Lets Ride 08 PDF

MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES
IN ARKANSAS
MOTORCYCLING IN ARKANSAS
Highway 103 north of Clarksville
Bikes, Blues & BBQ, Fayetteville
Some people ride to live. Some people live to ride.

Whichever you are, theres a just-right ride waiting for you
in Arkansas, The Natural State. More and more bikers are
discovering the exhilarating routes, scenic overlooks, quaint
stopovers and gorgeous natural vistas Arkansas offers. And
youll find the state extremely biker-friendly. Which is what
Taking a break nea
r Birdeye on Hig
hway 42.
youd expect from the place that hosts the largest state
Harley Owners Group rally in the country.
st national
kansass newe
clouds on Ar
Byway.
Riding near the Talimena National Scenic
the
scenic byway,
TERRAIN
Talimena Scenic Byway in the Ouachitas
Artist Point near Mountainburg
Mirror Lake below Blanchard Springs Caverns
Lets start from the ground up. The terrain of Arkansas

is as varied as the bikes that crisscross it. You can open er
up in the flatlands of the Arkansas Delta, twist the throttle
through the twisties of the Ozark or Ouachita mountains,
ride the undulating hills of Central Arkansas and the River
Valley or coast through the sun-dappled backroads of the
Timberlands. Wherever you roam, youll discover friendly
people, plenty of attractions and services, and comfy-cozy
accommodations. And youll find high-quality roadbeds
that wont jolt you out of the saddle.
And its not just us who think Arkansas is a riders
paradise. Author and biker Gary McKechnie recently
added Arkansas to his third edition of Great American
Motorcycle Tours. McKechnies impressions of his ride on
Scenic 7 Byway from Hot Springs to Eureka Springs are
typical of the first-time bikers: A ride reaching across
mountains and hills from the thermal baths of central Arkansas
north to one of the nations most impressive resort towns.
Nearly 100 percent undiluted natural beauty along a scenic
highway reveals a new perspective on a misunderstood state.
Highway
103 south
of Oark
Mt. Nebo near Dardanelle
KICKSTARTING YOUR RIDE
Mt. Magazine, the states highest point
Highway 221 near Eureka Springs
H.O.G. Rally in Hot Springs
Highway 221 crossing Kings River
Where to begin? Well, you could always take the obvious
of two state scenic byways 71 and Interstate 540
route(s). And you wont be disappointed. Our scenic byways
traverses the highest portion of the Ozarks.
bank along verdant Arkansas countryside rich with flora

and fauna as diverse as our terrain, making motorcycling in
Arkansas a natural choice. Two national scenic byways are
definitely worth riding: Crowleys Ridge Parkway and the
Great River Road, both in eastern Arkansas.
Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway wanders north-south from
Harrison to the Louisiana state line, offering spectacular
views and interesting stops all along the way. Nearby, the
Boston Mountains Scenic
Loop, consisting
The ride up Mt. Magazine is almost as

gorgeous as the views from the summit.
The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you across

the states highest peak at 2,753 feet, and the Talimena
National Scenic Byway balances on the ridge of the states
second-highest peak. The Talimena is the third and newest
national scenic byway in Arkansas.
THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED
Highway 221 near Berryville
View of Hot Springs
But if youre like most motorcyclists, you enjoy exploring

beautiful new territory and just riding for the sake of riding in
Museum of Automobiles, Petit Jean Mountain
Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park
From Hot Springs:

Petit Jean State Park Ride, 146 miles
beautiful new territory, of course. For the wanderer in you, we
Meandering through the heart of the Ouachita National
submit some suggested rides. For more detailed directions,
Forest, Arkansas Highway 9 rolls along the milder eastern
including mileages and specific ride notes, consult the
edge of the forest, while Arkansas 7 zig-zags through more
Arkansas.com Web site. On the Outdoors menu, pull down
rugged terrain. An automobile magazine once named
Motorcyclingand click on Suggested Rides.
Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway one of Americas top ten driving

experiences. Connecting the two roads is Arkansas 154 that
climbs Petit Jean Mountain, then drops to the Arkansas
River Valley.
Along The Way:

The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain.
Features two presidential convertibles (Kennedys Lincoln
and Clintons Mustang), a host of exquisitely preserved
four-wheeled iron icons, plus a couple of two-wheelers.
Petit Jean State Park and Mather Lodge. Arkansass
first state park welcomes riders with excellent dining, and
the lodges mountain overlook is guaranteed to distract
The overlook on
Petit Jean Moun
tain
even the hungriest.

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. This natural
treasure on the Arkansas River features a self-guided ride
where you can spot Canada geese, bald eagles, several
species of duck and other wildlife.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
71
From Hot Springs:

Petit Jean State Park Ride,
146 miles
Rogers
Central Avenue/Ark. 7, North 4 miles

Ark. 5, East 14 miles
Ark. 9, North 39 miles
Ark. 154, West 28 miles
Ark. 7, South 61 miles
62

Ark. 12/127, West 1 mile
U.S. 412, West 1 mile
County Road 57, West 4 miles
County Road 43 & Ark. 74, South/West 11 miles
U.S. 71, South 31 miles
Ark. 162, South .4 mile
U.S. 64, East 23.7 miles
40
Fort Smith
271
23
71
64
540

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

U.S. 412, West 3 miles
40
62
412
63
167
141
Paragould
154
88
Conway
Perryville
Benton
278
Hope
30 67
371
71
49
63
165
Stuttgart
1 318
165
79
167
278
79
Little Rock
167
270
70
40
40
77
149
24
67
278
79
76 24
57 278
79
167
57
44
Helena
West Helena
79
McGehee
El Dorado
425
167
82
82
165
144
65
82
8
9
From Piggott to Helena-West Helena, 170 miles

Ark. 168, West 2.5 miles
Ark. 141, South 10.8 miles
KAIT Road, West 3.2 miles
U.S. 49 & Ark. 1, South 3.8 miles
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

U.S. 163, South 16.8 miles
Ark. 14, West .4 mile
U.S. 64B, East 3 miles
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Ark. 1B, South 4.9 miles

U.S. 79, South .2 mile
Ark. 1B, South .8 mile
Ark. 44, East 7.4 miles
Crowleys Ridge Road, East 17 miles
From Blytheville:
The Great River Road, 289 miles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
278
82
371
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
6565
278
From Texarkana to Queen Wilhelmina

State Park, 118 miles
West Memphis
425
Chidester
57
371
82
63

55
165
165
65
79
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1. U.S. 71, North 4.3 miles

2. U.S. 59 (U.S. 71), North 94.9 miles
3. Ark. 88, West 19 miles (Talimena Scenic Byway)
Marion
64
Forrest City
40
530
284
Pine Bluff
371
67
630
30 440
70
Arkadelphia
71
64
Jacksonville
430
67
30
70
49
67
167
Sherwood
64
55
61
63
163
40
270
Hot Springs
64
From El Dorado to Hot Springs, 155 miles
Blytheville
49
40
61
Jonesboro
Mountain View
Searcy
Piggott
49
67
Clinton
71
412
62
67
Russellville
Ola
From Hot Springs to

Eureka Springs, 214 miles
67
Hardy
58
66 3 14
65
64
Dardanelle
70
14
65
123
412
Mountain Home
62
Harrisburg
71
30
374
16
412
62
Jasper
Clarksville
Van Buren
From Mountain View:

Blanchard Springs Caverns, 99 miles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
21
Cass
278
43
74
412
62
Harrison
412
16
Fayetteville
65
62
12
540
412
67
63
62
Bentonville
From Eureka Springs:

U.S. 71 State Scenic Byway and
Ark. 23 Scenic Byway, 191 miles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Eureka Springs

County Road 221, South 16 miles
From Harrison: Ozark Moonshine Run, 110 miles

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Ark. Scenic 21, South 11 miles
Ark. Scenic 16, East 13 miles
U.S. Scenic 7, East 10 miles
Ark. Scenic 7, North 24 miles
13
Downtown Eureka Springs
Wine country near Altus
From Eureka Springs:

U.S. 71 State Scenic Byway and
Ark. 23 Scenic Byway, 191 miles
Blanchard Springs Caverns, Mountain View
Buffalo National River near Ponca
From Mountain View:

Blanchard Springs Caverns
(the long way), 99 miles
Until Interstate 540 connected Fort Smith to Fayetteville,
How do you turn a 12-mile hop into a 99-mile excursion?
U.S. 71 was a congested thoroughfare. Now, however, locals
String together some twisty, scenic sections of area roads
and tourists frequently travel this glorious, ridgetop
from Mountain View to Blanchard Springs Caverns. The
scenic route. With a combination of little-known but
route cuts through the Sylamore Wildlife Management
well-paved scenic county roads, the best part of this byway
Area and skirts Leatherwood Wilderness and over the
can be accessed from Eureka Springs. Together with
White River. A 12-mile detour from the main loop
Arkansas 23 (a.k.a. the Pig Trail), this route makes for a
crosses the pristine Buffalo National River.
great day of motorcycling.
Along The Way:
Along The Way:
Artist Point Shop and Museum. This panoramic stop
Blanchard Springs Caverns. These caverns are rated in
features area artifacts, local jams and jellies, fudge, crafts
the top 10 most beautiful in North America. The U.S. Forest
and a spectacular overlook of Lake Shepard Springs, 1,000
Service conducts year-round tours of the gargantuan cave,
feet below. Or stretch your legs on the one-mile hike to
which is a stunning place to cool off in the summer.
the waterfall.
Buffalo National River. Arkansas Highway 263 to Ark. 14
Nearby:
leads you to the first national river in the country and
Arkansas Wine Country. German vintners decided in the
Buffalo Point, an excellent national park campground. The
early 1800s that the well-drained temperate Altus hills were
Buffalos towering limestone bluffs and pristine waters are
perfect for wine making. Most of the wineries offer daily
a tonic for the bikers soul.
tours and wine tastings.
Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs
15
State park cabins on Mt. Nebo
From Hot Springs to Eureka Springs

(the long way), 214 miles
Trip-planning Web sites typically suggest traveling between

Hot Springs and Eureka Springs on a combination of
trampled U.S. and interstate highways, which provides a
nice, but not-so-exciting, four-and-a-half-hour ride.
This route, however, takes adventurers down less-traveled,
Buffalo National River
Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum in Piggott
break. A federally protected waterway, the Buffalo is a

popular fishing and floating river.
Lost Valley and Arkansas Elk. Lost Valley near Boxley is
a gathering spot for elk. These magnificent animals were
reintroduced to the Buffalo River region in the 1980s and
make a great photo-op at dusk as they graze in open fields
along the road.
but well-maintained, rural roads winding through, over and

around some of Arkansass best mountain scenery.
Although its only two miles longer than the Web site route,
From Piggott to HelenaWest Helena, 170 miles
riders should budget more than four and a half hours for
Crowleys Ridge Parkway is both a state and a national scenic
this ride, especially those with cameras.
byway. It lies within the Arkansas Delta, a vast flatland (except
Along The Way:
for Crowleys Ridge) of hardwood forests, farmland, orchards

and a whole lotta great stuff to see and do.
Nimrod Lake. Located on the Fourche LaFave River, this is

a camping and crappie hot spot. A Corps of Engineers
To ride the Ridge is to travel through four state parks, the St.
recreation area provides campsites, boat ramps and picnic sites.
Francis National Forest and a world of history and culture.
Mount Nebo State Park. This blufftop state park is a
Along The Way:
popular camping spot for motorcyclists.Tight switchbacks on
Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational
the steep access road keep trailers and large recreational
Center. Drop by this immaculately kept house in Piggott
vehicles from climbing to the park. At 1,350 feet above sea
and see where the author wrote part of A Farewell to Arms
level, the view of the Arkansas River Valley from Mt. Nebo is
and several short stories.
especially stunning at night.
Forrest L. Wood Crowleys Ridge Nature Center,
Buffalo National River. Youll approach the Buffalo
Jonesboro. The unique delta landscape comes to life
National River and make the river crossing on this leg. On a
in displays featuring turkey, deer, bear and red wolf exhibits,
motorcycle, the crossing point is a peaceful spot for a
prehistoric artifacts, an aquarium and duck hunting adventure.
Arkansas Welcome Center, El Dorado
DeGray Lake Resort State Park

