22 Dec 2009 Winter drive reveals striking features

Posted at 9:16 PMh in Travel by

Fall colors are wonderful in the area, and spring wildflowers abound. In winter, however, stone fireplaces in the cabins on Petit Jean and Mount Nebo beckon, and hardwoods stand bare and expose the rock falls, bluffs, streams and other striking features mostly hidden the remainder of the year.

The Arkansas River Valley region is a strange one, containing beautiful pastoral lands with a backdrop of some of the most impressive mountains in the state. Both valley and adjacent Arkansas mountains were carved, or not carved, by the flowing of the majestic river through time. This showcases dramatic vistas, famous Arkansas waterfalls, the Trail of Tears and the state’s most famous place of legend.

The drive begins at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, near Little Rock. From Pinnacle Mountain take Highway 10 and travel west, then north through the Ouachita Mountains on highways 10 and 9 to the town of Oppelo. Turn west on Highway 154 and begin an approach to Petit Jean Mountain.

Continue west on Highway 154. A few miles after dropping into the Arkansas River Valley, turn right on Highway 155 toward Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge.

Bird watchers may want to spend time here. The refuge is an excellent place to see eagles and waterfowl in winter and a variety of songbirds and raptors all year. However, Eagle Awareness Weekend is scheduled for Jan. 16 and 17. Planned programs include field trips to nearby Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge to look for wintering eagles and other birds. The event is free.

When Highway 155 intersects with Highway 7, turn right toward Dardanelle. At the stoplight in Dardanelle continue straight on Highway 23 and you’ll quickly come to the left turn to Mount Nebo – Highway 155 again. This beautiful, twisting drive zigzags up the mountainside. Trailers over 24 feet will not make some of the hairpin turns.

Retrace your drive to the town of Dardanelle. At the stoplight turn left onto Highway 7 and proceed through town and across the Arkansas River to Russellville. Stay on Highway 7 (Arkansas Avenue) into Downtown Russellville to Main Street (Highway 64). Turn left on Main follow Highway 64 West almost three miles to Highway 326. Turn left on 326 (Marina Road) and go about 2 miles to the entrance to Lake Dardanelle State Park.

For more information, go to: http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/trip-ideas/ .

Source: Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism