15 Oct 2015 Enjoying the 501 in autumn

Posted at 6:00 PMh in Travel by

Story and photos
by Linda Henderson

Summer’s long progression is over. I enjoy the green foliage, long days, fresh vegetables and fruit that summer has to offer. But by the first of September, I have tired of the hot cars, steaming asphalt, humidity and fear that the air conditioner is going to give up the ghost.

There is something magical about Arkansas in autumn. As the fall approaches, the air cools, the days shorten and the fall foliage changes from green to a golden red hue. As fall advances, I start thinking — road trip!

There are many long twisting roads throughout the 501 that will provide a showcase of autumn’s finest sights. There are many different types of topography that show off fall’s palette in the counties of the 501. Cleburne, Van Buren, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring have mountain vistas, rock ledges and rewarding climbs and hikes to panorama views. Conway, Faulkner, Saline and Pulaski counties have beautiful bodies of waters to catch incredible fall reflections. The delta counties, White and Lonoke, will show off the end of the season’s color with hard woods and cypress groves.

When it comes to fall road trips, planning is extremely important in order to catch autumn’s colors at its peak. Generally in Arkansas, color changes begin in the north in mid-October and proceed through Central Arkansas into late October and mid-November.

There are many scenic byways in The Natural State, and many of these are within the 501. One of the best-known Arkansas scenic drives is Highway 7. The highway enters the 501 at the Perry County line near Fourche Junction and continues down into Hot Springs. The drive includes the Ouachita National Forest. Highway 7 features views of streams, creeks and rivers with panoramic mountain top views.

Another fun drive is the Hot Springs National Park Tour. The drive traverses the national park that surrounds the city. The eight-mile loop begins at Bathhouse Row and crisscrosses its way to the 216-foot high observation tower. The tower elevates you to 1,256 feet above sea level. It overlooks 140 miles of beautiful Arkansas countryside, including Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita Mountains. There is an admission charge to enter the tower, and during the fall it is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A beautiful fall scene in Conway County.

A beautiful Central Arkansas drive is Highway 154 from Oppelo west to Petit Jean Mountain. Be sure and drive around the top of the mountain and enjoy the views of the Arkansas River Valley from the Stout’s Point and Red Bluff Drive. Head south on Highway 155 to Casa then east on Highway 10.

Capturing fall colors

While you are out and about checking out these stretches of road on the 501 scenic highways and byways, stop and take some photographs. Here are a few photo ideas for capturing your road trip.

Stop along the way and capture the road and fall foliage. Roads and highways often make appealing subjects. Winding tree-lined road photos suggest depth and guide the viewer into the scene.

Try to find fall leaves around water. Reflections of fall color are always a favorite.

Photos made of fall’s shades from a mountain top are almost always breath-taking.

Capture the foliage color from underneath the tree and always take pictures of individual colored leaves.

If you shoot with a DSLR, choose daylight or cloudy setting. Fall leaves always looks their best when shot with a warmer white balance. You might even want to add a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and autumn colors.

If you use a point and shoot camera, check the menu for a warm color setting and choose the landscape or mountain mode.

In the fall, the best photography light will always be sunrise to 10 a.m. and then again after 4 p.m. to sunset.

During the day, sightsee and plan where you will be and what you will photograph next. When you get home, always share your beautiful Arkansas photos with family and friends. You might even consider having a few printed or make a photo book to preserve memories of a 501 road trip. 

Linda Henderson
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