If you like beautiful scenic drives

　　Ozark National Forest has about 1.2 million acres located in the Ozark Mountains in northern Arkansas. A few of many highlights in this National Forest are Mount Magazine Scenic Byway offering beautiful, scenic overlooks of the Arkansas River Valley, Blanchard Springs Caverns, and many campgrounds including Horsehead Lake and Cove Lake campgrounds offering beautiful lake views.
　　If you like beautiful scenic drives, try the Mt. Magazine Scenic Byway. This Scenic Byway is about 25 miles of highway (mostly Arkansas State Highway 309) in the western/central portion of Arkansas on the south side of the Arkansas River Valley. You have to drive slowly for much of the way, especially through the section that leads to Mt. Magazine. This section of the byway provides spectacular views along a winding mountain road with 'sharp curves and hairpin switchbacks' leading to the flat-topped Magazine mountain. Allow at least one to two hours to drive slowly and stop at scenic overlooks to thoroughly enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
　　At an elevation of 2,753 feet, Mt. Magazine is the highest point in the state. On the way to and on top of the mountain you'll enjoy gorgeous views of forested mountains, rock bluffs, and beautiful lakes.
　　From Mt. Magazine, the byway goes down about 2,300 feet to the town of Paris, passing the 160-acre scenic Cove Lake on the way. The byway leads through downtown Paris (population of about 3,300), and goes on to Webb City passing more beautiful natural landscapes on the way including meadows, pastures and prairies.
　　Blanchard Springs Caverns, a system of "living" caves and caverns, is another highlight of this National Forest. Life Magazine described it as "one of the most extraordinary finds of the century". The name comes from the nearby spring that pours out of the mountainside and into a pond named Auto spare parts Mirror Lake. Nearby is a short, scenic walk to the falls where the water exits the caverns.