GREAT ARKANSAS MOTORCYCLE RIDES
The Best Roads Are Here!
What Are The 9 Best Motorcycle Rides In Arkansas?
- Pig Trail Scenic Byway (26 miles)
- Arkansas Route 123 (63 miles)
- Arkansas Route 7 (156 miles)
- Clarksville to Jasper (102 miles)
- Fort Smith to Eureka Springs (117 miles)
- Push Mtn Rd to Mountain View (46 miles)
- Arkansas Hwy 74 (56 miles)
- Talimena Scenic Drive (18 miles)
- Arkansas Hwy 125 (23 miles)
- Arkansas Hwy 16 (183 miles)
Motorcycle Rides Near Me In Arkansas
Below is our detailed list for the best Arkansas motorcycle rides in the state! From the rolling Ozark mountains to the Delta flat lands to the Mississippi River, "The Natural State" offers some incredibly scenic views along these Arkansas motorcycle routes. Click on the Arkansas motorcycle map links for the direct Google Maps route, and discover the best motorcycle destinations in Arkansas!
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Tips For Arkansas Motorcycle Rides
Looking for places to ride motorcycles in near me in Arkansas? The motorcycle roads here are relatively easy and accessible for riders of all skill levels. However, expect regular rain in the mountain regions, especially in the spring. In the summer, expect hot and humid temperatures, so breathable riding gear is a great option. Four season gear is perfect for autumn motorcycle touring in Arkansas. Winters are relatively mild, with exception to northern Arkansas, which can get snow.
Do I Need A Motorcycle Helmet In Arkansas?
As you discover these scenic motorcycle rides in Arkansas, keep in mind the state's law. Arkansas law requires motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 to wear a helmet. In addition, all motorcycle riders are required to wear eye protection. Daytime headlights are required on your motorcycle as well. Read more at ardot.gov
PIG TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY
ROUTE 23
DISTANCE: 26 miles
TIME: 40 mins
The Pig Trail Scenic Byway is one of the most well-known motorcycle rides in Arkansas, and carves through Ozark National Forest. The byway follows Arkansas Highway 23 from the Interstate 40 exit, and travels north through the national forest to the town of Brashears, AR. The rugged and forested Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains provides the setting for this ride. You'll often be riding under a canopy of trees, making for a nice, shady ride during the hot summer months. 'The Pig' has curves, hairpins, elevation changes, and great scenery - all of which makes this one of the best motorcycle rides in Arkansas!
(Photos: arkansas.com / flickr.com)
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ROUTE 123
AR-123
DISTANCE: 63 miles
TIME: 1 hour 25 min
Most of AR-123 rides through Ozark National Forest, and is dubbed The Dragon Tail for good reason. This route provides a motorcycle ride in Arkansas that is surrounded by beautiful mature hardwood forest that has curves, hairpins and elevation changes. The scenery is great, if you can take your eyes off the road long enough to look! Thankfully, the ride itself is outstanding, so you won't regret missing any views. Be sure to stop for a short hike at Haw Creek Falls. Riders will find this road has much less traffic than the more popular Pig Trail Byway. While motorcyclists only ride the Ozark Forest section, the road continues to be great north of Mt Judea.
(Photos: flickr.com / B. Sims)
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HIGHWAY 7
DISTANCE: 156 miles
TIME: 3 hour 30 min
Some of the best roadside views in the entire state can be experienced on this great Arkansas motorcycle road. The southern section of this route goes through the Ouachita National Forest, while the northern section goes through the Ozark National Forest. You'll ride with great views of canyons, lakes, rivers, forests and wildlife. There's plenty of beautiful spots where you can stop for a rest and admire the wonderful scenery, including that of the Boston Mountains. Be sure to stop at the Arkansas version of the Grand Canyon! The road pavement quality is also very good, which makes these curves and elevation changes all the more enjoyable. If you're looking to find great motorcycle routes near me in Arkansas, don't miss scenic Highway 7!
(Photos: E. Cooley / arkansas.com)
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CLARKSVILLE TO JASPER
AR-21, AR-16
DISTANCE: 102 miles
TIME: 2 hour 15 min
The stretch of Highway 21 between Highway 64 in Clarksville and the Buffalo National River in Newton County winds through the Boston Mountain range of the Ozarks. About 35 miles long, the highway offers panoramic valley views, glimpses of abandoned homesteads and the occasional bear or eagle sighting. The road has lots of twisties and sweepers that will keep you highly entertained. Detour east on Route 16 to view the 135-foot-long Alum Cove Natural Bridge and the nearby caves used by Native Americans for shelter on hunting expeditions.
This route can be combined with Scenic 7: take Highway 43 just past the Buffalo River to Ponca, then 74 to Jasper to meet up with 7.
The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway runs parallel with the Pig Trail to the west. Either taking Interstate 40 from Clarksville to Ozark or Highway 74 at Kingston can join the two byways.
(Photos: arkansas.com)
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FORT SMITH TO EUREKA SPRINGS
US-71, US-62
DISTANCE: 117 miles
TIME: 3 hours
Ride with some impressive mountain vistas on this great motorcycle road in Arkansas, which includes Route 71, a curvy road that hugs ridge tops and makes steep descents. You'll also ride through small towns and beside farmland northward for about 80 miles to Rogers, AR. In Rogers, U.S. 62 heads east to Eureka Springs, winding through deep forest and up and down mountains. The very best of this route is between Gateway and Eureka. From Rogers to Eureka Springs is another 35 miles. Most of this road is in excellent shape as of 2022. At Winslow, you can take a short detour over to Devil's Den by heading west on Route 74. Here you'll experience some of the best twisting backroads around!
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PUSH MOUNTAIN RD TO MOUNTAIN VIEW
AR-341, AR-14, AR-87
DISTANCE: 46 miles
TIME: 1 hour 10 min
If you're looking for an exciting ride in Arkansas, this is the one for you. Push Mountain is well known among riders for its curves and drop-offs. You'll descend from mountain-sides with sheer drop-offs to the valley floor. This is one of the most scenic rides you can take in the Ozarks, as it winds through three mountainsides. And while there are plenty of great curves and switchbacks to keep you on your toes, it's not too technical that intermediate riders couldn't handle it. Push Mountain Rd is a great ride all year, but it's simply breathtaking in the fall. For a longer loop ride check our Route 14 south of Yellville for some more excellent riding.
(Photos: L. Romanza / arkansas.com)
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HIGHWAY 74
AR-74
DISTANCE: 56 miles
TIME: 1 hour 15 min
This is a great Arkansas motorcycle road to ride through the Boxley Valley area. Since it's a very scenic area, you'll have other drivers slowing down to watch for elk. So this route is best ridden slower for the scenery, not the curves. The section from Huntsville to Piercetown is the best part of this route to ride by motorcycle, and will take you through some of the best scenery in Arkansas. Note the first couple of miles out of Ponca is especially technical with lots of tight curves, and riders will want to be aware of the oncoming traffic as you navigate this fantastic motorcycle road.
(Photos: D. Davis)
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TALIMENA SCENIC DRIVE
AR-88
DISTANCE: 18 miles
TIME: 30 min
The Talimena Scenic Drive is one of the best motorcycle roads in Arkansas. It's a 18 mile ride along AR-88 to the Oklahoma state line. It takes the rider up Rich Mountain through Wilhelmina State Park. There's scenic, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. If you like curves, this is the road for you! Not only does the ride feature lots of curves, but there's also switchbacks and steep grades. The drive has plenty of pullouts along the ridge as well, which gives motorcycle riders an opportunity to take in the views. Continuing west along OK-1 will make for more exceptional riding with vista overlooks, and is also one of the best motorcycle rides on Oklahoma. Traffic is minimal here as well, which makes this an Arkansas motorcycle route you would not want to miss!
(Photos: P. Roose / A. Butterfield)
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HIGHWAY 125
AR-125
DISTANCE: 23 miles
TIME: 30 min
Arkansas Hwy 125 is a fantastic ride in the northern part of the state. Continue north by the Peel Ferry and cross the Missouri state line along Hwy 125 for more of the best riding on one of the nicest roads in the Ozarks. There are several twists and turns as you continue up the entire 60 mile ride to Sparta, Missouri. The ride between Reuter and Chadwick through the Mark Twain National Forest is especially scenic, and is one of the best motorcycle roads in Missouri. The road condition is excellent, and the traffic will be light on this great Arkansas motorcycle route!
(Photo: wikipedia.com)
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HIGHWAY 16
AR-16
DISTANCE: 183 miles
TIME: 4 hours
For an excellent Arkansas motorcycle route along the ridge of the Ozarks, Highway 16 is a must ride. The road surface is great, and riders will experience virtually no traffic. Ride on sweepers, twisties as well as some nice open curves. All of which will be with super views and great scenery. This route makes a great addition to the nearby Pig Trail Scenic Byway, as well as Highway 7 rides listed above.
(Photo: J. Pratt)
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Where Can I Find Arkansas Motorcycle Events?
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local AR Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in Arkansas!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Dragon Tail in Arkansas?
The Dragon Tail is Arkansas Highway 123. This historic highway has over 100 switchbacks which offers motorcycle riders a continuous, challenging thrill ride. Despite its shorter length, the fifteen miles of AR-123 have some of the most thrilling twists and turns in the state!
Where is the Pig Trail in Arkansas?
The “Pig Trail,” is a 19-mile stretch of State Hwy 23 that starts and ends in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Pig Trail passes through Ozark National Forest, and is one of the most popular motorcycle rides in Arkansas.
Is Arkansas a good place to ride a motorcycle?
Arkansas has long been a well-kept secret for motorcycle trips. From wide open plains in the Delta to the twisty mountain backroads of the Ozark Mountains, riding in Arkansas is unique and enjoyable. With its relatively mild climate in the winter month, Arkansas is a great state to motorcycle year-round.
Where Do I Find The Best Motorcycle Routes Near Me In Arkansas?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near Arkansas and the Southeast United States. Discover great motorcycle roads in the Southeast with our detailed route descriptions and Google Map links!
Motorcycle Rides Near Me in Arkansas
Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. You are responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety.