Gas up, mount up and come on over! motorcycle adventures in arkansas

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1 Gas up, mount up and come on over! Arkansas offers some of the best riding in the country. We re just scratching the surface with these few suggested rides. There s so much more diverse terrain to discover on our picturesque roads, wide-open highways and backroads. That s the great thing about riding in Arkansas just how much excitement we can pack into a compact geographic area. You ll meet plenty of nice folks and make saddlebags full of great memories along the way. And isn t that why you ride, after all? motorcycle adventures in arkansas There s much more on our website, Arkansas.com, including links to accommodations, complete information on motorcycling hot spots, tips for riders, motorcycle events and festivals, maps and much more. For a FREE Arkansas Vacation Planning Kit, including an official state highway map, calendar of events, Tour Guide, s Guide and Adventure Guide, log on to Arkansas.com or call 1-00-NATURAL. Motorcycle Safety Begins With You Get properly trained and licensed Wear protective gear Ride within your limits Ride unimpaired Be a lifelong learner Recycled Paper scan for Info

2 MOTORCYCLING IN ARKANSAS 3 Mountains, Music and Motorcycles, Mt. View Bikes, Blues & BBQ, Fayetteville Some people ride to live. Some people live to ride. Whichever you are, there s 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 you ll find the state extremely biker-friendly. Which is what you d expect from the place that hosts the largest state Harley Owners Group rally in the country. Highway 14 near Mountain View H.O.G. Rally in Hot Springs

3 TERRAIN Lakeport Plantation in Lake Village Highway near Mountain View Talimena Scenic Byway in the Ouachitas Artist Point near Mountainburg Let s start from the ground up. The terrain of Arkansas is as varied as the bikes that crisscross it. You can cruise the flatlands of the Arkansas Delta, meander through the Ozark and Ouachita mountains, ride the rolling hills of Central Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley or coast the tree-lined backroads of the Timberlands. Wherever you roam, you ll discover friendly people, plenty of attractions and services, and comfy-cozy accommodations. And you ll find high-quality roadbeds that won t jolt you out of the saddle. And it s not just us who think Arkansas is a rider s paradise. Author and biker Gary McKechnie recently added Arkansas to his fourth edition of Great American Motorcycle Tours. McKechnie s impressions of his ride on Scenic Byway from Hot Springs to Eureka Springs are typical of the first-time biker s: A ride reaching across mountains and hills from the thermal baths of central Arkansas north to one of the nation s most impressive resort towns. Nearly 100 percent undiluted natural beauty along a scenic highway reveals a new perspective on a misunderstood state. Scenic Highway near Hot Springs

4 KICKSTARTING YOUR RIDE Crowley s Ridge Great River Road Scenic Highway Mt. Magazine, the state s highest point Where to begin? Well, you could always take the obvious route(s). And you won t be disappointed. Our scenic byways 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: Crowley s Ridge Parkway and the Great River Road, both in eastern Arkansas. Arkansas Scenic 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 of two state scenic byways 1 and Interstate traverses the highest portion of the Ozarks. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway takes you across the state s highest peak at 2,3 feet, and the Talimena National Scenic Byway balances on the ridge of the state s second-highest peak. The Talimena is the third and newest national scenic byway in Arkansas. Talimena Scenic Byway in the Ouachitas

