Leaving behind the small town charm of Ola, we hop on Arkansas Highway 7 for an 8-mile trek south to Fourche Junction, a scenic stretch that carves its way through the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Though short in distance, this segment delivers a surprising mix of rural Arkansas beauty, mountain driving, and access to outdoor recreation.
Our journey begins at the crossroads of Arkansas Highway 10 and Highway 28 in downtown Ola. At first, Highway 7 runs westward, overlapping with AR-28, but just a few blocks out of town, AR-7 splits off to the south. From there, the route begins a steady climb up Ola Mountain, a modest but notable ridge that hints at the rugged terrain to come deeper into the Ouachitas. This stretch of road winds gently through dense forests, a peaceful ride that is especially beautiful in the fall when the hardwoods put on their color show.
As we approach the summit, glimpses of the surrounding valleys peek through the trees, offering quick views westward toward the Arkansas River valley and east toward the sprawling flatlands near Perryville. The descent on the south slope of the mountain is a bit more curvy, but the pavement is smooth, and the elevation changes give it a relaxed mountain highway feel. This makes the route enjoyable whether you’re in a car or on two wheels.
Arriving at Fourche Junction, we find ourselves at the intersection with Arkansas Highway 60, near the southwest edge of Nimrod Lake and Dam. Though it’s not visible directly from the road, the area is well known for fishing, boating, and camping. A short detour east on AR-60 will take you to Nimrod Dam, one of the oldest in the state and a popular spot for anglers. The dam impounds the Fourche La Fave River and offers access to campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat ramps—making it a great spot to stretch your legs or spend a weekend.
Whether you’re heading further south into the Ouachita National Forest or looping back north toward the Arkansas River valley, this segment of Highway 7 is a pleasant connector between two distinctly different landscapes. It’s also the gateway to deeper scenic drives, especially if you’re planning to explore AR-7 Scenic Byway further south toward Hot Springs or north toward Russellville.
🎵 Music: Track List
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments