready for that Fall feeling, we'll point you to a few of the best spots in Arkansas to see the stunning leaves of Fall!
The Ozark Mountains. Arkansas’ Northwest region is characterized by its wooded mountains. The Ozark Region, extending into Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, is made up of three different mountain regions. In northwest Arkansas, you can enjoy a ride on the “Pig Trail” through the Boston Mountains that will give you some amazing views. The foliage in the Boston Mountains region is plush, creating a brilliant spectrum of colors in the Fall. The Pig Trail runs up Highway 23 through the Ozark Highlands, and features steep, winding mountain turns. There is also a beautiful Scenic Route nearby, running through U.S. Hwy. 71 and Interstate 49, which features many locations to stop and take in a scenic bird’s-eye view.
Crowley’s Ridge. In the northeast corner of the state, you can discover another scenic drive opportunity. Crowley’s Ridge National Scenic Byway begins in St. Francis and winds south along the Ridge, ending in Helena. A trip down the Byway will provide excellent scenes of Autumn on the endless rolling hills. This area sits above the Mississippi alluvial plain and boasts some of the richest soil in the State, supporting flourishing foliage. Though it part of the Delta Region, Crowley’s Ridge is technically within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.
Mount Magazine. This Mountain is actually Arkansas’ tallest at 2,753 feet! Mount Magazine State Park is a great place to do some Fall leaf-viewing because there is so much to do. You can find epic views of the region’s trees from the top of the mountain, or you can take the Scenic Byway from the Lodge down state highway 309. The mountain and park provide a swath of nature trails and overlooks, not to mention the camping areas and cabins—all excellent places to enjoy Arkansas’ natural beauty in the Fall.
Ouachita National Forest. Visible from the peak of Mount Magazine, the Ouachita National Forest is “the oldest National Forest in the Southern United State.” The Ouachita Mountains are covered by endless woodland featuring several different varieties of Oak trees. The Talimena Scenic Byway on Arkansas Hwy. 1 is an excellent choice for discovering the natural beauty of this region during Fall. This scenic drive extends 54 miles between Mena, Arkansas and Talihina, Oklahoma, taking you over Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain.
