route 7 from Hot Springs Arkansas

Bob806 wrote:
In early October, we are pulling our trailer from Cleveland to Hot Springs (Lake Catherine SP is the actual destination), then heading up to Petit Jean SP. 3 nights at Lake catherine, 4 at Petit Jean. From there, We still have about a week to explore.

So, should we head into eastern Oklahoma, or continue to venture in Arkansas? I was looking at Sequoyah SP in Oklahoma, or the vicinity of Mountain Home in north Ark. How about the Buffalo River NP area? We've never been in Arkansas or Oklahoma, just trying to discover America....thanks in advance.

In early October, you'll be too early for peak foliage in the Hot Springs area, and probably even at Petit Jean. If it were me, I'd head north to the Buffalo River area. The elk should be bugling in the Boxley Valley. From there, venture over to the Eureka Springs area and maybe up to Branson.

We are in the south, and peak foliage is normally right around the 1st of November, but you should see some color up toward Missouri.

Agree that you're probably ahead of the changing of the leaves, but this year has been so weird, who knows. Mountain Home is a charming, quaint town with antiquing and shopping. White River area with canoeing or rafting. Fishing is great. We recently made the trek from here in West TN to Durango, CO and didn't see a lot between western AR and OKC that would make us want to leave AR again. Before I'd head any further west, you might want to think Branson, MO...not terribly far. NW AR has several wine trails, if you're into that....which we are. At Alma, just off I-40 there are 5 within about 15 min of each other and all very nice. Eureka Springs area has another trail, which we have not taken, but the area is very scenic and very popular = reservations for sure. The original Bass Pro Shop is in Springfield and is an attraction in itself. You've got some great options in a relatively small area. I vote for AR and maybe into MO. BTW, if you're ex-military, Ft. Leonardwood is at Rolla, just slightly NE on I-44.

One more thought for Bob806: Plan your return through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways area of SE Missouri. The Park Service has campgrounds with hookups at Round Spring and Alley Spring. The Current and Jack's Fork Rivers are beautiful for canoeing, and there are lots of beautiful very large springs within a small area.

http://www.nps.gov/ozar/naturescience/springs.htm

Thanks folks...this is helping me a ton. We simply like to hike and seek waterfalls, play golf if its nearby, and just take in new scenery. Wine trails are good as well! I have found a few web sites that give info on swimming holes & waterfalls in the Buffalo River area, so we should have plenty to do. I'm leaning towards heading north into Missouri, then taking our time heading east off interstates. Safe travels everyone.

Thanks for all the input on AR 7. Some locals agreed with all your comments and added that 270 is also a good option.
I'll sleep on it tonight and decide while I hook up tomorrow morning.:h

the blue run wrote:
The state map shows a scenic route north from Hot Springs. I'm sure this road is hilly and crooked. The question is: If you have driven this route do you think it is safe? Also, is it scenic enough to warrant driving and pulling a 30' trailer or would it be better to go all the way up to Little Rock to take the Interstate west?

I've taken it w/ my 32' trailer as well as ridden it on my Harley. It's a great ride. You'll enjoy it.

We're in a 40ft DP + jeep and took route 7 from Ola to Hot Springs yesterday (thanks to comments we found here). The worst part of the road was the potholes and buckles and they don't give you any shoulder, but we took it slow. The grade and curves were fine for us. It was late in the day, saw lots of deer, a beautiful drive.

Western Arkansas is really nice. With your goal of seeing America I’m guessing the more western states are somewhere in your future. Hwy 7 is a good road for you to practice on. Hot springs has several fun things to do and the Jasper area is beautiful.