Ozark Mountain Driving: Sports Car & Motorcycle Tour Routes
Central Arkansas Region
Arkansas Highway 21
This is a little known highway, unfortunately eclipsed by the popular Arkansas 23, and holds its own against any road in the Ozarks in the category of riding fun.
It begins just north of I-40 near Clarksville. Like 23, it starts on the level ground of the Arkansas River Valley but soon begins winding up the mountain sides. The serpentine route is similar to that of 23, following rugged ridges and hillsides. It runs to the Missouri border, but the best part is the 82 miles from Clarksville to Berryville.
A beautiful stretch of Arkansas 21 is where it dips into the Boxley Valley , paralleling the headwaters of the Buffalo River. At the junction of 21 and 74 at Boxley, it's worth leaving 21 to make the five mile ride to the Buffalo River at Ponca. Stop at the Buffalo Outdoor Center for a break, hike along the river, and enjoy the area. From Ponca, there are three routes you can take to other parts of the area (see description later on this page).
From Boxley, Arkansas 21 climbs out of the valley and will take you to Kingston. From there, your ride to Berryville winds through scenic farm land. From Berryville, Eureka Springs is just 12 miles west, on U.S. 62.
Arkansas Highway 16
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 is 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.
Arkansas 7 - Scenic 7
Ark. Highway 7 runs from north of Harrison to near the Louisiana state line at El Dorado, Arkansas. The portion from Harrison, across the Arkansas River at Russellville, to south of Hot Springs (in the Ouachita Mountains) is surely one of the most scenic highways in the United States. The curves are less severe than some of the other Ozark highways, but the vistas and scenery are pure eye candy.
From Harrison, 7 drops down a winding path to Jasper, on the Little Buffalo River. Jasper is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch and to spend a little time. It's a real jewel and you'll enjoy walking around taking in a genuine Ozarks hill town with a contemporary 60's alternative feel.
Don't drink too much coffee in Jasper because just south about six miles is another place you'll want to stop; the 1920's Cliff House Restaurant and Gift Shop. It literally sets out over a cliff with a breathtaking view of the mountains, one of the best in the Ozarks. Many times in the Ozarks, the foliage and trees are so dense that even on the tops of the mountains that the view is sometime obscured. Not so at Cliff House.
After winding over the mountains and down to the river valley at Russellville, Ark. 7 levels out and continues on. Since the Ozarks are situated on both sides of the Arkansas River, highway 7 begins another winding stretch to where the Ouachita Mountains begin. All-in-all, Ark. Scenic 7 is one of the top Don't-Miss highways in the Ozarks, especially if scenic beauty is your bag.
Arkansas 14
Ark. 14 is a pleasurable ride through a varying Ozark country side, running through rural farm and wood lands, passing through primarily small-town Ozarks. The entire length of highway 14 is a nice ride. If you are coming from Branson, Missouri, it would be a good choice for heading southeast into the region. The 67 mile stretch from U.S. 62 south to the community of Harriet offers a great combination of winding, twisty roads through very nice scenery. It crosses the Buffalo River south of Yellville, a nice place to take a break. This county seat town is the home of the famous/infamous Turkey Trot.
Arkansas 125/Missouri 125
Intersecting Ark. 14 is Ark. 125. Like 14, highway 125 runs through scenic areas and adjoins Mo. 125. But what makes this a great trip that you cross Bull Shoals Lake on the highway 125 Peel Ferry. Not only is the road very enjoyable, but the wait for and trip on the ferry is a wonderful throwback to a time when there were five ferries crossing the waters of Bull Shoals Lake. Plus, it's a relaxing way to spend 30 minutes or so with a free boat ride on a beautiful body of Ozark water.
Arkansas 123
Just north of Clarksville on Ark. 21, take 292 east and ride four miles to the junction of 292/123. From there, stay on 123 north and let the fun begin. The road takes you through the heart of the Ozark National Forest, travels up along ridges, mountain tops and valleys, crossing several white water rivers, with the Big Piney offering great canoeing opportunities.
The ride offers spectacular scenery and challenging riding. You'll likely encounter light auto traffic as most tourists in cars will take Ark. 21 or 7 to travel north and south.
After 28 miles of riding, Ark. 123 intersects Ark. 7 and travels concurrently for three miles before veering off to Mt. Judea (locally pronounced Mt. Judy). This 15-mile stretch of highway is just as exciting and scenic as the section southwest of Ark. 7. But five miles from Mt. Judea, there's a warning sign about the curves and switchbacks ahead. Believe it! The highway hangs on the edge of the ridge, winding along the mountain side. As it drops into the valley at Mt. Judea, the road follows a very steep course, with numerous switchbacks cutting back and forth almost 180 degrees.
From Mt. Judea, stay on 123/74 about four miles till Ark. 74 Splits and runs 10 miles back to Ark. 7 at Jasper, a genuine Ozark gem.
This is a beautiful, fun and very challenging ride of 68 miles. You must take care on some sections of the road. And at dusk, be sure to be on the lookout for deer and other animals crossing the highway.
These route descriptions were generously provided, courtesy of Cruise The Ozarks.com
Ozark Mountain motorcycle rider photos © David Bell