near Arkadelphia
From El Dorado to Hot Springs,

155 miles
17
Cossatot River State Park/Natural Area

near Mena
Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge

near Mena
From Texarkana to Queen

Wilhelmina State Park, 118 miles
Enjoy your ride through distinctive mountain scenery and out-
Start with a foot in two states and end at the Castle in the
standing natural colors while traveling through the Ouachita
Clouds, Queen Wilhelmina Lodge on the second highest
Mountains on this enjoyable stretch. Recreation areas provide
peak in Arkansas. Thats the Talimena National Scenic
opportunities to camp, hike, mountain bike, canoe and ride
Byway for you. Arkansass newest national scenic byway
horses along or within a few miles of the highway, and
crosses the Red River, Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge,
Arkansass #1 vacation destination, Hot Springs, awaits at the
Millwood Lake and a whole lot of beautiful scenery. The
end of your journey. Youll be within easy reach of several of
route offers unsurpassed mountain vistas, forested peaks
our finest state parks along the way, and you can soak away the
and valleys, lakes and streams. The drive is especially pic-
miles just like they used to do by taking the baths along historic
turesque when the surrounding mountains are clad in
Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs.
spring and autumn foliage, as it often sits above clouds and
Along The Way:
fog in the lower valleys.
El Dorado. A diverse mix of downtown businesses offers

quality antiques and collectibles, upscale clothing, health
Along The Way:
foods, gourmet coffees, jewelry and a host of other goods
Cossatot River State Park/Natural Area. The visitors
and services. A variety of impressive architectural sights is
center tells the story of this breathtakingly beautiful river,
within easy walking distance of each other. Catch some live
whose name in its original Native American language
music, a movie in the grand Rialto Theater or a game of pool
means skull crusher.
in a 1920s-vintage hall.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Located on a spectacular
DeGray Lake Resort State Park. On the shores of 13,800-
mountaintop setting, this park offers extraordinary panoramic
acre DeGray Lake, this resort includes quality amenities
scenery, nature trails, the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife
combined with the outdoor adventures of an Arkansas state
Center and, of course, the Southern Belle, the miniature train
park in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.
that has delighted young and old for generations.
19
Hampson Archeological Museum

State Park, Wilson
Magnolia Hill Bed and Breakfast,

Helena-West Helena
From Blytheville: The Great

River Road, 289 miles
Elk near Lost Valley, Buffalo National River
Upper Buffalo Wilderness Loop
From Harrison: Ozark Moonshine

Run, 110 miles
The Great River Road extends through 10 states along the
The Ozark Moonshine Run is an unofficial local favorite and
Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
has been used since the days of prohibition.This 110-mile loop
Arkansass portion traverses part of the nations largest alluvial
starts and ends in Harrison and delights riders with breath-
plain, allowing riders to experience both the mighty river and
taking mountainous views and amazing altitudinal changes.
its legacy of shaping landscapes and lives along its path.
The travel time can vary from four to eight hours, depending
This route runs from the northeast to the southeast corners
on how long you spend gazing in awe at the sights. Riders
of the state and would make an excellent overnight ride.
can indulge in a rare treat of wildlife viewing; a herd of elk
Plan on staying at a Victorian-era bed and breakfast or other
estimated at about 500 lives just south of Harrison along the
accommodation in Helena-West Helena.
Buffalo National River. For a sure sighting of these majestic
Along The Way:
creatures, visit the Elk Education Center in Ponca.
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park. This
Along The Way:
facility conserves and exhibits collections from the Nodena
Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. On Scenic Ark. 7 near Cliff
site, a 15-acre village that once thrived on a bend of the
House, take a moment (or several) to admire the beauty and
Mississippi River. The museum interprets the lifestyles of
wonder of the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. Pull-offs and
the farming-based civilization that lived here from 1400 to
scenic overlooks are marked along the way, providing some
1650 A.D.
of the most captivating views in the area.
Helena-West Helena. The second-oldest incorporated
Boxley. A great place to start any time you are ready to
city in Arkansas features the Delta Cultural Center, Union
park the bike. The 37-mile Upper Buffalo Wilderness Loop
batteries from the Civil War Battle of Helena, Phillips
is off the junction of Ark. 21 and Ark. 74 and is easily
County Museum and Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival
traversed by beginners. While in Boxley, check out its
(formerly the King Biscuit Blues Festival), the largest free
historic district, as well as the Buffalo National River.
blues festival in the country.
GAS UP, MOUNT

