Fall Foliage route, Diamond Crater to Eureka Springs?

My mom and I are planning a quick run up to dig for pretty rocks at Diamond Crater and to see the fall foliage of the Ozarks and Ouachitas at the end of October. We%26#39;re coming from Houston, TX.

The Murfreesboro website had several recommended drives for foliage there near Diamond Crater, but what about when going up to Eureka Springs?

From satellite photos and maps, I%26#39;ve sketched out a potential route:

-Murfreesboro up 84 to Mt Ida.

-East on 270 past Lake Ouachita, curving north through Mountain Pine to the 7.

-North up the 7 to the 16.

-West on the 16 through St Paul to Fayetteville.

-North on 540 to Rogers

-South/east along the lake so that we approach Eureka Springs from the south

We%26#39;d have all day to do this route (diamond digging is the day before), which I think we%26#39;ll probably need.

After leaving Eureka, we plan to drive East along the 62 to Mountain Home, south through Norfork, west through Big Flat to Marshall, then pick up the 65 and take that south to Little Rock, where we%26#39;d spend the night before heading back to Houston the following day.

Lots and lots of driving for the trip, but as the entire purpose of the trip (aside from digging for pretty rocks) is to see fall foliage and a brief visit in Eureka Springs, driving is expected.

Does that sound like a good route, or would we be better off with some changes for scenery?

Related question, along those routes are there any good short stops y%26#39;all would recommend, like a scenic half mile hike along a creek where we could stop and stretch our legs?

Thanks!!

Fall Foliage route, Diamond Crater to Eureka Springs?

Oh, and we%26#39;ve been to Hot Springs before, so no need to swing through there. :)

Fall Foliage route, Diamond Crater to Eureka Springs?

Out of Norfork I%26#39;d continue South on Hwy 5 through, Calico Rock and Mountain View - much more scenic drive than 65 and it will take you into Little Rock as well. You might want to stop at Blanchard Springs Caverns b/t Calico Rock and Mountain View - they are spectacular.