Driving from Fort Smith to Hot Springs, Arkansas

Quick Trip Through the Ouachitas

Distance: ~70 miles (113 km)

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes under normal conditions.

Route

1. Start: Fort Smith (Sebastian County)
2. Take I-40 West toward Little Rock
3. Exit AR-7 South at Russellville (Exit 81)
4. Follow AR-7 South ~45 miles through Ouachita National Forest
5. Arrive: Hot Springs (Garland County)

Scenery & Stops

• Ouachita National Forest: Pine/hardwood ridges, scenic overlooks
• Mount Magazine (optional detour): AR-309 N from Havana — state's highest point (2,753 ft)
• Lake Dardanelle: Visible from I-40 near Russellville
• Hot Springs National Park: Bathhouse Row, thermal springs, downtown

Tips

• AR-7 is winding, two-lane — allow extra time in rain/fog
• Watch for wildlife (deer, turkey) especially dawn/dusk
• Fuel in Russellville — limited services on AR-7
• Hot Springs parking: Use garage/paid lots near Bathhouse Row

A classic Arkansas drive: river valley to mountain spa town in 75 minutes.