Things to do in the Ozarks

Attractions, activities, entertainment, museums, State Parks and more! There are plenty of things to see and do in the Ozarks.

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Road Descriptions - Western Arkansas Region

These red shaded routes are the roads I have enjoyed over the years. Most any of the roads, even the ones not shaded, are sure to be great roads and you'll love them. But the ones indicated are the ones that have I have found; exciting to ride... scenic to be on... and the most fun to experience. Above all, have fun!!!!

I just hope my local ridering buddies don't gang up on me for giving away these gems.

Boston Mountains Scenic Byway - Old U.S. Highway 71

This 48-mile scenic byway made the jump from road-to-avoid to don' t-miss status when the parallel Interstate 540 opened to the west. From Alma, at I-40, to Fayetteville, this road is a pleasure to ride now that truck traffic has moved west. The road surface is in great condition and the lanes and shoulders are wide. Many times it's three lanes wide.

The curves are broad sweepers with tight some ones mixed in. But with the wide lanes, the ride is easy. Traffic wise, numerous times I' ve not seen more than a hand full of other vehicles - almost no trucks - and the views on the way to the top are spectacular The highway runs north/south over the Boston Mountains; from Alma, at I-40, to Fayetteville, home of the University of Arkansas. From Alma to just south of Mountainburg, the road gently climbs out of the river valley and is fairly ordinary for about eight miles.

But two miles south of sleepy little Mountainburg, you will find yourself winding down a steep mountain side for an exhilarating, downhill ride. The highway levels out through town and then starts an equally exhilarating climb out of the valley, ending at Fayetteville. At West Fork, Greenland and on into Fayetteville, be watchful for speed enforcement.

 

Arkansas Highway 16 - Sweet 16 and Never Been Ridden... Much

This is perhaps the best little known highway in the Ozarks. Except for short sections which run concurrent with Highways 23, 21 & 7, this road is familiar mostly only to local riders. This is really too bad because the 110 miles of Arkansas 16 between Fayetteville and Clinton is a fun, twisty and scenic ride.

The reason Highway 16 overlooked is that it really doesn't take you any place. It basically runs along the backbone of the Ozarks. It follows a route full of curves and wonderful scenery. If you start out on the eastern end, in Fayetteville, have breakfast at the Rolling Pin Cafe (at the intersection of Highways 16 and 265). Head west, hang on and enjoy the ride. Most of the time traffic will be light and you'll have a great time discovering this fantastic road. Many visiting riders will not know to make this wonderful ride. That's their loss.

Ark. 12/Ark. 127

Heading east out of Rogers is Ark. 12. It is very winding, passing both private land and Hobbs Wildlife Management area. It snakes through thick forested land if lots of fun, despite the sometimes heavy traffic. Twelve miles east is the Ark. 12 junciton with Ark. 127. Take 127 east. It's not as twisty, but runs through beautiful mixed forest and farm land. It winding path is very nice and this is my favorite route from Eureka Springs to Rogers.

A Short Ride Out of Fayetteville

A sweet, short ride out of Fayetteville is Ark. Highways 74 (and 265/170 even though they aren't shaded). The 265 part of this route winds through scenic farm land on the way to the Arkansas Devil's Den State Park. The Ark. 74 portion is especially nice as you head south into Devil's Den. Campgrounds and cabins are available, but during busy weekends or holidays, check ahead for availability. Highway 74 NW out of the park is a fantastic section of highway. For a couple of miles, it reminds me of riding the Tail of the Dragon (U.S. 129) in Tennessee. The trip into Devil's Den is well worth the time.

A Short Ride Out of Eureka Springs

Ar favorite ride with locals is a circle from Eureka Spring and back again. Take Ark. 23 three miles north to Arkansas 187, which goes to the community of Beaver. Beaver town is where the White River below Beaver Lake turns into the upper end of Table Rock Lake. Spanning the river at Beaver is a unique, beautiful landmark – a one-lane suspension bridge, known as the Little Golden Gate. For those who like to camp, Beaver operates a comfortable campground on the water's edge. The only business in Beaver is a natural stopping place for riders, the Beaver Town Inn and General Store

For Description of Ark. 309, see the Road Description for the Central Region or Click HERE

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