COME ON OVER UP AND
!
Arkansas offers so
me of the best rid
ing in the
country. Were just scr
atching the surface wi
th
these few
suggested rides. There
s so much more divers
e
ter
rain to
discover on our pictur
esque roads, wide-op
en
hig
hw
ays
and backroads. That
s the great thing ab
ou
t
rid
ing
in
Arkansas just how
much excitement we
can pack into a
compact geographic are
a. Youll meet plenty
of nice folks
and make saddlebags
full of great memorie
s along the
way. And isnt that wh
y you ride, after all?
Theres much more
on our Web site, Ar
kansas.com,
including links to acc
ommodations, comple
te
information
on motorcycling hot
spots, tips for riders
, motorcycle
events and festivals,
maps and much more.
For a FREE
Arkansas Vacatio
n Planning Kit,
including an
ofcial state highway
map, calendar of ev
ents, Tour
Guide, State Parks Gu
ide and Adventure Gu
ide, log on to
Arkansas.com or ca
ll 1-800-NATURAL
.
Some of the rides listed
in this brochure are cou
rtesy of Mario
Carusos Arkansas Rider
s Guide.
Motorcycle Safety Begins Wi

th You
Get properly trained and license
d
Wear protective gear
Ride within your limits
Ride unimpaired
Be a lifelong learner
MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES
IN ARKANSAS

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MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES

Highway 103 north of Clarksville

Bikes, Blues & BBQ, Fayetteville

Some people ride to live. Some people live to ride.

Taking a break nea

Talimena Scenic Byway in the Ouachitas

Artist Point near Mountainburg

Mirror Lake below Blanchard Springs Caverns

Lets start from the ground up. The terrain of Arkansas

Mt. Nebo near Dardanelle

KICKSTARTING YOUR RIDE

Mt. Magazine, the states highest point

Highway 221 near Eureka Springs

H.O.G. Rally in Hot Springs

Highway 221 crossing Kings River

Where to begin? Well, you could always take the obvious

of two state scenic byways 71 and Interstate 540

route(s). And you wont be disappointed. Our scenic byways

traverses the highest portion of the Ozarks.

bank along verdant Arkansas countryside rich with flora

The ride up Mt. Magazine is almost as

The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you across

THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED

Highway 221 near Berryville

View of Hot Springs

But if youre like most motorcyclists, you enjoy exploring

Museum of Automobiles, Petit Jean Mountain

Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park

From Hot Springs:

beautiful new territory, of course. For the wanderer in you, we

Meandering through the heart of the Ouachita National

submit some suggested rides. For more detailed directions,

Forest, Arkansas Highway 9 rolls along the milder eastern

including mileages and specific ride notes, consult the

edge of the forest, while Arkansas 7 zig-zags through more

Arkansas.com Web site. On the Outdoors menu, pull down

rugged terrain. An automobile magazine once named

Motorcyclingand click on Suggested Rides.

Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway one of Americas top ten driving

Along The Way:

Petit Jean Moun

even the hungriest.

From Hot Springs:

Central Avenue/Ark. 7, North 4 miles

Ark. 23, South 11 miles

Ark. 14, East 8 miles

Ark. 7, North 73 miles

From Piggott to Helena-West Helena, 170 miles

Ark. 1, South 2.3 miles

Ark. 1B, South 4.9 miles

From Texarkana to Queen Wilhelmina

Ark. 7, North 37 miles

1. U.S. 71, North 4.3 miles

From El Dorado to Hot Springs, 155 miles

From Hot Springs to

From Mountain View:

From Eureka Springs:

U.S. 61, South 46 miles

From Harrison: Ozark Moonshine Run, 110 miles

Ark. 43, West 26 miles

THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED

Downtown Eureka Springs