Epic Arkansas Road Trip in 2 Days | Route & Itinerary

When I first told people I was going to embark on an Arkansas road trip for a weekend, everyone asked me, “What’s in Arkansas?” I always answered by telling them I had a feeling it was underrated. I wanted to go to find out what was there. Even though we went in February, at the very least, I would get to see a new place and spend some time outdoors!

I dragged my sister on the trip with me, knowing she would be happy without even knowing what was on the itinerary. We both work full-time jobs, which meant we had a late start Friday evening. The trip was 5 hours to Little Rock, Arkansas from Nashville. We stayed in a hotel in North Little Rock that had just what we needed – a comfortable bed and complimentary breakfast. The hotel was really close to our first stop the next day, so we would be able to get the day started quickly and efficiently.

Before getting into the itinerary, here are my BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS from our road trip:

1. The people are so friendly – throughout every hike and in each restaurant, people were quick to say hello and offer a welcoming smile.
2. The views are incredible – every drive will offer beautiful sweeping views across the Ozarks. I can’t wait to be able to visit in the fall at some point, because the colors are bound to be breathtaking with the fall foliage.
3. No two spots are the same – every different town and each different spot we visited was unique in size, history, and architecture. I was surprised by each town, and it almost felt like taking a step back in town with the vintage shops and small-town USA vibe.

Day 1 Itinerary:

STOP 1 – The Old Mill

The first stop is located in North Little Rock in a small, quiet neighborhood – The Old Mill. This area is like a life-size fairy garden. It has a little brick house with a water mill, surrounded by intricate wooden bridges and landscaping.

The water pushes through to “Lake Number Two,” with a larger sculpted rock bridge crossing from one side of the park to the other. The whole area is sectioned off with a fence from the neighborhood surrounding it.

This area is famous for being in the opening scene of Gone with the Wind. It even showcases a plaque with the historical significance and its relevance to the movie. The Old Mill was a fun stop to prance around and admire rustic, yet intricate architecture. We even got to see the beautiful ducks walking around and playing in the little ponds.

STOP 2 – Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Located about 20 minutes from The Old Mill is Pinnacle Mountain State Park. We had limited time, so we opted for hiking the East Quarry Trail. It was a moderate hike, and it had a couple of other hikes intertwined within it. When you get there, park at the Visitor’s Center.

You will immediately see the Quarry Pond with a little dock and a swimming area. It has the clearest blue and green water, and we were able to get some awesome pictures with the forest surrounding the pond.

After that we headed towards the East Quarry trailhead right next to the pond up paved stairs. To the left is a quick trail leading up to a scenic overlook. After you check that out, you can go back the other way which starts the East Quarry Trail/Rocky Valley Trail.

Hiking up, you can split onto whichever trail you choose. Keep going up the East Quarry Trail for some great views, and even some cacti. These views at the top will showcase a vast landscape overlooking the Arkansas River.

STOP 3 – Hot Springs National Park

Next, we headed about an hour southwest of Little Rock to Hot Springs National Park. When we got there, we found street parking and headed towards the area where you can touch the hot springs. On Google Maps, it is named “Hot Springs Above Ground in Park.” It is a small area with a couple stone ponds filled with the hot spring water. It runs down the side of the mountain next to it into these ponds where you can see the steam, especially in the cool air of winter.

We continued walking to the Superior Bathhouse Brewery – the only brewery located inside of a national park! They make their beer using the water from the hot springs, and this beer did not disappoint. My sister and I each got a flight of beers so we could taste multiple different beers. They even serve a full menu!

The rest of the main strip has old shops and various spas. These spas and resorts are famous for using the hot spring water for their treatments. This would also be a great place to splurge and spend a few days if you are able.

When we were done there, we drove up the winding road to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower/1920s Observation Gazebo where you can get out and see a picturesque view of the mountains in the distance.

Again, we were short on time, so we just drove around the loop and admired from the car. You can also hike up to these two observations spots as well – but it’s a steep climb! A little past these observation spots, you can pull off and also hike. There is the Gulpha Gorge Trail and the Goat Rock Trail which also have an overlook.

