Looking for some great motorcycle rides in Arkansas? How about riding along Dragon Tails and Pig Trails?
Arkansas boasts some of the best motorcycle rides anywhere and is quickly becoming a must destination for riders looking for new and challenging roads to experience.
The Pig Trail is probably one of the most famous rides in Arkansas. This historic road got its nickname because it is used as a shortcut by Razorback fans going to games in Fayetteville. It was also used very heavily in the Civil war by both the Union and Confederate troops.
Like most of the excellent rides in Arkansas, it is best experienced in spring for the beautiful wildflowers and in the fall for the colorful foliage.
The Pig trail was also named the Top Ride in America by the USA Today Readers Poll. The official ride starts where 23 meets I-40 and goes north on 23 for 24 miles, till it intersects with 16. However, if you don’t want to stop there, the entire length of 23 from the Arkansas- Missouri border to Boonville is a must.
Scenic 71 Loop – Start this ride south of Fayetteville taking 265 s off of 49. Take 265 through some beautiful rolling hills. Then jump on 170, which will take you through Devil’s Den. This is a really cool State Park that was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a depression era group that constructed many of the areas landmarks.
Road along Devil’s Den
As you depart the park on your way to 70, be aware of several challenging switchbacks on your way through Winslow to 71 south. Arkansas 71 takes you over the Boston Mountains with some really sick sweeping curves and fantastic views. Ride the Boston Mountain scenic byway down to I-40, go west to Ar59, not Us59 and travel north. Take 45 to Us 62 to Fayetteville.
Old Hwy 71 between Fort Smith & Fayetteville
The Arkansas Dragon – The Arkansas Dragon is one hell of a ride. Although the official dragon is only 19 miles, it is as challenging as any ride you will experience anywhere. I would start in Western Grove, on 65 south of Harrisonville, and go south on 123 towards the tip of the dragon’s tail in Mt Judea. South of Mt Judea you will hit the dragon’s tail. These switchbacks are intense and for experienced riders. After you twist through the tail you will ride along the dragon’s back till you arrive at the junction 7.
You just have experienced the Arkansas Dragon, but don’t stop here, continue south on 7 and stay on 123 when it branches off at Sand Gap. Stay on 123 to Clarksville. Although most of this ride is after the Dragon, it is none the less a beautiful ride through N central Arkansas.
Push Mountain Road – If its twists, turns and dramatic elevation changes you are looking for, do not miss Push Mtn Road. With 100’s of curves and exciting elevation changes, this road dishes out all you can take. Start off in Mountain View, take 14 north past Blanchard Springs. Go a few miles past and go right on 341 aka Push Mountain Road. Take Push mountain till it dead ends into 201. The road quality is perfect and when you finish it, you may stop, look back and say, “Again”.
Mt. Magazine Run – Take a ride to the highest point in Arkansas, Mt Magazine. This is a beautiful ride with some great views from the top of the Mt Magazine. Make sure to stop at the Lodge and enjoy a great lunch with some excellent views of the valley below. Take 7 south out of Russellville, follow 7 till it intersects with 60 at Nimrod lake.
Make sure to take a minute and stop at the dam for some great pictures.
Go east on 60 to Plainview and go east on 28. Take a right on 27 to Danville where you will go east on 10. Take 10 to 309 which will take you to the top of Mt. Magazine. Again, make sure to take the road into the state park for Mt. Magazine Lodge and several scenic loop roads around the top of the mountain.
After your stay, continue on 309 till it runs into 23. Take it north across the Arkansas River where it meets I40 and starts the famous Pig Trail.
If you have time to stay for a day or two around Mt. Magazine, there are some great wineries to visit in the Arkansas wine country.
Mt. Magazine
The summers can be very hot, so try to make your visit in the spring or fall. Spring is nice but for me the best time is in the fall, where the trees light up the day with fantastic colors not to be missed. There are just to many great rides in Arkansas to list them all.
For any true motorcycle riders, Arkansas is a definite Bucket List must.
