If you’re in the mood for a short but beautiful drive through the northern Arkansas Ozarks, the stretch of Arkansas Highway 7 from Harrison to Lead Hill delivers scenic views and a relaxed pace through rural communities. Spanning just under 20 miles, this two-lane route carries us north from the foothills of downtown Harrison into the rolling terrain near Bull Shoals Lake. Whether you’re making a casual day trip or connecting to destinations deeper into the Ozark region, this route is a charming and quiet ride that reflects the rugged beauty of Boone County.
Our journey begins in Harrison, a regional hub nestled in the upper Ozarks. We leave U.S. Highway 65 and turn onto Chestnut Street, skimming just east of Harrison’s compact downtown square. After a quick eastward jog on Prospect Avenue, we turn north onto Rowland Street, which soon evolves into AR-7 proper. On the north edge of town, we pass the intersection with Arkansas Highway 43 — a route known for its own winding beauty towards the Buffalo National River — before AR-7 curves northeast and carries us out of the city limits.
Leaving Harrison behind, the landscape quickly becomes rural, dotted with wooded hillsides, open pastures, and occasional barns perched alongside the road. The highway winds its way toward the small town of Bergman, roughly six miles away. Though modest in size, Bergman is home to a school and a few local establishments, making it a common waypoint for residents in this part of Boone County. At the north edge of town, we cross the junction with Arkansas Highway 281, a connector route that loops northwest toward the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. From here, AR-7 bends again northeast and continues its journey through peaceful countryside.
The final leg of the drive spans about 11 miles from Bergman to Lead Hill. Along the way, we pass through the small incorporated town of South Lead Hill, which blends almost seamlessly into its northern neighbor. As we roll into Lead Hill proper, we’re greeted by the junction with Arkansas Highway 14 — a key east-west route that parallels the southern edge of Bull Shoals Lake. The video ends here with a turn west on AR-14, but it’s worth noting that if we’d kept going, the lake itself lies just a few miles away, offering fishing, camping, and plenty of recreational opportunities.
For those interested in scenic drives, quiet towns, and an easygoing pace, this segment of Highway 7 is a great representation of the Ozark Highlands’ charm. And for travelers headed toward the water or deeper into the wilderness, Lead Hill makes a good jumping-off point.
10.24 /136
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