5 ThE ROADS LESS TRAvELED Oark General Store Peels Ferry, Bull Shoals Lake View of Hot Springs Petit Jean But if you re like most motorcyclists, you enjoy exploring beautiful new territory and just riding for the sake of riding in beautiful new territory, of course. For the wanderer in you, we submit some suggested rides. For more detailed directions, including mileages and specific ride notes, consult the Arkansas.com website. On the Outdoors menu, pull down Motorcycling and click on Suggested Rides. From Hot Springs: 1 Petit Jean Ride, 146 miles Meandering through the heart of the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas Highway rolls along the milder eastern edge of the forest, while Arkansas zig-zags through more rugged terrain. An automobile magazine once named Arkansas Scenic Byway one of America s top ten driving experiences. Connecting the two roads is Arkansas 14 that climbs Petit Jean Mountain, then drops to the Arkansas River Valley. The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain. Features two presidential convertibles (Kennedy s Lincoln and Clinton s Mustang), a host of exquisitely preserved four-wheeled iron icons, plus a couple of two-wheelers. Petit Jean and Mather Lodge. Arkansas s first state park welcomes riders with excellent dining and accommodations in a newly renovated lodge overlooking the rugged natural beauty of the area. The Lodge at Mt. Magazine Nearby: Mount Magazine. The state s highest peak at 2,3 feet offers tight curves and stunning views along Arkansas Highway 30, which includes Mount Magazine Scenic Byway. The Lodge at Mount Magazine offers first-class accommodations.

