You would think that locating the finest motorcycle rides in the Ozarks would be a simple job, but such is not the case. Really just about any route you are riding in the Ozarks is better than any road you have ridden earlier. So attempting to find the finest motorcycle roads is a daunting task.
Having retired from Chicago to the beautiful Arkansas Ozarks I know this first hand. When I got to Arkansas I was plainly astounded that I should simply start from anywhere and ride with no particular destination in mind and experience many of the great motorcycle roads I had ever rode. Then I started getting together with other riders that turned me on to the very best motorcycle rides in the Ozarks. Through the years I also discovered a few of my own, which I will relate to you as well.
Four of the greatest thirty-three roads in the country are in Arkansas. These are Push Mountain Road, the Arkansas Pig Trail, the Arkansas Dragon, and Arkansas Highway 7. All of these are brilliant roads are filled with hairpin turns, switchbacks, elevation changes and scenic scenery that makes for great motorcycle rides. Each of these motorcycle roads also require your utmost attention, or you may find yourself doing some unanticipated motocross stunts.
Many motorcycle websites have posts on these roads that supply detailed information and anyone can simply look them up for any of these roads on YouTube to see videos of these motorcycle rides. Because this information is readily available I will not get into the details of these specific roads. Rather, I will share some of the less known Arkansas motorcycle trips I appreciate.
Push Mountain Road is a famous motorcycle ride that many bikers throughout the country have ridden or heard of. But, here is my preferred route to make a fun day trip (or more) out of riding this exciting road.
I start by leaving of Mountain Home on Highway 62W in the direction of Yellville for thirty minutes. I pick up AR-14 Highway South toward my first destination, which will be the Buffalo River State Park. The park is close to 25 minutes from Yellville.
Depending on the time I will visit the park restaurant that rests near the top of a bluff overlooking the river for a scenic breakfast or lunch. The cuisine is secondary to the spectacular scenery. The restaurant is only open in the peak travel season, generally between late March to late October. For visitors wanting to explore this great State Park there are cabins and campgrounds for rent, and if you have the time I definitely recommend a brief stay for a fantastic time.
Soon after quenching I once again head south for around 15 minutes on AR-14S to the tiny city of Harriet. This part of this Arkansas motorcycle trip will get your blood flowing in preparation for the Push Mountain Road run. Now I head out on E AR-14. It sounds puzzling, but just follow Arkansas Highway 14 east.
From Harriet to Push Mountain Road is approximately 30 minutes. You will travel through the tiny town of Big Flat, about midway through. Look for signs indicating AR-341 North, which is Push Mountain Road. Turn left onto P.M.R. and prepare for the ride you can only imagine. On this trip I will be including the run on this road 2 times, so I just kick back and take a relaxing cruise while I take pleasure in the scenery this time around.
During this trip I pull over to see Chuck at Crossroads, a small convenient store (with gas) and the only place on P.M.R. to find a bite, something to drink (no liquor), or a Push Mountain Road T-shirt. This is a nice break to get off the bike and visit with a great guy and his dog Cooper.
Moving on, it takes about 15 minutes to arrive at the northern end of P.M.R., at the intersection of AR-201. Now I head west for roughly a mile or two and pick up Highway 5S toward Calico Rock. If you shopped at Crossroads search for a P.M.R. t-shirt and didn't get one, you can check at the Riverview Emporium in Norfork. Don is very intriguing to converse with, as he has traveled the globe widely and his store has numerous local antiques.
I take Highway 5S down to Mountain View, about a 50 minute ride if you don't get stuck behind a lot of traffic. If you are fresh to the Ozark experiences you should definitely see the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Many guests share the belief that the Ozark Folk Center is the most likeable place in Arkansas. The people are warm and friendly and the scenery is fantastic. Mountain View also hosts a folk music festival every year, typically in late April.
There is a fantastic ice cream store in the square that is a throwback to the early 20th century. I stop here to cool down with a tasty treat. This is in preparation for a more serious run of Push Mountain Road.
I jump back on Highway 5N and head to the intersection of Arkansas Highway 14, about a 10 minute jaunt. I then go east on 14 for approximately for 30 minutes to Push Mountain Road. Heading north on P.M.R., I brace myself for a more aggressive run at this difficult road. Heed my warning; only road tested riders should challenge this road. It is a frequent occurrence to find accidents on this road every weekend.
I pull over at the White River Bridge just before the end of P.M.R. and take ten minutes to chill out by the river and allow my nerves to settle down. Then I take Highway 201 north back into Mountain Home to put the finishing touch on this surprising Arkansas motorcycle ride.
Arkansas has 4 of the top 33 rated motorcycle roads in the USA. Only California has as much. Visit us at Arkansas Motorcycle Trips to learn about these great roads and everything the state of Arkansas has to offer.
Article courtesy of Joseph Merkle
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