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The Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier stretches from the Ouachita Mountains, through the Arkansas River Valley and into the Ozarks. All the switchbacks and elevation changes add up to some of the finest motorcycle riding in the nation, like the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. The Steel Horse Rally in Fort Smith draws in more than 200,000 bikers every year to celebrate and ride the huge variation of routes in this area.
This scenic, ridgeline route takes riders through Ouachita National Forest and up Arkansas' second-highest peak, Rich Mountain. The route starts on AR-88 in Mena and runs through the Ouachita Mountains to Talihina, Oklahoma.
About the Route:
Climb higher on this ride up Arkansas' highest point, Mount Magazine, on its way west toward Cove Lake and the town of Paris. About half of this scenic route on Highway 309 is within Ozark National Forest. Take a detour on the park roads for the best views of Blue Mountain Lake.
About the Route:
A combination of paved mountain roads, unpaved county roads and forest trails, this challenging dual-sport ride from Natural Dam east to Boxley Valley is worth the trip. Beginning on AR 59, this route takes riders through Devil's Den, down Scenic U.S. 71 and onto Lake Fort Smith. Take your time and enjoy the stops, overlooks and cabins on the way through Ozark National Forest on this remote, wooded ride.
About the Route:
For those who prefer their rides unscripted, there are lots of smaller routes and worthwhile attractions to see in the area. Here are a few more suggestions for your Western Arkansas ride.
Located on Scenic Byway 71, this spot is known as "The Grand Canyon of the Ozarks".
Begins in Mountainburg at its junction with Scenic Byway 71 and continues eight miles to rejoin 71
U.S. 64 east of Ozark overlooks the Arkansas River and the Ozark-Jeta Taylor Lock and Dam
This beautiful route takes you by Subiaco Academy and other points of interest as it travels west from Dardanelle through Paris and Charleston into Fort Smith
Scenic Highway 23, a National Scenic Byway known as the "Pig Trail" to Razorback football fans, runs from U.S. 71 south of Booneville northward through Ozark to AR-16. The route features Ozark Bridge, one of the prettiest bridges in the country, crossing the Arkansas River.
Starts south of Mena and travels north across the Arkansas River, continuing through the Boston Mountain range, home to the highest peaks in the Ozark Mountains.
Take Altus Exit 41 off I-40 to AR-186, a state scenic highway that travels through Arkansas Wine Country past vineyards, wineries and St. Mary’s historic church before connecting with U.S. 64 in Altus.
Take Altus Exit 41 off I-40 to AR-186 for a drive past vineyards, wineries and St. Mary's historic church
North of Mulberry and east of Mountainburg, this Franklin County peak near Scenic Highway 23 is one of the tallest in the area
The route runs parallel to I-40 from near the Johnson County line east of Clarksville to Ozark in Franklin County