I will be traveling thru Arkansas in 2 weeks; I drive a 40' DP and I would like to know what scenic by-ways or highways I should avoid due to narrow and winding lanes. I will be driving to Hot Springs, AR first and then traveling to Eureka Springs, AR. Any good campground Suggestions? We want to do some hiking and hopefully see a few waterfalls.
You need to let us know your skill and comfort level in the mountains, as the direct route from Hot Springs to Eureka Springs IS reasonably narrow and winding (and beautiful).
We have driven it in our coach and enjoyed it. But at the CG we stayed in, the CG owner said if you don't now how to drive a big rig on grades you could damage your brakes (they said they occasionally smell rigs coming in with way overheated brakes. Don't think I used anything more than engine brake more than 2-3 times.
I would not take Hwy 7 in Arkansas except in your toad. We take 30 to Little Rock, then take 430 and 40 up to Conway, then take US65 up to US62 thru Berryville. We stayed at the Berryville City RV Park just outside Eureka Springs. Nice little park with full hookup and cable TV! We drove the toad into Eureka Springs. In Hot Springs Lake Catherine State Park is beautiful. There is also a new park Lake Catherines Landing if you want a resort type park and drive to the State Park. The state parks do fill up fast in the summer on the weekends. Petit Jean State Park is beautiful for hiking and waterfalls. Crater of Diamonds State Park is also a good place to visit. Blanchard Springs Cavern is beautiful. Difficult walk but if you're hikers you should be fine.
Lonny & Diane
2004 Country Coach Allure 33' "Big Blue"
Towing 2008 Chev Colorado 4x4
Semper Fi
You know, I always feel silly telling people this, but for us, the quickest way to that part of Arkansas has always been through Oklahoma. Take US 59 to US 259 at Nacogdoches, then hit 59 again just south of Heavener, Ok to I-540, then I-540 to Hwy 62. I have always thought there should be a quicker or shorter way, but I haven't found one.
We have had our MH for a little over a year so I have a little bit of experience driving from Virginia to Tennessee. I did use my engine brake a few times. My husband did most of the driving from Chattanooga to Bryson City, NC which took us around/thru the mountains, near Lake Fontana. He also drove the MH from Bryson City, NC to Severville, TN. The roads were narrow and curvy in some places and I was glad that I was not driving. My friend has a CDL but she drives school buses in Houston and there are no hills or curvy narrow lanes. The hubby won't be on this trip; just a few ladies. I need to pull out the map and write down the highways that I should avoid. Thanks for the help and I might need to ask a few more questions before my trip on the 7th of June.
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