5-Day Scenic Road Trip from Cedar Park, TX Through the Natural Wonders of Arkansas

Day 1: Arrival and Hot Springs

Hot Springs, Arkansas on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Cedar Park, TX

Begin your scenic road trip early in the morning to maximize daylight, heading northeast towards Hot Springs, AR.
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10:00am

Breakfast at Barking Dog

Enjoy a delicious hearty breakfast at Barking Dog, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and rustic atmosphere. Open 7am-2pm.
USD15, 1h

11:30am

Hot Springs National Park Scenic Drive

Drive Windy City Loop Drive for beautiful mountain vistas and stops at scenic overlooks, a perfect introduction to Hot Springs natural beauty.
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2:00pm

Short Hike: Sunset Trail

Take the Sunset Trail for a gentle 2-mile hike offering serene forest views and panoramic sights of Hot Springs.
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4:00pm

Visit Bathhouse Row

Explore historic Bathhouse Row for a glimpse of the vintage thermal springs culture and architecture.
USD10 (museum entry), 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Purple Cow

Dine on classic American fare with a gourmet twist in a cozy atmosphere inside Hot Springs. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Petit Jean Park

Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Pancake Shop

Start your day with impressive homemade breakfast dishes in Hot Springs, known for fluffy pancakes and strong coffee. Open 7am-11am.
USD12, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Petit Jean State Park

Scenic 1h 15m drive east to Petit Jean State Park, nestled on Arkansas's highest point with breathtaking views.
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10:30am

Hiking Cedar Creek Trail

This moderate 2.5-mile loop features waterfalls, rocky bluffs, and the stunning Cedar Creek Canyon; perfect for nature lovers.
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1:00pm

Lunch at Mather Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy a lunch featuring local specialties with scenic views inside this lodge, open daily 11am-3pm.
USD18, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Petit Jean's Grave and Overlooks

Short easy walks lead to historical Petit Jean's Grave and breathtaking overlooks for memorable photos.
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4:00pm

Drive to Buffalo National River Area

Travel approximately 1h 45m to the Buffalo National River region to prepare for river and hiking activities.
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6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Local Eatery in Jasper, AR

Try local cuisine at Ernie's Catfish, known for fresh and fried catfish, open until 9pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Buffalo River Exploration

Buffalo National River, Arkansas on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Buffalo Outdoor Center Cafe

Grab a hearty breakfast with river views to fuel your day for adventure. Open 7am-10am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Short Hike: Lost Valley Trail

This scenic 2.2-mile out-and-back trail features a waterfall, caves, and stunning rock formations within the Buffalo National River area.
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11:00am

Buffalo River Scenic Drive

Drive along the Buffalo River Trail with multiple pull-offs for spectacular river overlooks and nature photography.
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12:30pm

Lunch Picnic by the River

Pick up picnic supplies from a local deli and enjoy lunch at a scenic riverside spot to soak in the surroundings.
USD12, 1h

2:00pm

Kayaking on Buffalo River

Spend a couple of hours kayaking gentle stretches of the river, a great way to see the natural landscape up close. Rentals available from Buffalo Outdoor Center.
USD45, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Lodging

Return to your accommodation in Jasper or nearby for rest and freshening up after the day's activities.
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6:30pm

Dinner at The Big Eddy Lodge

Enjoy southern comfort food in a rustic river lodge setting, open until 9pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 4: More Hiking and Scenic Views

Buffalo National River Area on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation or Local Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before an active day of hiking and sightseeing.
USD10, 1h

8:30am

Hike Hemmed-In Hollow Trail

Moderate 5.1-mile roundtrip hike to Arkansas's tallest waterfall with spectacular canyon views. Start early to avoid heat. Opens at sunrise.
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12:00pm

Lunch at Buffalo Outdoor Center

Refuel with casual dining options available at their cafe with a river view. Open 11am-2pm.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Scenic Drive towards Ozark National Forest

Drive southwest, stopping at scenic overlooks heading towards Cedar Park direction. The drive is about 3h with stops.
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5:00pm

Check-in at Accommodation near Ozark National Forest

Rest and prepare for the next day of scenic views and hiking in the Ozarks.
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6:30pm

Dinner at Local Steakhouse

Enjoy a hearty steak or fresh local fare at a nearby steakhouse with great reviews. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return Journey

Ozark National Forest to Cedar Park, TX on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have an early breakfast to prepare for the drive back to Cedar Park.
USD10, 1h

8:30am

Morning Short Walk: Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point Trail)

A short but rewarding 3-mile hike to one of Arkansas’s iconic scenic vistas, perfect for photos and fresh air.
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11:00am

Depart for Cedar Park, TX

Begin the scenic drive back home, approximately 7 hours with breaks, heading west-southwest.
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1:00pm

Lunch Stop in Texarkana, AR/TX

Stop for lunch at Another Broken Egg Cafe in Texarkana, offering diverse breakfast and lunch options. Open 7am-3pm.
USD15, 1h

8:00pm

Arrival back in Cedar Park, TX

Conclude your memorable road trip with natural wonders and scenic views across Arkansas.
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