6 From Hot Springs: Petit Jean Ride, 146 miles 1. Central Avenue/Ark., North 4 miles 2. Ark., East 14 miles 3. Ark., North 3 miles 4. Ark. 14, West 2 miles. Ark., South 61 miles From Eureka Springs: U.S. 1 State Scenic Byway and Ark. 23 Scenic Byway, 11 miles 1. Ark. 23, South 11 miles 2. Ark. 12/12, West 1 mile 3. Ark. 12, West miles 4. Ark. 4, South 6 miles. U.S., West 1 mile 6. Ark. 2, South miles. Ark. 4, West miles. Ark. 16, East 4 miles. County Road, West 4 miles 10. County Road 43 & Ark. 4, South/West 11 miles 11. U.S. 1, South 31 miles 12. Ark. 1, South.4 mile 13. U.S., East 23. miles 14. Ark. 23, North miles From Mountain View: Blanchard Springs Caverns, miles 1. Ark. 14, East miles 2. Ark., North 1 miles 3. Ark. 6, West 6 miles 4. Ark., South 21 miles. Ark. 14, West 21 miles 6. Ark. 263, South 12 miles. Ark. 66, East 13 miles From Hot Springs to Eureka Springs, 214 miles 1. Ark., North 3 miles 2. Ark. 1, West 14 miles 3. Ark. 123, North 2 miles 4. Ark., North 4 miles. Ark. 123, North 16 miles 6. Ark. 34, West miles. Ark., North miles. Ark. 4, West 14 miles. Ark. 43, North 4 miles 10. Ark. 103, North 12 miles 11. U.S., West 3 miles 12. Ark. 103, North 14 miles 13. U.S., West 1 miles Fort Smith 21 From 0 Fayetteville Queen Wilhelmina 1 Bentonville Prairie Grove Battlefield Devil s Den 1 Dallas Van Buren Mena Rogers Hobbs - Conservation Area Booneville Waldron From Eureka Springs 2 Withrow Springs Lake Fort Smith Cossatot River -Natural Area 2 31 Millwood Cass Paris Mount Magazine Mount Ida Hot Springs Glenwood 0 Crater of Diamonds Nashville Hope Daisy 2 Texarkana 2 Conway Cemetery 31 Shreveport 21 Clarksville Historic Washington Lake Dardanelle Dardanelle 2 31 From Branson Ola Mount Nebo Prescott Jasper Lake Ouachita 14 Russellville 10 DeGray Lake Resort Harrison Petit Jean Perryville 4 Chidester Logoly Magnolia White Oak Lake El Dorado 6 Morrilton Benton 6 24 Poison Springs Battleground 2 30 Arkadelphia 2 0 Lake Catherine 20 2 Bull Shoals - White River Pinnacle Mountain Mountain View Clinton Conway Jenkins Ferry Battleground Fordyce Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources From Piggott to Helena-West Helena, 10 miles 1. U.S. 4, South 22 miles 2. U.S., West miles 3. Ark. 16, West 2. miles 4. Ark. 141, South 10. miles. KAIT Road, West 3.2 miles 6. Ark. 31, South.2 miles. U.S. 4 & Ark. 1, South 3. miles Mountain Home Ozark Folk Center Woolly Hollow 4 30 South Arkansas Arboretum Pine Bluff 2 Warren Cabot Sherwood 14 Little Rock 63 Marks Mills Battleground Moro Bay 2 Crossett Mammoth Spring Searcy Plantation Agriculture Museum Toltec Mounds Archeological. Ark. 1, South 2.3 miles. U.S. 163, South 16. miles 10. Ark. 14, West.4 mile 11. Ark. 163, South 2 miles 12. U.S. B, East 3 miles 13. Ark. 24, South 1. miles Monticello Hamburg 1 Cane Creek Batesville 1 Stuttgart Lake Village 1 Mammoth Spring Hardy McGehee 144 Pocahontas Jacksonport Newport Lower White River Museum 2 4 Davidsonville Historic Lake Charles Walnut Ridge Powhatan Historic Arkansas Post Museum Lake Frierson Harrisburg Forrest City Mississippi River Louisiana Purchase 4 Delta Heritage Trail Lake Chicot 44 Corning 4 Crowley s Ridge Paragould Herman Davis Jonesboro Lake Poinsett Parkin Archeological Blytheville 63 Village Creek Marion Helena- West Helena 14. Ark. 1B, South 4. miles 1. Ark. 1, South 12. miles 16. U.S., South.2 mile 1. Ark. 1B, South. mile 1. Ark. 44, East.4 miles 1. Crowley s Ridge Road, East 1 miles Piggott 61 West Memphis Hampson Archeological Museum From Memphis Branson to Eureka Springs 2 Miles Branson to Harrison 34 Miles Dallas to Texarkana 1 Miles Memphis to Helena-West Helena 0 Miles Shreveport to El Dorado Miles For your downloadable tank map, go to: Arkansas.com/outdoors/motorcycling From El Dorado to Hot Springs, 1 miles 6 1. Ark., North 3 miles 2. U.S. 2, West 10 miles 3. Ark., North miles 4. Ark. 6, East miles. Ark. 24, East miles 6. Ark. 2, East 3 miles. Ark., North 1 miles From Texarkana to Queen Wilhelmina, 11 miles 1. U.S. 1, North 4.3 miles 2. U.S. (U.S. 1), North 4. miles 3. Ark., West 1 miles (Talimena Scenic Byway) From Blytheville: The Great River Road, 2 miles 1. U.S. 61, South 46 miles 2. Ark., South 16 miles 3. U.S. 0, West 6 miles 4. Ark. 14, South 1 miles. Ark. 3, West miles 6. U.S., South 1 miles. Ark. 44, East miles. County Road 221, South 16 miles. Ark. 44, West 23 miles 10. Ark. 20, West 6 miles 11. Ark. 31, North miles 12. Ark. 316, West 2 miles 13. Ark. 1, South 2 miles 14. U.S. 1, South 26 miles 1. Ark. 1, South 20 miles 16. Ark. 4, East 12 miles 1. Ark. 4, West 10 miles 1. Ark. 16, West 2 miles 1. U.S., South miles 20. Ark. 2, East 4 miles 21. Ark. 144, East miles From Harrison: Ozark Moonshine Run, 110 miles 1. Ark. 43, West 26 miles 2. Ark. Scenic 21, South 11 miles 3. Ark. Scenic 16, East 13 miles 4. U.S. Scenic, East 10 miles. Ark. 123, North 1 miles 6. Ark. 34, West miles. Ark. Scenic, North 24 miles

