Is anyone ready for fall yet? Arkansas may not be known for its fall foliage, but make no mistake, the Natural State turns beautiful shades of reds, oranges, and yellows every fall. Starting in the northern part of the state and slowly moving south, you can see the fall foliage in all its glory from late October to mid-November every year. This year won’t be any different and it’s time you start planning your annual fall foliage road trip that will take you on an epic journey to all of the most scenic spots in the state to see the leaves change color. This Arkansas fall foliage road trip takes you to the best fall foliage in our state, from the breathtaking Ouachitas to the unsurpassed beauty of the Ozarks. If you’re obsessed with Arkansas’s fall landscapes, you’ll positively love this adventure. Before you head out to see fall colors in Arkansas, be sure to prepare with our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide.

Arkansas fall foliage road trip
Google Maps
1. Hot Springs
Hot Springs, AR, USA
Flickr/Steve Snodgrass
We’re starting out in Hot Springs because we wouldn't want to deny you the pleasure of the Ouachita Mountains in the fall. That’s because the views you’ll catch from the road are breathtaking!
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even climb up the tower on Hot Springs Mountain, where you'll catch panoramic views of the city and the forest that surrounds it.
Flickr/Ken Lund
2. Mount Magazine
Flickr/latteda
Enjoy the vibrant colors while you drive up to the Natural State's highest point, Mount Magazine.
Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA
Flickr/Anna
In Mount Magazine State Park, you’ll find truly stunning overlooks where you can admire the full beauty of autumn in Arkansas.
Flickr/Anna
Expect sweeping panoramic views that will simply mesmerize you.
Flickr/shazbot music
On Mount Magazine, you’ll be surrounded by a gorgeous forest all dressed up in shades of red and orange.
Arkansas fall foliage road trip
Flickr/Anna
3. Artist Point
Artist Point, AR 72946, USA
Flickr/Texas Tongs
The destination isn’t really the point on this leg of your journey. Mostly you’re here for the gorgeous color along the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop.
You’ll find the beauty of the Ozark National Forest touches everything you pass on the road.
Flickr/Texas Tongs
4. Jasper
Flickr/Arkansas Shutter Bug
You may want to spend a day discovering the area around Jasper when it is bedecked in peak fall foliage.
Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Flickr/Arkansas Shutter Bug
You see, the Buffalo National River is near there. . .
Flickr/Buffalo National River
...and so is the Arkansas Grand Canyon.
Flickr/ D Barronoss
If you’re looking for a place to eat or stay the night, try Cliff House Inn, where the sunrise is especially breathtaking.
Flickr/Noel Pennington
5. Mountain View
Mountain View, AR 72560, USA
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
Nearby Blanchard Spring is a nature lover’s delight.
You can’t miss Mirror Lake and its fantastic two-tiered waterfall, which is extra stunning when surrounded by autumn leaves.
Flickr/ AR Nature Gal
And you’ll want to drop in on the Ozark Folk Center while you’re in town.
Flickr/readontheroad
The more adventurous among us can see the fiery leaves from a zipline at Loco Ropes.
Arkansas fall foliage road trip
Flickr/Loco Ropes
Hang on tight and enjoy the stunning vistas from Mountain View! You'll be zipping through the trees in a truly unique way to see the best fall foliage in Arkansas.

Here’s a great YouTube video by Vaanamae Ellai Vlogs highlighting some of the best places to witness vibrant fall colors in Arkansas.

To find a road trip that will knock the socks off any nature lover, check out this article about these natural wonders in Arkansas. If you’re looking for even more reasons to spend some time in Jasper, this article highlights the most beautiful parts of this scenic town in Arkansas.

Where’s your favorite spot to see the best fall colors in Arkansas? Have you ever been to any of these places listed on this Arkansas fall foliage road trip? Let us know in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In Arkansas

Jackie Ann | August 10, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Arkansas or when should I plan for an Arkansas fall road trip?

The best time to see peak fall foliage in Arkansas is from late October to Early November.

Arkansas is beautiful year-round, but it’s truly mesmerizing during the fall when the leaves begin to change color. In Arkansas, peak fall foliage occurs in late October to early November. The northern part of the state will begin to change colors first, moving further south every week. The Ozark Mountain region usually begins first in early October followed by the Ouachitas and the Arkansas River Valley region follows about a week after the Ozarks, and then the Delta/Gulf Coast area peaks around mid-November.

Where are the best places in Arkansas to see fall foliage?

The best places in Arkansas to see fall foliage are:

  • Scenic 7 Byway
  • Pig Trail Scenic Byway


The Ozark Mountains are one of the best places to see fall foliage in Arkansas. The Northern part of the state is the first to change color, and by late October this part of the Natural State will be painted in brilliant bright reds, oranges, and yellows. There are several scenic byways that will lead you through the beautiful scenery, like the Scenic 7 Byway and the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.

What are the best Arkansas hikes to take in the fall?

The best Arkansas hikes to take in the fall are:


When it comes to hiking in Arkansas, there are endless options. Some of the best Arkansas hikes to take in the fall include the Whitaker Point Trail in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, Signal Hill Trail at Mount Magazine State Park, and Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park. Any of these trails will take you through the best fall foliage in Arkansas and would be great things to do in the fall in Arkansas, as well. 

Related Articles

Explore Arkansas