STOP 4 – Mount Magazine State Park

Home to the highest point in Arkansas, Magazine Mountain is a fun and scenic stop on your way north. It is about a 2 hour drive from Hot Springs and midway on your drive to North Arkansas. This is a quick stop to get you out of your car and moving. On the way, you drive through the Ozarks and small towns which make for a fun road trip scenery. Blast your music and roll down the windows!

When you get to Mount Magazine State Park, drive all the way up the mountain until you see the High Point Trailhead. Go ahead and park your car and head up this short and easy hike to the elevation sign. While there isn’t a view, this is a fun way to easily reach the highest point of Arkansas. You can also get a good picture to prove it!

After you hike back to your car, keep driving around that mountain loop and stop near the Mount Magazine Lodge. This has a great scenic view of the mountains surrounding it. If you have time, this lodge would be a great accommodation for a night to enjoy more time in the park and relax with stunning mountain views.

STOP 5 – Fayetteville, AR

I’m including this because it is very doable, but with our poor timing and the general time of the year we went, we didn’t get out of the car here. Fayetteville is a college town in northwest Arkansas, and it is home to some cool stuff if you have time. There is a hip thrift store called Cheap Thrills you can check out, which closes at 5pm. There is also a beautiful church called St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable, but make sure there isn’t a wedding happening. Also, you can check out Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks located close to the city to take a stroll to break up the trip as well.

STOP 6 – Hammontree’s in Rogers, AR

I asked my friend for recommendations before going to this area, and he said we had to check out Hammontree’s to eat. Hammontree’s is located in both Fayetteville and Rogers. With the limited parking in Fayetteville, we decided to go check out the Rogers location – and I’m glad we did. Rogers is only about a 30 minute drive north and closer to the next stop, so it made sense to go there. Also, we were starting to love these little towns, and Rogers fit the bill. With cobblestone streets, string lights in the alleys, and old shops lining the main strip, it felt safe and quaint.

We walked into Hammontree’s, looked at the menu, and realized we were in grilled cheese heaven. The menu has so many unique grilled cheese options as well as the option to create your own combination. All the sandwiches come with a pickle and chips, and the average price is around $8. I ordered the Cheebacca, which has white cheddar, house cheese, pulled pork, bacon, grilled onions and garlic cilantro sauce on sourdough. It was amazing and also so much to eat.

STOP 7 – The Walmart Museum – Bentonville

Next up, head about 20 minutes west to Bentonville – home of the Walmart Museum and the original Walmart. I knew this sounded interesting and like something we had to do, but it was a lot cooler in person. On the corner is an ice cream shop called the Spark Cafe Soda Fountain, and right next to it is Walton’s 5&10.

This is the original name of the Walmart brand, and it is the first store ever opened. These two little shops are old-fashioned, with the Walton’s 5&10 having all original packaging and branding for their items. It has the old versions of games and the original form of different candies – even some old stuff you can’t find anywhere else. It is a really unique store, and it has a special entrance for the Walmart Museum.

Going through a curtain to the back of the store, you will find the Walmart Museum – an in-depth, historically accurate depiction of the story and life of Walmart. The museum has displays, videos, interactive learning tools, and signs to read that showcase different eras of the Walmart brand. It is really fun to walk through and learn more about the store that you see all across America and actually see its roots in person.

For an honorable mention, you have to check out the Crystal Bridges Art Museum. It was closed since we got there at night, but there was also a glow art exhibit happening that we were surprised to drive past. If you do go during the day, this would be a fun place to walk around and check out the modern art and architecture of the museum.

STOP 8 – Cocktails at Basin Park Hotel – Eureka Springs

We knew we had to see Eureka Springs on this trip, so it only made sense to stay in this hip, mountain town for our second night in Arkansas. Every accommodation is on brand with the vibe – cabins, mountain lodges, and even chain hotels that were designed to fit in with the town. We drove about an hour and 15 minutes east of Bentonville to get there. Eureka Springs is so unique and charming, and perhaps one of the most famous attractions is the Basin Park Hotel.

If you can afford it, you should absolutely try to stay there for a night! We were on a major budget, but we decided to stop there anyway and grab a cocktail in their bar located on the second floor. Swanky and retro, this was the perfect place to sip on a drink. We even got to sit out on the balcony overlooking the quiet and eery streets of the downtown area. After that, we headed back to our hotel – The Stonegate Lodge – which was rustic and perfect for a one night stay.

