The fall color of the Ozarks is like nature’s grand finale before a gray winter takes the stage.
There may be no better use for a tank of gasoline than taking a fall foliage drive, maybe packing a picnic lunch and a list of sights to see along the way.
Here are some suggestions:
Arkansas 16
to Arkansas 7
Brian McKinzie gets around the Ozarks more than most people in his job as northwest enforcement supervisor with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He travels the northwest quarter of Arkansas and frequently drives from his home in Gravette to Little Rock.
“My absolute favorite, when it’s prime, is Highway 16 from the Washington-Madison county line, and east through Fallsville, Pettigrew and that area over to Highway 7,” he said.
From there, travelers can head north on Arkansas 7 toward Jasper. The highway follows a high ridge part of the way to Jasper for majestic, lofty views of the Ozarks hill country. A drive south on Arkansas 7 to Russellville is another scenic route.
Arkansas 59
Another of McKinzie’s favorites is the drive up from Gravette to Noel, Mo. From Noel head east on Missouri 90 to Jane, Mo., and Interstate
- Missouri 90 is a twisting, hilly route that is forested most of the way.
“It’s so colorful it looks like somebody painted it,” McKinzie said.
Pea Ridge
The seven-mile tour road through Pea Ridge National Military Park is a fall foliage drive that is enjoyed at a slow, scenic pace. The drive through the battlefield where the Battle of Pea Ridge was fought in 1862 is pretty anytime, but especially in autumn, said Kevin Eads, superintendent.
“A point to see a vast area of color is the east overlook along the tour road. People can see for miles,” Eads said.
The loop is mostly hardwood trees. Deer, wild turkey and quail may be seen along the way. There’s a picnic area and lots to see at the visitor center, including a free movie about the Battle of Pea Ridge.
Twain National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest is nearby in Missouri, northeast of Seligman. Mo. Here travelers can cruise the Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway about eight miles north of Seligman, off Missouri 112, two miles south of Roaring River State Park.
A large sign marks the start of the drive. Turn east on the gravel road and follow it eight miles through the national forest to Missouri 86. The route includes a picnic area. From Missouri 86, travelers can drive four miles to Roaring River State Park, or south on Missouri 86 to Table Rock Lake. More southbound driving takes travelers to Eureka Springs.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway
Dora Brach of Lowell logs hundreds of Ozark miles as president of the Hill ‘N Dale Hiking Club. The group travels to a different trail each week during the fall.
One of her favorite drives is the byway, which is basically Arkansas 16 east from Fayetteville to Arkansas 23 at Brashears, then south on Arkansas 23 to Ozark. Pig Trail gets its name from drivers heading to Fayetteville from Little Rock for Razorbacks games.
A few more:
• Arkansas 12 through Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area east of Rogers.
• To the top of White Rock Mountain. The drive begins along Arkansas 23 at Cass.
• Arkansas 21 and Arkansas 23 around Kingston, Marble and Boxley.
• Interstate 49 from Fayetteville south to Alma.