Recognized nationally by Forbes Traveler and AAA’s Southern Traveler, the roads in and around the Ozark Mountain destination of Harrison, Arkansas have brought people from hundreds of miles to see the changing of the leaves in the area.  Adjacent to the Buffalo River – National Park Region, Harrison serves as a year-round hub for motorcycle enthusiasts with roads recognized nationally as “The Best in the Mid-America” by RoadRunner Magazine.  The fall season that has the breathtaking colors creates a remarkable landscape during the peak time of the region.

So, just what makes for beautiful fall foliage? The simple answer is that, during summer, chlorophyll in the leaves is so densely green that it hides the yellow and orange colors of other chemical compounds that are also present. When chlorophyll begins to disappear with the oncoming cold season, the oranges and yellows are exposed. This phenomenon is commonly called fall colors or autumn colors, while the expression fall foliage usually refers to the viewing of the trees. Thus, we get the radiant fall colors of the beautiful Ozarks.

As the Gateway to the Buffalo River, fall foliage exploration begins in Harrison at  the often talked-about Maplewood Cemetery. Don’t let the name frighten you. Residents of Maplewood know you are coming in the fall and are excited to show off their beautiful home. Maplewood Cemetery is located in Eagle Heights in the southeast part of town and hosts 733 mature maple trees that traditionally show their fall colors during the middle to later part of October. Everyone is welcome to visit Maplewood Cemetery anytime, especially during the fall color season.

Here are the 2011 MOST RECOMMENDED scenic drives that originate from Harrison

1. Leave the Harrison Square heading south on Scenic Highway 7. Turn right on Arkansas Highway 43 towards Compton and Ponca. Five miles from Harrison you’ll climb Gaither Mountain. Be sure and stop at the overlook (on the left) when you reach the summit. This is one of the best views that you will see of the Harrison area. You’ll then pass through Compton and on to Ponca. The 2.5 mile descent into Ponca offers spectacular views off to the right. As you pass through Ponca be sure to look for elk in the field just before you turn left on Arkansas Highway 74 and cross the Buffalo National River. Once you have negotiated several switch backs up the mountain, consider a short jaunt (left turn) down to Steel Creek on the Buffalo River. If the timing is right, the bluffs across the river should be ablaze with fall color. Head back up the hill and turn left on Highway 74 towards Jasper. About half way, you’ll pass through Low Gap, and a side trip down into this remote Arkansas hamlet is worth the time. Jasper is the county seat of Newton County, one of Arkansas’ least populated (less than 8,000 residents). Circle the tiny square and head north to Harrison via Scenic Highway 7. You’ll cross the Buffalo again at Pruitt, and the bluff on the left side of the road will delight you with its brilliant colors. Total miles roundtrip: 62 miles.

2. Take the same route out of Harrison. Five miles passed Compton, turn right on Arkansas 103 towards Osage. When you arrive in Osage, be sure and stop at the Stamps store. It’s listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. You’ll find it a pleasant stop. After you leave the store, turn right on U.S. 412 and head back to Harrison through Alpena. At the stop sign there, turn right. After three miles turn right on Highway 392 back to Harrison. Just after you pass through Batavia, Pilot’s Knob will be on your right. You’ll come back into Harrison at the Square. Total miles roundtrip: 51 miles.

3. Take Highway 7 north from Harrison to Bergman. Just past Bergman, turn left on Highway 281. After seven miles, turn right on Highway 14 back towards Lead Hill. A left turn in Lead Hill back on Highway 7 will take you to Diamond City on Bull Shoals Lake. Retreat back to Harrison via Highway 7. Total miles roundtrip: 53 miles.

Hint... remember, the better the vista, the better the view.

While the drive may keep you busy during the day, it is always nice to return back to a hot meal and a soft bed.  As the Ozark Mountain “Gateway to the Buffalo River”, Harrison boasts a fine collection of lodging, a wide range of dining and regular events and entertainment in the Lake Harrison Marketplace.

For more information on fall foliage in and around Harrison, including maps, hotel, motel and restaurant listings, contact the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau at (870) 741-1789 or toll free at 1-888-283-2163 or visit our website at www.harrisonarkansas.org. Boone County residents approved a local option referendum last November, and many of the restaurants in the county now serve adult beverages. Beer and wine for takeout are also available throughout Boone County.