Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cañon City, CO and Marked Tree, AR
Looking for an adventure? Take a road trip from Cañon City, Colorado to Marked Tree, Arkansas. The journey takes approximately 19 hours and covers 1,195 miles. Along the way, travelers will experience breathtaking landscapes, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activities. The halfway point is Hydro, Oklahoma, a small community with a population of 969 people. The town is known for its Oil Rig Museum which was once the largest oil rig in the world.
1. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City is a must-see destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. The park features the world's highest suspension bridge, which stretches 1,260 feet across the Arkansas River and hangs 955 feet above the riverbed. The bridge offers a stunning view of the gorge and surrounding Rocky Mountains. The park also has zip lines, gondolas, and hiking trails to explore.
Interesting fact: The bridge was built in 1929 and was once the highest suspension bridge in the world until 2001.
2. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Located in Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second-largest canyon in the United States and covers 30,000 acres. The park offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and scenic drives. The park's highlight is the outdoor musical drama, "Texas," which runs nightly during the summer months. The play tells the story of the Texas Panhandle settlers and their struggles.
Interesting fact: The canyon was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and is estimated to be around 250 million years old.
3. Beale Street Historic District
Beale Street, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is known for its rich musical history. In the early 1900s, Beale Street was home to numerous African American musicians who would play an array of music genres such as blues, jazz, and gospel. Today, the district has numerous blues clubs and bars that keep the musical tradition alive. Beale Street is also home to the Beale Street Music Festival held annually, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
Interesting fact: Beale Street's music history goes back to the 1860s when the neighborhood was a hub for African American nightlife.
4. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its natural hot springs. It is the oldest park in the National Park System, established in 1832. Visitors can bathe in the hot springs, explore the hiking trails, and visit the historic Bathhouse Row, which is a series of bathhouses that were once the "place to be" for the elite. The park also has a scenic drive that offers a variety of scenic vistas.
Interesting fact: The hot springs contain 143-degree Fahrenheit water that is believed to have healing powers.
5. Crowley's Ridge Nature Center
Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, located in Arkansas, is a perfect place to take a break from the road and experience nature. The center offers wildlife exhibits, hiking trails, and a fishing pond. The center also features interactive displays that educate visitors about the history and ecology of the area.
Interesting fact: Crowley's Ridge is a unique geological formation that covers 200 miles across four states. It is believed to be an ancient sea-bed that rose above the surrounding floodplain.
During the 19-hour road trip from Cañon City, Colorado to Marked Tree, Arkansas, travelers will have the opportunity to experience a range of natural and cultural landmarks. From the adrenaline-pumping Royal Gorge Bridge and Park to the relaxing Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, there's something for everyone. The trip takes drivers through eight states and covers over 1,195 miles of scenic landscapes and cultural attractions. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure!