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Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas
Photo: Jasari · CC BY-SA 3.0

Drives Arkansas The Ozarks: Arkansas and Missouri

Mount Magazine Scenic Byway

AR 309 · Paris → Havana

Sweeping26 mi40 min2,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,500 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 309 climbs from Paris to the top of Mount Magazine, which the Arkansas state parks site gives as Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet. This drive runs the 26 miles from Paris south to Havana, over the mountain and down the far side.

The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway is a 20.4-mile portion of Highway 309, running from Havana north to an area south of Paris, and it is one of eleven Arkansas Scenic Byways. The road goes through the Ozark National Forest, passes Cove Lake and the Mount Magazine recreation area, and has an overlook with views of Blue Mountain Lake.

Mount Magazine State Park sits on the summit. The Lodge at Mount Magazine overlooks the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake, and the park has cabins, scenic overlooks and hiking trails.

Along the way

  1. Paris (Highway 309)
  2. Highway 309 south of the summit
  3. Havana (Highway 309)
Elevation
2,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,500 ft
ParisHavana
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
ParisHavana
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The state park page lists no road alerts; for conditions on the mountain, call the park at 479-963-8502.
  • The Lodge at Mount Magazine has a restaurant, Skycrest, if you want to stop for a meal.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Mount Magazine State Park.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway drive take?

From Paris to Havana on Highway 309 is 26 miles and takes about 40 minutes without stops.

How high is Mount Magazine?

Mount Magazine is Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet, and Highway 309 passes over it.

Is there lodging on Mount Magazine?

Yes. Mount Magazine State Park has the Lodge at Mount Magazine with 60 guest rooms and 13 cabins.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, from Paris to Havana