Arkansas is known as the natural state.  It's naturally beautiful and one of the best states for motorcycle touring.  The state is very motorcycle friendly.  They put out Ride Maps and brochures just for riders. There are motorcycle exclusive resorts and campgrounds, and the people are very friendly.  Best time of year to go March - November

MOTORCYCLE LAWS

Helmet Use: Required Under Age 21

Riding Two Abreast: Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

Eye Protection:  Required

Daytime Use of Headlight: Required, modulating headlight permitted

More Information On Laws

BEST RIDES IN THE STATE

Push Mountain Road  If you like your ride curvy and steep then this is a must ride!  It's about 25 miles long and travels through Ozark National Forest. Traffic is light, but be on the lookout for deer.  Location - From Mountain View take highway 14 North a 1/2 mile past Blanchard Springs Caverns take the road to the right with the small sign "Push Mountain Road" - AKA Arkansas Route 341.

Hwy 14   The entire length of highway 14 is a nice ride. If you are coming from Branson, Mo., 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. The Buffalo River area is beautiful and a nice place to take a break. This a wonderful highway, running through  a varying Ozark countryside of rural farms and wood lands.

Bull Shoals Lake / Peel Ferry    Intersecting Ark. 14 is Ark. 125. Highway 125 runs through scenic areas and joins Mo. 125. 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.  Plus, it's a relaxing way to spend 30 minutes or so with a free boat ride on a beautiful body of Ozark water.

Hwy 123   This route starts at the intersection of Hwy 7 and Hwy 123 which is about 40 miles north of Russellville, AR in a town called Lurton, AR. From here take Hwy 123 northeast up to Mt Judea. You'll experience continous curves and switchbacks.

Scenic Hwy 7  This is a great North / South Route through the state. It runs from Harrison to the Louisiana state line. You will find the curveyest part of the road in the North half of the state from Harrison to Hot Springs.

Arkansas Highway 21  It begins just north of I-40 near Clarksville in Johnson county. It starts on the low ground of the Arkansas River Valley but soon begins winding up the mountain sides. The serpentine route follows the rugged ridges and hillsides all the way 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  Buffalo River. 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.

Hwy16    The 110 miles of Ark. 16 between Fayetteville and Clinton is a fun, twisty and scenic ride. Some short sections  run concurrent with highways 23, 21 & 7. This highway basically runs along the backbone of the Ozarks. 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. 

Ark. 27  From Marshall to Russellville  Switchbacks, hairpens, and just plain sharp curves makes this one  fun road. It runs up and over the high ridge of the Ozarks and is forced in some stretches to make those severe turns.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway  State route 23 running throught the Ozark National Forest. The northern terminus of the byway is in Brashears, located in the Ozark National Forest. The byway travels along SR23, passing through the city of Cass before ending just outside the forest.

215 to Oark    If you are going to ride the Pig Trail, then you have to do 215 while you are in the area. This is a real serpentine cruising road that travels along the Mulberry River. Off of this road take Ark 103 to continue the thrill ride

Hwy 5   Runs through the mountains of the eastern Ozarks, a more rural part of the region. The road is winding and scenic and takes you to some unique and interesting places in the Ozarks. Plan on spending some time poking around the little towns of Norfork, Calico Rock and Mountain View.  

Hwy 9  Between Clinton and Mammoth Springs. Highway 9 runs through a rural landscape as well as a portion of the Ozark National Forest. It winds through Mountain View, home of the Ozark Folk Center and Blanchard Springs Caverns, along and across the White River, up to Mammoth Spring, site of the 10th largest spring in the world.

Boston Mountains Scenic Byway   Also known as US 71 is 48 miles of broad sweeping curves with some tight  ones mixed in and beautiful views. The highway runs north/south over the Boston Mountains; from Alma, at I-40, to Fayetteville.  From Alma to just south of Mountainburg, the road gently climbs out of the river valley and is fairly ordinary for about eight miles.Two miles south of 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.

Crowley's Ridge Parkway   Runs roughly the length of Crowley’s Ridge. It begins in the northeast corner of the state at St. Francis and continues to its southernmost point at Helena.

Talimena Scenic Byway  54 miles from Mena, Arkansas to  Talihina, Oklahoma.  This is a beautiful ride that winds along the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest. 

MOTORCYCLE FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS AND LODGING

 MOTORCYCLE EXCLUSIVE

Bulldogz Campground,4 miles north of Atkins, Arkansas,take exit 94 on I-40.Bulldogz Campground is dedicated to providing a camping area for motorcyclists looking for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.Just a two hour ride to Hot Springs or Eureka Springs,and an hour's ride to Little Rock or Fort Smith. On-site facilities include grass camping,portable restrooms,scenic views,designed for the motorcyclist in mind. Friday and Saturday nights, barbecue on site, call for details.   Contact us at (479) 692-9562

Riders Rest  Eureka Springs, Arkansas   Biker Resort  10 Rooms, Covered Bike Parking   Biker Owners

Iron Horse Lodge  Located at  4033 Hwy 62W  Berryville, AR   Campground, Cabins, Cafe, Guided Bike Tours 

The HUB Motorcycle Resort Marble Falls, Arkansas off of Scenic 7 in the area of Mystic Caverns. This resort features a 60 unit motel, restaurant, and convention center.

CAMPGROUNDS

Aux Arc Park  Ozark, Arkansas    Aux Arc Park is a Corps of Engineers Park located on Ozark Lake along the banks of the Arkansas River . From Ozark, take SR 23S, 1.5 mi. to SR 309. Turn left and follow signs to the park.  There are 60+ sites, and all the amenities, including 2 nice bath/shower houses, clean & well kept. Shaded camp sites.

Byrds Adventure Center  Ozark, Arkansas  Campground, Showers

Charlton Campground Forest Service Campground 20 miles West of Hot Springs, Arkansas on US 270.

Cossatot River State Park  Wickes, Arkansas  Tent Sites

Coyote Canyon Campground  Mena, Arkansas  Motorcycle Friendly  Tent Sites, Cabin, Camp Store, Laundry, WiFi

Kettel Campground Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Cabins, Tee-pees, Tent Sites.

Millwood State Park  Ashdown, Arkansas  Tent Sites

Queen Wilhelmina State Park Mena, Arkansas Tent Sites

Shadow Mountain Campground  Mena, Arkansas  Motorcycle Friendly  Tent Sites

The Shepherds Fold Campground  Marble Falls, Arkansas   Tent Sites, Showers, Laundry

Turner Bend  Ozark, Arkansas  Located at the junction of the Pig Trail Scenic Byway and the Mulberry River Campground, Showers, Cabin Rentals, Store

Wolfpen ATV Campground  Mena, Arkansas  Tent Sites, Camping Cabins, Showers, Laundry, Camp Store, WiFi

Arkansas State Parks  Arkansas has 52 State Parks

US Forest Service Campgrounds   Divided into 3 sections Ouachita National Forest, Ozark National Forest and St. Francis National Forest

US Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds   facilities range from primitive to paved pads with full hook-ups and hot showers available.

RENTAL CABINS

Almost Heaven Acres  Mountain View, Arkansas  Cabin Rental  Motorcycle Friendly  

Buffalo River Log Cabins  North West Arkansas Cabin Rentals   Motorcycle Friendly

Crawford's Cabins  Jasper, Arkansas   Motorcycle Friendly Cabin Rentals

Flagstone Cottage Eureka Springs, Arkansas  Located on Buck Mountain, 10 miles south of Eureka Springs.  One bedroom cabin rental can sleep up to six.  Motorcycle Friendly

Little Switzerland Cabins & Chalets  Jasper, Arkansas  Motorcycle Friendly     

Pig Trail Lodging  St. Paul, Arkansas   Rental Cabins  Motorcycle Friendly

B&B, RESORTS, MOTELS

Aunt Grace's Stay 'N Play Resort  Lakeview, Arkansas  1 mile from Bull Shoals Dam  Cabins and Pool  Motorcycle Friendly

1876 Inn    Eureka Springs, Arkansas  Restaurant & Rooms   Motorcyclist Owners 

Alpen Dorf Motel  Eureka Springs, Arkansas   Rooms  Motorcycle Friendly 

Best Western Inn of the Ozarks  Eureka Springs, Arkansas      The Best Western Inn of the Ozarks invites you to experience full-service lodging in a picturesque setting near historic downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Our hotel features 118 guest rooms, and 4  suites. Each accommodation-Double Queen, King and King or Queen Suite-is tastefully designed and comes complete with an array of modern conveniences to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Currently we are in the process of adding covered and secured parking for our Motorcycle riding guests. With our in house restaurant Myrtie Maes this is your one stop shop for your traveling needs. Have some relaxation and fun--take a dip in our outdoor heated pool, soak your muscles in our outdoor hot tub or give yourself a workout in our recreation area (minature golf, ping pong, shuffle board and pool tables) or on our gamecourt (basketball, volleyball or four square) finish off your day with a movie join us at the pool area for a Swim with the Stars event.
 