7 the roads less traveled 13 Downtown Eureka Springs Wine Country near Altus Mountains, Music and Motorcycles, Mt. View Blanchard Springs Caverns, Mt. View 2 From eureka springs: U.s. 1 state scenic Byway and ark. 23 scenic Byway, 11 miles Until Interstate connected Fort Smith to Fayetteville, U.S. 1 was a congested thoroughfare. Now locals and tourists frequently travel this glorious, ridgetop scenic route. With a combination of little-known but well-paved scenic county roads, the best part of this byway can be accessed from Eureka Springs. Together with Arkansas 23 (a.k.a. the Pig Trail ), this route makes for a great day of motorcycling. along the Way: artist Point shop and Museum. This panoramic stop features area artifacts, local jams and jellies, fudge, crafts and a spectacular overlook of Lake Fort Smith. Nearby: arkansas Wine Country. German vintners decided in the early 100s that the well-drained temperate Altus hills were perfect for wine making. Most of the wineries offer daily tours and wine tastings. Less than two hours away, Crystal Bridges Museum of american art in Bentonville makes an excellent side trip and is a must-see site in the Ozarks. 3 From Mountain view: Blanchard Springs Caverns (the long way), miles How do you turn a 12-mile hop into a -mile excursion? String together some twisty, scenic sections of area roads from Mountain View to Blanchard Springs Caverns. The route cuts through the Sylamore Wildlife Management Area and skirts Leatherwood Wilderness and over the White River. A 12-mile detour from the main loop crosses the pristine Buffalo National River. Blanchard Springs Caverns. These caverns are rated in the top 10 most beautiful in North America. The U.S. Forest Service conducts year-round tours of the gargantuan cave, which is a stunning place to cool off in the summer. Buffalo National River. Arkansas Highway 263 to Ark. 14 leads you to the first national river in the country and Buffalo Point, an excellent national park campground. The Buffalo s towering limestone bluffs and pristine waters are a tonic for the biker s soul.

8 the roads less traveled 1 Downtown Hot Springs Lake Dardanelle Elk near Lost Valley, Buffalo National River Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum in Piggott From Hot Springs to Eureka Springs 4 (the long way), 214 miles Trip-planning websites 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, but well-maintained, rural roads winding through, over and around some of Arkansas s best mountain scenery. Although it s only two miles longer than the website route, riders should budget more than four and a half hours for this ride, especially those with cameras. Nimrod Lake. Located on the Fourche LaFave River, this is a camping and crappie hot spot. A Corps of Engineers recreation area provides campsites, boat ramps and picnic sites. Lake Dardanelle. Located halfway between Little Rock and Fort Smith, this 34,000-acre lake is rimmed with choice campsites and picnic areas. Lake Dardanelle features two shoreline locations and boasts a visitor s center with interpretive exhibits and an aquarium making it a nice detour when it s time to stretch your legs. Buffalo National River. You ll approach the Buffalo National River and make the river crossing on this leg. On a motorcycle, the crossing point is a peaceful spot for a 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 10s and make a great photo-op at dusk as they graze in open fields along the road. From Piggott to Helena- West Helena, 10 miles Crowley s Ridge Parkway is both a state and a national scenic byway. It lies within the Arkansas Delta, a vast flatland (except for Crowley s Ridge) of hardwood forests, farmland, orchards and a whole lotta great stuff to see and do. To ride the Ridge is to travel through four state parks, the St. Francis National Forest and a world of history and culture. Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center. Drop by this immaculately kept house in Piggott and see where the author wrote part of A Farewell to Arms and several short stories. Forrest L. Wood Crowley s Ridge Nature Center, Jonesboro. The unique delta landscape comes to life in displays featuring turkey, deer, bear and red wolf exhibits, prehistoric artifacts, an aquarium and duck hunting adventure.

