When autumn settles over the Natural State, there is no better way to take in the changing leaves than from behind the wheel of a scenic road trip. While our own 60 acres of countryside at Tiffany’s Bed and Breakfast offer a peaceful display of autumn colors, we love helping our guests plan day trips through some of the most breathtaking mountain passes in Arkansas. Looking for local events, garden walks, or mountain bike trails instead? Read our guide to the Best Fall Foliage Spots in Hot Springs, Arkansas!
Peak fall color in the Ouachita region typically spans late October through mid-November. If you are ready to hit the road and experience sweeping vista views, here are three incredible fall foliage drives starting right from our driveway in Bismarck, Arkansas - just 20 minutes outside Hot Springs!
Drive #1: The Mount Magazine & Scenic Byway 7 Loop
Distance / Time: Full-Day Loop (Approx. 5–6 hours driving plus stops)
This day trip combines two of Arkansas’ officially designated scenic byways, a historic national park drive, and a visit to the highest peak in the state.
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The Route: Start your day with a full, home-cooked "breakfast at Tiffany's," then head north on Arkansas Scenic Byway 7—declared one of Reader’s Digest’s "Most Scenic Drives in America." You’ll pass through downtown Hot Springs and historic Bathhouse Row before winding through the heart of the Ouachita National Forest.
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The High Point: At Ola, turn west on Highway 10 toward Havana, then ascend Arkansas Highway 309 (Mount Magazine Scenic Byway) to the top of Mount Magazine—the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Keep an eye out for roadside waterfalls as you climb!
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Must-See Stops: Stop by the visitor center, then enjoy lunch with a panoramic view of the Petit Jean River Valley at the Mount Magazine Lodge. After lunch, take a short, easy walk along the 1.5-mile Signal Hill Trail to reach the highest physical point in the state, or drive around to Cameron Bluff Overlook for incredible cliffside views. Bring your binoculars and do some bird watching from this fantastic vantage point. Mount Magazine is one of the only spots in Arkansas to find rufous-crowned sparrows.
- The Return: Head back down Highway 309 to Highway 10. At Danville, take Highway 27 South over the hills along the western edge of Lake Ouachita. Grab dinner in Mount Ida or Glenwood before returning to Tiffany’s for a cozy evening!
Drive #2: The Talimena Scenic Byway & Rich Mountain
Distance / Time: Full-Day Trip (Approx. 5 hours driving round-trip plus stops)
Known nationwide for its dramatic ridge-top driving, the Talimena Scenic Drive (National Scenic Byway) offers endless, unobstructed views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains ablaze with autumn hues.
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The Route: Head west through Glenwood and Highway 8 toward Mena, an unhurried country drive that gives you a true taste of small-town Arkansas before connecting to the high-elevation views. Once in Mena, climb up Rich Mountain (Arkansas’s second-highest peak) to join the scenic byway.
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Must-See Stops: Stop for a scenic lunch atop Rich Mountain at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The lodge restaurant offers valley vista views right from your dining table. Afterwards, hike to the observation deck on Lovers' Leap Trail for a panoramic look over the Ouachita National Forest. Once you're back in the car, continue along the Talimena Byway to explore the scenic ridgeline turnouts and old growth forest at your own pace.
Drive #3: Quick Overlook Drives Near Hot Springs
Distance / Time: Short Half-Day Drives (30–60 minutes from the B&B)
If you want stunning high-elevation views without spending the entire day on the road, these two quick scenic drives deliver big visual rewards close to home:
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Hot Springs Mountain Drive: Drive to the top of Hot Springs Mountain inside Hot Springs National Park. The winding road leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, offering 360-degree views of the canopy and the historic city below.
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West Mountain Drive: Located on the opposite side of the national park, West Mountain provides beautiful overlook pull-offs perfect for catching morning light over the city, or watching planes land at Memorial Field. If you want to explore on foot, this area accesses Sunset Trail, the longest and most remote trail in Hot Springs National Park. You can hike the 2.8-mile West Mountain section for quiet fall scenery, or tackle the full 10-mile trail across Sugarloaf Mountain and Stonebridge Road for a challenging autumn trek.
Your Fall Road Trip Basecamp
After a full day of mountain passes, winding byways, and fresh fall air, return to the quiet peace of Tiffany's Bed and Breakfast. Relax on our front porch swing, stroll through our 60 acres of serene woodlands, and rest up for another day of exploration.
Ready to plan your autumn road trip? Check our room availability and reserve your favorite room today to secure your fall getaway!