Country Inn Lake Resort  Hot Springs, Arkansas  Rooms   Motorcycle Friendly

Edelweiss Inn Eureka Springs, Arkansas  Motorcycle Friendly Rooms and WiFi

Genny Janes Bed & Basket  Berryville, Arkansas  2 Rooms Located on AR 221 South Motorcycle Friendly

Hotel Seville  Harrison, Arkansas  They feature covered motorcycle parking and offer a 2 wheels - 2 meals overnight package.

The Joy Motel  Eureka Springs, Arkansas  MC Friendly  Pool, Fire Pit, Pancake Breakfast

Mulberry Mountain Resort  Ozark, Arkansas  Located on Hwy 23 (Pig Trail Byway) Motorcycle Friendly Lodge, Cabins, Tent Sites, Showers

Ozark Inn Ozark, Arkansas  Motorcycle Friendly Motel & Restaurant  Special Rates for Bikers or Rallies

Shady Oaks  Harrison, Arkansas  Motorcycle Friendly resort with tent sites, cabin rentals, swimming pool, showers, laundry, general store, and WiFi

Sherwood Court  Eureka Springs, Arkansas  MC Friendly Cottages, WiFi 

The Lodge  Eureka Springs, Arkansas  MC Friendly lodging with covered bike parking and WiFi

Wagner Inn  Eureka Springs, Arkansas    MC Friendly lodging 

NATIONAL PARKS

Hot Springs  Hwy 7 takes you through this National Park which is also a town. The park visitor center is in the Historic Fordyce Bathhouse. There is camping available at Gulpha Gorge Campground.

Buffalo National River  One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. 

Pea Ridge National Military Park  Civil War Battlefield

Fort Smith  National Historic Site, includes the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. 

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE / DESTINATIONS

Beaver Bridge   Located on ARK 187 East  near Eureka Springs - Suspension bridge built in 1943. Called the "Golden Gate of the Ozarks," this historic swinging bridge is the last one in Arkansas open to vehicular traffic and is referred to as "the bridge to nostalgia." The structure was featured in the 2005 movie, "Elizabethtown."

Blanchard Springs Caverns  located 15 miles northwest of Mountain View off Arkansas 14.   This is a great area for recreation. There is camping, picnic areas, hiking trails and creek swimming holes, fishing  and Mirror Lake.  While in this area be sure to ride Push Mountain Road, if you like the curvy roads.

Petit Jean State Park  This is a wonderful place to stay and explore. There is a lodge, cabins, camping and restaurant.  Hiking Trails  with beautiful views of the sheer bluffs and huge rocks to walk through and explore and the beautiful Cedar Falls waterfall.

Mount Magazine State Park  Beautiful scenic ride to Arkansas's highest mountain

RALLIES AND EVENTS

Wild Hog Motorcycle Rally and Musicfest    Helena, Arkansas  Held in April 

Mountains, Music & Motorcycles   Mountain View, Arkansas  Held in August 

Bikes, Blues and BBQ  Fayetteville, Arkansas   Held in September

Hot Springs Rally  Hot Springs, Arkansas  Held in September

Rally in the Ozarks   Clinton, Arkansas   Held in October

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Arkansas Motorcycle Road Trips Great site put out by the state. Offers a video, lots of information and a "Lets Ride" guide you can download.

Motorcycle Arkansas  Motorcycle Tour Guide for Harrison Arkansas

Motorcycle Roads  Arkansas Motorcycle Roads divided up by area and color coded for scenic roads, twisty roads, etc.

Arkansas Motorcycle Roads    Rides submitted by riders rated for scenery, road quality, and amenities

Sunday Morning Rides  Arkansas Motorcycle Roads with GPS Ride Maps

Motowhere  Arkansas Motorcycle Roads

Open Road Journey  Arkansas Roads, Routes & Rides

Arkansas Rider  Rider Guide Books detailing the best roads

Cruise The Ozarks Great site with ride maps, where to eat, where to stay, photos and more

Touring the Ozarks  Ride Maps, Forums, Videos and More

Harrison Arkansas  Ride Guide for the Ozarks containing maps and directions.

Motorcycle Tourer's Forum  Suggested Routes in Arkansas with Maps

USA Sport Riders Suggested Arkansas Riding Routes and Maps

Motorcycle USA Ride Guide for Arkansas

Fall In The Ozarks  Information on fall foilage peak times and best areas for viewing. 

Arkansas Tourist Information