Misty mountains, folk music, and scenic backroads
Nature

Misty mountains, folk music, and scenic backroads

Misty mountains, folk music, and scenic backroads

Lampe, MO 65681Little Rock, AR 72202

4 days14 stops
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4
Days
14
Stops
4
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Region

Lampe, MO 65681Little Rock, AR 72202

Ramble through the misty Ozark highlands on a folksy, unhurried journey from Missouri to Arkansas. Float the bluff-lined Buffalo National River, hike to iconic overlooks, and explore the enchanting Victorian streets of Eureka Springs.

Trip highlights

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag)
Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag)
Ozark Folk Center State Park
Ozark Folk Center State Park
Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park

The route

  1. 1Lampe, MO 65681Start · 36.5912, -93.3361
  2. 2Dogwood Canyon Nature ParkStop · 36.5305, -93.4612
  3. 3Boxley Valley Historic DistrictStop · 36.0190, -93.3574
  4. 4Buffalo Outdoor Center CabinsStop · 36.0566, -93.3699
  5. 5Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag)Stop · 35.9399, -93.3888
  6. 6Downtown Eureka SpringsStop · 36.4019, -93.7375
  7. 7Thorncrown ChapelStop · 36.4173, -93.7715
  8. 81886 Crescent Hotel & SpaStop · 36.4083, -93.7374
  9. 9Ozark Folk Center State ParkStop · 35.8807, -92.1171
  10. 10Blanchard Springs CavernsStop · 35.9645, -92.1795
  11. 11The Ozark GrilleStop · 36.0007, -92.4753
  12. 12The Abbaye at SubiacoStop · 35.2988, -93.6332
  13. 13Mount Magazine State ParkStop · 35.1748, -93.6189
  14. 14Petit Jean State ParkStop · 35.1163, -92.9356
  15. 15The Root CafeStop · 34.7342, -92.2735
  16. 16Little Rock, AR 72202End · 34.7335, -92.2859

Day 2

Dogwood Canyon Nature ParkHighlight
Outdoor Adventure

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Explore a 10,000-acre outdoor paradise with paved trails perfect for walking or biking, leading past towering bluffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams teeming with trout.

Photo by Zen Cat

Boxley Valley Historic District
Scenic Viewpoint

Boxley Valley Historic District

Drive through a serene valley known for its historic barns, lush pastures, and the resident elk herd, often visible grazing at dawn and dusk. This scenic drive encapsulates the rural charm of the Buffalo River area.

Photo by Eric Treadwell -GEOTREAD-

Buffalo Outdoor Center Cabins
Lodging

Buffalo Outdoor Center Cabins

Settle into a cozy, rustic cabin nestled in the woods near the Buffalo National River, offering the perfect basecamp for exploring one of America's most beautiful and undammed waterways.

Photo by Daniel Morbitzer

Day 3

Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag)Highlight
Outdoor Adventure

Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag)

Embark on a spectacular 3-mile round-trip hike through the forest to reach one of the most photographed spots in Arkansas. The crag juts out over the valley, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the Ozark National Forest.

Photo by Mark Alexander

Downtown Eureka Springs
Historical Site

Downtown Eureka Springs

Wander through the winding, hilly streets of this unique Victorian mountain town. The entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, filled with preserved architecture, quirky shops, art galleries, and hidden springs.

Thorncrown Chapel
Culture Arts

Thorncrown Chapel

Visit a stunning architectural marvel tucked away in the woods. This glass-and-wood chapel features 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, creating a serene and uplifting space that feels at one with nature.

1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
Lodging

1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa

Stay at the 'Grand Old Lady of the Ozarks,' a historic hotel perched above the town. Famous for its beautiful architecture, stunning views, and ghost stories, it offers a unique and memorable lodging experience.

Day 4

Ozark Folk Center State ParkHighlight
Culture Arts

Ozark Folk Center State Park

Immerse yourself in Ozark heritage at this unique park dedicated to preserving the region's music, crafts, and culture. Watch artisans at work in their shops and enjoy live performances of traditional folk music.

Photo by brian priddy

Blanchard Springs Caverns
Outdoor Adventure

Blanchard Springs Caverns

Descend into a stunning 'living' cave system filled with spectacular, actively-forming crystalline formations. Guided tours take you through massive, beautifully lit rooms deep underground.

Photo by Manaswini B

The Ozark Grille
Dining

The Ozark Grille

Enjoy classic American comfort food at a beloved local diner known for its friendly service, retro atmosphere, and famous chocolate gravy. It's an authentic taste of small-town Arkansas.

Photo by James Hazlett

The Abbaye at Subiaco
Lodging

The Abbaye at Subiaco

Experience a truly unique and peaceful night's stay at the guesthouse of a working Benedictine monastery. The serene grounds and beautiful Romanesque architecture offer a tranquil retreat after a day of driving.

Photo by Amanda Davidson

Day 5

Mount Magazine State Park
Scenic Viewpoint

Mount Magazine State Park

Drive to the highest point in Arkansas for unparalleled views across the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. The park offers several short hiking trails along the dramatic cliff edges.

Photo by Ryan Scott

Petit Jean State ParkHighlight
Outdoor Adventure

Petit Jean State Park

Explore Arkansas's first state park, a land of ancient geology and rich history. Hike the popular Cedar Falls Trail to see a stunning 95-foot waterfall cascading into a lush canyon.

Photo by Caroline Chapman

The Root Cafe
Dining

The Root Cafe

Celebrate the end of your Ozark journey with a farm-to-table meal at this award-winning cafe in Little Rock. Known for its commitment to local farmers and producers, it offers a delicious and authentic taste of Arkansas.

Photo by The Root Cafe

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Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Explore a 10,000-acre outdoor paradise with paved trails perfect for walking or biking, leading past towering bluffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams teeming with trout.

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