Mount Magazine scenic byway is located in west-central Arkansas about 40 miles east of Fort Smith. The northern access is just south of Paris off AR 109. It travels southeast to Havana and ends at the junction with AR 10. The byway is 30 miles of two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. It follows AR 309 and FSR 1606 and is open all year.

This scenic byway travels across the Ozark National Forest through areas of small farms and forests of shortleaf pine, red oak, white oak, and hickory. The byway winds its way through the forest to the top of Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet above sea level. The overlook from the top of the mountain offers sweeping vistas of the timber-covered mountains, rugged rock bluffs, and sparkling mountain lakes. Mount Magazine is not only the highest point in Arkansas, but is considered the highest mountain between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains.

The Mount Magazine recreation area consists of the Cameron Bluff Campground and Brown Springs picnic area. The campground offers 16 campsites, chemical toilets, and drinking water. A hiking trail is located here that goes to Cove Lake, a 160-acre mountain lake offering boating, swimming, and fishing. The Cove Lake recreation area also has 29 camping spots for tents or RVs, drinking water, restrooms, and shower facilities.

Information: Ozark-St. Francis NF, 605 W Main St, Russelville AR 72801 / 501-968-2354