Biking fans from all over the globe come to experience Arkansas Highway 7, considered to be one of the top motorcycle rides in the United States. The out-and-out delight of traveling this road is immediately evident, but the memories and tales you will recount of your motorcycle cruise spent in this scenic area of the Ozarks will last forever.
Motorcycling enthusiasts, most often, are always searching for that next surprise just beyond the hill. The feeling of freedom flying down an open road is addictive to a biker.
Motorcycling in the Arkansas Ozarks is akin to stepping back to a simpler time. Arkansas is known as the Natural State, and the Arkansas Ozark Mountains features multiple national forests, the first national river in the Buffalo River, and some of the country's jaw dropping caverns. Traveling through this wonderland a rider can see more than just the abundant forests. A plethora of wildlife can often be spotted. This may include deer, elk, eagles, hawks, buzzards, and even an occasional bear. This motorcycle ride is a dream come true for any biker.
Besides the beauty and challenge presented by an Ozark scenic cruise on Arkansas Highway 7 are the many little things that make a trip like this unforgettable. Everywhere I ventured through the Arkansas Ozarks I met the warmest folks, all of them more than willing to tell their tale to you. Just a cautionary note; don't be in a hurry if you strike up a conversation with the natives.
One can set off on the journey from the north end in the town of Harrison, AR. You can find plenty of restaurants, hotels, and anything you may need in this city of 13,000 residents. Harrison is a favorite retirement area and was featured in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue of Where to Retire Magazine as one of the top retirement towns.
There are a multitude of restaurants in town, but saddle up and start your day by skipping breakfast. Jump on Arkansas Highway 7 south towards the small town of Jasper, roughly a 30 minute trip. One must stop is the Ozark Café located in the square for a great breakfast. The Café has been in operation since 1909 and Tim Ray, the owner since 2000, gutted and remodeled the restaurant in exquisite detail using old photos to create a 1930's atmosphere. Many of the photos tell their own stories, though the local diners will have their own tales to tell. Though I recommended their breakfasts, I have to tell you their burgers are to die for.
After leaving Jasper you can choose to go a couple of ways. You can continue south on Arkansas Highway 7 for about six miles to the "Arkansas Grand Canyon". This is a popular scenic stop and frequently you will meet other riders who have stopped to savor the spectacle. The Cliff House Inn's parking lot offers the best view. They also have a good menu and very nice rooms if you are so inclined. I would suggest reservations during their busy season.
Now here are your next options. You can proceed south on Arkansas Hwy. 7 down to Russellville and the Buffalo River for some water fun like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and floating. Russellville's population is approximately 29,000 and attracts many tourists due mainly to the Buffalo River.
One of my favorite rides from this point is to head back to Jasper and catch AR-74 east to Arkansas Highway 123. This little diversion will set you back thirty minutes or so. Then I take AR-123 south until it hits Highway 7 in the town of Lurton. This is a very difficult stretch of road commonly referred to as the Arkansas Dragon. There are no trucks allowed on this stretch of road (very little traffic at all), which makes it more enjoyable for riders. I warn those that are new to riding to refrain from being to cocksure on this stretch of road.
Out of Lurton you can proceed south to Russellville and continue this trip to Hot Springs, which is one more scenic ride on this Byway, or any location you are heading to. One more of my favorite things to do here is head south from Lurton to Pelsor and head out on AR-16 east towards Clinton, AR. This will be about a two-hour cruise (without stops) and takes you through the heart of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. You will most definitely want to pull over at the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area where you will go across a 130 ft. natural sandstone bridge. When I reach Pelsor I head up on US 65 north back to Harrison.
The Arkansas Highway 7 is a terrific Arkansas motorcycle adventure that will encourage you to travel it time and again. The great thing about riding in Arkansas is you can fill every day with kindred adventures, your cameras with stunning pictures, and your head with unforgettable memories.
Motorcycling enthusiasts, most often, are always searching for that next surprise just beyond the hill. The feeling of freedom flying down an open road is addictive to a biker.
Motorcycling in the Arkansas Ozarks is akin to stepping back to a simpler time. Arkansas is known as the Natural State, and the Arkansas Ozark Mountains features multiple national forests, the first national river in the Buffalo River, and some of the country's jaw dropping caverns. Traveling through this wonderland a rider can see more than just the abundant forests. A plethora of wildlife can often be spotted. This may include deer, elk, eagles, hawks, buzzards, and even an occasional bear. This motorcycle ride is a dream come true for any biker.
Besides the beauty and challenge presented by an Ozark scenic cruise on Arkansas Highway 7 are the many little things that make a trip like this unforgettable. Everywhere I ventured through the Arkansas Ozarks I met the warmest folks, all of them more than willing to tell their tale to you. Just a cautionary note; don't be in a hurry if you strike up a conversation with the natives.
One can set off on the journey from the north end in the town of Harrison, AR. You can find plenty of restaurants, hotels, and anything you may need in this city of 13,000 residents. Harrison is a favorite retirement area and was featured in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue of Where to Retire Magazine as one of the top retirement towns.
There are a multitude of restaurants in town, but saddle up and start your day by skipping breakfast. Jump on Arkansas Highway 7 south towards the small town of Jasper, roughly a 30 minute trip. One must stop is the Ozark Café located in the square for a great breakfast. The Café has been in operation since 1909 and Tim Ray, the owner since 2000, gutted and remodeled the restaurant in exquisite detail using old photos to create a 1930's atmosphere. Many of the photos tell their own stories, though the local diners will have their own tales to tell. Though I recommended their breakfasts, I have to tell you their burgers are to die for.
After leaving Jasper you can choose to go a couple of ways. You can continue south on Arkansas Highway 7 for about six miles to the "Arkansas Grand Canyon". This is a popular scenic stop and frequently you will meet other riders who have stopped to savor the spectacle. The Cliff House Inn's parking lot offers the best view. They also have a good menu and very nice rooms if you are so inclined. I would suggest reservations during their busy season.
Now here are your next options. You can proceed south on Arkansas Hwy. 7 down to Russellville and the Buffalo River for some water fun like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and floating. Russellville's population is approximately 29,000 and attracts many tourists due mainly to the Buffalo River.
One of my favorite rides from this point is to head back to Jasper and catch AR-74 east to Arkansas Highway 123. This little diversion will set you back thirty minutes or so. Then I take AR-123 south until it hits Highway 7 in the town of Lurton. This is a very difficult stretch of road commonly referred to as the Arkansas Dragon. There are no trucks allowed on this stretch of road (very little traffic at all), which makes it more enjoyable for riders. I warn those that are new to riding to refrain from being to cocksure on this stretch of road.
Out of Lurton you can proceed south to Russellville and continue this trip to Hot Springs, which is one more scenic ride on this Byway, or any location you are heading to. One more of my favorite things to do here is head south from Lurton to Pelsor and head out on AR-16 east towards Clinton, AR. This will be about a two-hour cruise (without stops) and takes you through the heart of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. You will most definitely want to pull over at the Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area where you will go across a 130 ft. natural sandstone bridge. When I reach Pelsor I head up on US 65 north back to Harrison.
The Arkansas Highway 7 is a terrific Arkansas motorcycle adventure that will encourage you to travel it time and again. The great thing about riding in Arkansas is you can fill every day with kindred adventures, your cameras with stunning pictures, and your head with unforgettable memories.