Day 2 Itinerary

STOP 1 – Explore Eureka Springs

We wanted to see Eureka Springs in the daytime, so while we stayed there that night, we didn’t really get to see what the town actually looked like. We made our way bright and early the next morning into the main downtown area to eat breakfast at the Mud Street Cafe Annex.

I highly recommend eating here, especially for breakfast! The food was so good, and the portions were huge. I got the special, which was literally called the Triple Bypass. It was a large pancake, potatoes, sausage, 2 eggs, bacon, and gravy – hence, the name. It even has glass paneling in the floor that looks into the spring water underneath the building.

Next, we walked through the town, admiring the little shops, the interesting architecture, and the street art. In almost all of the pictures of Eureka Springs is that picture of the building right in the middle of a fork in the road. Of course, we had to take some as well.

Then, we walked up some stairs to a gazebo sitting right next to the second floor of the Basin Park Hotel. It has rock formations, a little path, and a good vantage point to look into town. There is even an interesting mermaid queen sculpture, which really captures the entire feel of the town.

STOP 2 – Lake Leatherwood

We were hoping to check out Thorncrown Chapel next, but alas, there was a wedding there as well. If you go during the week, you should be able to check out the beautifully crafted architecture of this church in the woods.

So, we headed to Lake Leatherwood. It is a beautiful lake, and if time permits, you can even hike the Leatherwood Lake Trail which circles the entirety of the lake. This area has cabins, a boat ramp, and some water sport rentals available if that is more your style!

On the drive out, we even stopped at a strange area that had a massive gorilla statue. We didn’t understand, but that is just what Eureka Springs is all about.

STOP 3 – Whitaker Point

Perhaps the most famous hiking trail and viewpoint in Arkansas is Whitaker Point. This was quite a long drive from Eureka Springs, but it looked so worth it. We drove up and through the Ozarks to get to the Whitaker Point Trailhead. It is sort of difficult to find, and the drive takes you up on dirt paths that make you think you are in the wrong spot. Keep going, because once you get there you will see plenty of cars that tell you you’ve made it.

When you park, find the information sign and even though you might think the trail starts there, the trailhead is actually on the other side of the road. Then, start hiking! The trail to Whitaker Point is not strenuous, as it takes you downhill and then pretty much flat across the side of the mountain leading there. That makes the end of the trail a little difficult going back, but if you take your time going back up, you will be fine.

The trail is mostly through the woods, but getting closer to Whitaker Point, you will have amazing views of the Ozarks over the side of the mountain. It is not scary at all, and there are a lot of opportunities to take pictures the whole way.

TIP: Once you get to Whitaker Point, if you want that famous picture, have one person stay on the trail while the other person goes to the overlook rock so you can take their picture!

Then, go out on the rock and admire the sweeping views and vast hills of the mountains surrounding you on both sides. You can even get pictures from the other side of the rock as well. This was one of those times where the world made me feel so small but in a good way. I was able to appreciate the vastness of the earth’s beauty on our last stop of our Arkansas road trip.

STOP 4 – Home!

After this, we had about a 7 and a half hour drive back to Nashville. We had so many more places we wanted to see, but we just didn’t have the time. This is why I definitely know that I have to go back to Arkansas – both to revisit my favorite places and to see so much more that it has to offer!

Honorable Mentions:

1. Cosmic Caverns – a beautiful cave system underground that has tours.
2. Hemmed-In Hollow Falls – a place to hike and see a large waterfall.
3. Blanchard Springs Caverns – a massive cave system that also has trails and tours.

Those were just my honorable mentions that I will have to do next time I do an Arkansas road trip. But, of course there is so much more to see and do here! If you like to be on the go and make the most out of your limited time somewhere, this itinerary was fun and packed. However, I will always recommend spending more time in every place if you are able.

Now, when people ask me about what was in Arkansas, I can tell them it is filled with friendly people, unique and fun towns, and breathtaking mountains and nature. You have to go visit Arkansas! I know I will definitely be going back.

For more road trip ideas:

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