The drive between Hot Springs and Mountain View has plenty of ways to slow you down. Some stops take fifteen minutes, and others can fill an afternoon. This list covers six real places along the route, from a natural rock span and a vintage car museum to a lakeside state park and a pair of waterfalls.
A few are great for families with young kids, and others suit adults who like history and scenery. Each one has its own reason to earn a spot on your road trip, so keep this list handy before you fill the gas tank. Pick one, pick all six, or save them for the next time the road calls.
1. Natural Bridge of Arkansas, Clinton, AR
Fifteen to thirty minutes is all this stop asks of you. Natural Bridge of Arkansas sits at 627-641 Natural Bridge Rd in Clinton, right along the highway route that heads north from Hot Springs.
The hike to the bridge is short and easy. Along the trail you will find small caverns, a moonshiner’s den, and a local history museum that adds some context to the landscape. The bridge itself is not stable enough to walk on, but the views of the formation are good.
There is also a gift shop and a free parking lot on site. Kids get discounted admission, which helps if you are traveling with a car full of young hikers.
The site is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Weekday visits tend to be quieter, while Sunday and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
2. Pickles Gap Village, Conway, AR
Since 1966, Pickles Gap Village has been a landmark on US-65 at 315 US-65 in Conway. After a long run, it is now going through a full revitalization with a fresh look and new spaces to explore.
The village is built around small shops and outdoor areas, with a rustic style that suits a slow walk after hours behind the wheel. Coffee, truffles, and homemade fudge make it an easy sweet stop for anyone who wants a treat before getting back on the road.
Restrooms are on site, which is always welcome on a long drive. Hours run Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM, and the village is closed on Sundays, so plan around that if you are traveling on a weekend.
3. Museum of Automobiles, Morrilton, AR
Car fans can take their time here, because the collection is measured in dozens, not hundreds. That means you can stop at each vehicle and read the plaque next to it without feeling rushed.
The Museum of Automobiles sits at 8 Jones Ln in Morrilton, on Petit Jean Mountain along AR-154. The cars range from the early 1900s through about 1970, and every one is displayed in a clean, well-kept building.
Beyond the cars, you will find an old gun collection, a player piano, and a gift shop. A knowledgeable attendant is on hand, and tours are offered.
Admission is listed at $10. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday is the busiest day. There is no restaurant on site, so eat before you go.
4. Woolly Hollow State Park, Greenbrier, AR
Need to burn off some energy before the next stretch of road? Woolly Hollow State Park, at 82 Woolly Hollow Rd in Greenbrier, has a lake and plenty of room to move around.
The park offers a swimming beach, a playground with slides and swings, volleyball facilities, a pavilion, and a snack bar. Hiking trails include kid-friendly options, and cycling lanes are available too.
Picnic tables and barbecue grills make it easy to turn a stop into a meal. Boat rental, launching, and campsites are available for longer stays, and dogs are allowed. A gift shop and an authentic historic cabin add a little local history.
The park is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. This is a good pick for families, especially for kids who need a break from the back seat.
5. Bridal Veil Falls
Two waterfalls, one easy trail, and a parking lot close to the highway. Bridal Veil Falls near Heber Springs offers an easy to moderate hike to Bridal Veil and Cornelius falls.
Bridal Veil drops over several layers of rock. A deck gives you a place to look over the falls, and trails lead down to the bottom, with a path that goes directly behind the water.
The trails are easy to follow, which makes this a solid pick for a child’s first waterfall hike. The area is open 24 hours, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons are the busiest times.
Sturdy shoes help on the trails down to the base. Parking is available near the trailhead.
6. John F. Kennedy Memorial Overlook
History and scenery share the same spot at this overlook near Greers Ferry Dam. It marks the place where John F. Kennedy gave one of his last public speeches, and a bust of him stands on the grounds.
The view takes in the dam, the lake, and the Little Red River, so bring your camera. It is a small park with a campsite, and visitors will find clean restrooms and a free parking lot with plenty of space.
There is no restaurant on site, so pack a snack if you want to linger. The overlook suits kids and adults alike, and it makes a calm last stop before the final push toward Mountain View.
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