9 the roads less traveled 1 Bugs, Bikes and Bands, El Dorado DeGray Lake Resort near Arkadelphia Drasco Trading Post, Drasco Queen Wilhelmina 6 From El Dorado to Hot Springs, 1 miles Enjoy your ride through distinctive mountain scenery and outstanding natural colors while traveling through the Ouachita Mountains on this enjoyable stretch. Recreation areas provide opportunities to camp, hike, mountain bike, canoe and ride horses along or within a few miles of the highway, and Arkansas s #1 vacation destination, Hot Springs, awaits at the end of your journey. You ll be within easy reach of several of our finest state parks along the way, and you can soak away the miles just like they used to do by taking the baths along historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs. El Dorado. A diverse mix of downtown businesses offers quality antiques and collectibles, upscale clothing, health foods, gourmet coffees, jewelry and a host of other goods and services. A variety of impressive architectural sights is within easy walking distance of each other. Catch some live music, a movie in the grand Rialto Theater or a game of pool in a 120s-vintage hall. DeGray Lake Resort. On the shores of 13,00- acre DeGray Lake, this resort includes quality amenities combined with the outdoor adventures of an Arkansas state park in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. From Texarkana to Queen Wilhelmina, 11 miles Start with a foot in two states and end at the Castle in the Clouds, Queen Wilhelmina Lodge on the second highest peak in Arkansas. That s the Talimena National Scenic Byway for you. Arkansas s newest national scenic byway crosses the Red River, Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Millwood Lake and a whole lot of beautiful scenery. The route offers unsurpassed mountain vistas, forested peaks and valleys, lakes and streams. The drive is especially picturesque when the surrounding mountains are clad in spring and autumn foliage, as it often sits above clouds and fog in the lower valleys. Cossatot River /Natural Area. The visitors center tells the story of this breathtakingly beautiful river, whose name in its original Native American language means skull crusher. Queen Wilhelmina. Located on a spectacular mountaintop setting, this park offers extraordinary panoramic scenery, nature trails, the Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center and, of course, the Southern Belle, the miniature train that has delighted young and old for generations. The lodge is temporarily closed for renovation. Please check ArkansasStateParks.com for lodge reopening late 2013.

10 the roads less traveled 1 Parkin Archeological King Biscuit Blues Festival, Helena-West Helena Highway 34 near Mt. Judea Cliff House Inn, Jasper From Blytheville: The Great River Road, 2 miles From Harrison: Ozark Moonshine Run, 110 miles The Great River Road extends through 10 states along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Arkansas s portion traverses part of the nation s largest alluvial plain, allowing riders to experience both the mighty river and its legacy of shaping landscapes and lives along its path. This route runs from the northeast to the southeast corners of the state and would make an excellent overnight ride. Plan on staying at a Victorian-era bed and breakfast or other accommodation in Helena-West Helena. Parkin Archeological. This park preserves the site of a Mississippian Period Native American village from A research station and interpretive center are also located here. When archeological digs are underway, visitors on guided tours can observe them. Also onsite is the 110 Northern Ohio Schoolhouse, one of Parkin s oldest remaining structures. Helena-West Helena. The second-oldest incorporated city in Arkansas features the Delta Cultural Center, Union batteries from the Civil War Battle of Helena, Phillips County Museum and the King Biscuit Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the country. The Ozark Moonshine Run is an unofficial local favorite and has been used since the days of prohibition. This 110-mile loop starts and ends in Harrison and delights riders with breathtaking mountainous views and amazing altitudinal changes. The travel time can vary from four to eight hours, depending on how long you spend gazing in awe at the sights. Riders can indulge in a rare treat of wildlife viewing; a herd of elk estimated at about 00 lives just south of Harrison along the Buffalo National River. For a sure sighting of these majestic creatures, visit the Elk Education Center in Ponca. Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. On Scenic Ark. near the Cliff House Inn, take a moment (or several) to admire the beauty and wonder of the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks. Pull-offs and scenic overlooks are marked along the way, providing some of the most captivating views in the area. Boxley. A great place to explore any time you are ready to park the bike. The 3-mile Upper Buffalo Wilderness Loop is off the junction of Ark. 21 and Ark. 4 and is easily hiked by beginners. While in Boxley, check out its historic district, as well as the Buffalo National River.