Riding the Ozarks: Motorcycles
The Ozark Mountains are considered some of the finest riding in the midwest. Here are some routes to consider.
Peel Ferry Route If you're riding south into Arkansas from MO on Hwy 160, it's a pleasant ride with no surprises, until the road just stops dead at the shores of Bull Shoals Lake. There, you take the free ferry across to AR 125 and pick up some more miles on the Arkansas side. 125 intersects with Hwy 412 after about 22 miles, and you can ride East to Flippin or West to Harrison.
Push Mountain Run to the Buffalo A leisurely all-day ride taking AR 14 from Mountain View. Fabulous scenery, and a chance to ride AR 341-Push Mountain. Be prepared for tight curves and twisties over the mountain and down into the White River Valley near Norfork. Pick up AR 5, and head through Mountain Home. You'll cross Bull Shoals Dam on AR 148 and roll through the rural landscape to Yellville, where you pick up AR 14. More tight curves and forested stretches, and you end up at the Buffalo National River.
Ozark Moonshine Run It's a winner. Take Hwy 7 south out of Harrison and turn East onto Hwy 374 and south on AR 123. Winding descents and then seven miles of very demanding switchbacks and hairpins as you leave Mt. Judea, with a 1000 foot climb onto a mountain ridge. Fantastic ride with gorgeous scenery.
An unsung (and so far unnamed) ride is AR 16 north onto AR 21. Fun for experienced riders but still easy enough for beginners, this road wanders down through stunning Boxley Valley to the headwaters of the Buffalo. Pick up AR 43 into Ponca to see the local elk herd in their meadows.
Truth is, nearly all the rural routes here can be fun to ride. Check with your riding buddies or the local bike shops for suggestions --you might end up riding a route that's hardly used, and have as much fun as you could ask for.
