However there were signs of hope near the more scenic mountain areas. I think the state has done a poor job of exploiting one of natures wonders and has wasted a great opportunity. There are a very few slow lane passing areas and only near the end of this trip. Loud motorcycles, people hauling travel trailers that refuse to pull to the side of the road to let the half mile of traffic queued up behind them get by. It was totally disgusting! And then there are the other drivers to contend with. At each stop there was graffiti, trash and cigarette butts strewn everywhere, carvings in the wood benches and tables, trees. The only really scenic part we saw were in the high mountains where they did actually have some pull offs and restrooms.Īnother con in my book is man's disrespect for his/her home (earth). We got to Hot Springs which was somewhat of a break albeit a short one and then continued with more of the same. There were no pull offs for anything until we were about half way through the drive. We drove for miles and miles and the scenery consisted of decaying, rotting, falling down deserted buildings, poorly maintained homes with piles of junk and old vehicles. Starting the next day we headed north and made the entire 7 all the way to 65 and by the time we got there I was so done with Route 7 all I could feel was relief. We stayed in Caddo Valley at a motel that is right on the 7. I saw this Scenic Byway listed as one of the great drives for its scenery and decided to give it a try. My wife and I make a trip to Texas several times a year and taking the interstate every time gets kinda boring so on this return trip I decided to get off the super congested interstates and see some of what I know is a very beautiful state. You will enjoy the trip very much and there are lots side trips along the way. The caves and caverns of the area, alongside of Highway 7, sound beautiful. We would have loved to visit some tourist attractions, but by and large, they were not open during this time of year. We stopped at 3 national forests one national recreation area one state park there are many other state parks along the way. Access to the river is right there, by foot. :) Then go to the Pruitt Ranger Station for info, and park in the picnic area, you will enjoy this little stop very much. Of course, make sure you have plenty of time, we had to turn around a few times to attempt this. You can get some excellent shots of the river/waterfall thru the steel crossbeams of the bridge, and it provides a nice juxtaposition. You cross an old, green, iron bridge, over the Buffalo River. One of the points we liked best was south of Harrison. But we were happy with our short jaunt up the middle of AR, though it does veer west a bit. Any season would be nice, but Winter certainly wasn't the best. I have seen pictures and they provide color much more abundantly than I ever imagined they would. We stopped at several viewpoints and the mountains were truly beautiful and if you can, go in the Fall. You see all sorts of environments: farm, field, forest, mountain, meadow, river/stream/pond/lake. They are nicely spaced apart, with nature making a command performance between. There are a few small towns along the way, and you won't need to worry about necessities. We spent the night about half way up 7, at Mount Magazine, which is about 18 miles west of the 7, but provided just another beautiful byway to take in the Quachita/Ozark Mountains, and the various national forests that cover this area. We started in Hot Springs and ended in Harrison. The only major city along the route is Little Rock, AR.We recently took 2 full days to drive up Scenic Byway 7, in central Arkansas. It would take 3 hours 35 mins to go from Murfreesboro to and 4 hours 38 mins to go from Jasper to Memphis. The major city closest to the halfway point between Murfreesboro, TN and Jasper, AR is Memphis, TN, situated 236 miles from Murfreesboro, TN and 269 miles from Jasper, AR. It would take 3 hours 44 mins to go from Murfreesboro to West Memphis and 4 hours 32 mins to go from Jasper to West Memphis. The closest town to the halfway point is West Memphis, AR, situated 244 miles from Murfreesboro, TN and 260 miles from Jasper, AR. This location is 252 miles away from Murfreesboro, TN and Jasper, AR and it would take approximately 4 hours 5 mins to reach the halfway point from both locations. If you want to meet halfway between Murfreesboro, TN and Jasper, AR or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 35.150150 and -90.177803, or 35º 9' 0.54" N, 90º 10' 40.0908" W. Halfway Point Between Murfreesboro, TN and Jasper, AR
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