Best route Branson MO to Hot Springs AR?

[MarkieBob]

I see on the Good Sam trip router the distance going Hiway 7 to Hot Springs is 193 miles/4:40 hours from Branson. Highway 65 thru Littlerock is 221 miles 4:53 hours. It appears highway 7 is much curvier but still takes less time? What is your experience with the best route to take?

[MarkieBob]

Wow, Thanks folks. 65 it is.

[N7SJN]

One thing that no one has mentioned, logging trucks. I'm originally from the Harrison, AR area and for me there is no question 65 for sure.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

don't take hwy 7. Definitely 65.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

AR Hwy 7 isn't faster for sure.

65 to I-40 to I-430 to I-30 to US-70 is the fastest and easiest route

I've towed my TT over it a few times. All of it, from the LA line to near the MO line in many trips - not the whole thing in one, but I've towed over every inch of the highway.

It does have some very twisty stretches.

But almost 50 years ago, I was towing a 23 ft boat over Hwy 7 at age 15, and have made a lot of trips on the highway since. Familarity and practice make it a moderately interesting drive for me, and I always detour at the Arkansas River to Petit Jean.

[LadyRVer]

Drove 7 years ago. No way would I want to take a rv of any type on it.

[Dave_and_Sue]

Another vote for 65.Drove 7 in the truck only and it was bad enough.Way twisty.

[BB_TX]

When I check google maps, it says 7 is 11 minutes slower than 65.

Not towing I would take 7. Towing I would take 65.

[Isaac-1]

7 is a scenic highway, it has been a few years since I was last on it, but when I last drove it there were few resupply stops

[azdryheat]

Google Maps says take the 65. Me, I'd stay outta the Ozarks, way too twisty for my trailer.