The Roads Less-Traveled

Not as Well Known Drives Offer Arkansas Fall Foliage Viewing

Every color associated with fall -- candy apple red, lime green, pumpkin orange, sunshine yellow, brassy bronze -- is on display in Arkansas during autumn, usually from mid-to-late October into November.

The Natural State has its noted drives: Scenic 7 Byway in the Ozarks, the Talimena National Scenic Byway in the Ouachitas, Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Parkway in the Delta, the Pig Trail in the Ozarks, and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway in the Delta, just to name a few. But there are numerous back roads that traverse small town Arkansas while affording some of the best scenery the state has to offer.

For more information on autumn activities, additional scenic drives and fall color updates, go to www.Arkansas.com/fa….

Workers at the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism suggest their favorite "off the beaten path" scenic drive. Below are their suggestions.

Richard W. Davies, executive director:

"I like Arkansas 22 from Dardanelle through Subiaco to Paris. It's sort of a mixture of pastures and mountains that is just, well, scenic. And Arkansas 21 out of Clarksville to Ponca is often overshadowed by the Pig Trail, and it can be spectacular."

Joe David Rice, tourism director:

"Arkansas 16 from Clinton all the way to Fayetteville can be spectacular when conditions are just right. It's a nice quiet drive through the very heart of the Ozarks, winding through quaint little towns like Crabtree, Ben Hur, Deer, Fallsville and a dozen or so others. Also, the roads in Village Creek State Park near Wynne are an unexpected fall delight in eastern Arkansas. Stop in at the park and visit The Ridges at Village Creek golf course even if you don't play the game. The scenery is gorgeous"

Leah DiPietro, communications manager

"The fall color on U.S. 64 traveling west from Russellville to Altus can be quite beautiful, and I've enjoyed many trips on this route. Six wineries now operate in the Altus area, and each provides free tours with tasting rooms."

A.C. "Chuck" Haralson, chief photographer:

"Take Arkansas 7 to Jasper where you can grab a great meal at the historic Ozark Café or overlook the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks while dining at the Cliff House Inn and Restaurant, then go right on Arkansas 74 East, a favorite of motorcyclists with scenic overlooks, windy roads and not much traffic. Take Arkansas 74 to Arkansas 374 West for more nice scenery and a view of Red Rocks, also a favorite of motorcyclists and sport car enthusiasts.

"Another one is from Mountain View. Take Arkansas 9 south to Arkansas 263 to Arkansas 14 then go east to Arkansas 341 for a less traveled route with some nice overlooks and great roads. Continue north to Arkansas 201 into Mountain Home."

Jill Rohrbach, travel writer for Northwest Arkansas:

"I think the Old 71 (Boston Mountains Scenic Loop/U.S. 71) and I-49 are beautiful. And, it's unique because U.S. 71 is less traveled now and gives a more intimate feel while the interstate gives sweeping vistas. Or how about Arkansas 154 up and over Petit Jean; Arkansas 74 along the Buffalo National River; Arkansas 59 from Siloam Springs to Fort Smith (not to be confused with the Highway 59 on the Oklahoma side); Arkansas 10 from Greenwood to Havana; or Arkansas 16 from Fayetteville to Greers Ferry?"

Kimberly Williams, travel writer for Eastern Arkansas:

"One of my favorite drives is Ark. 147 around Horseshoe Lake between West Memphis and Hughes. The road winds around the lake, which is so pretty, and then it crisscrosses through Delta farmland. There is a beautiful pecan grove that's probably over 200 years old. The drive also highlights some of the richest soil in the Arkansas Delta -- and the fields around you are abundant with the crops of the season. There are old abandoned shotgun houses and general stores that remind drivers the area was once a bustling agricultural community."

Sports on 10/13/2015

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