Ozarks ... Eureka Springs based ... where to go?

[StevieWonder]

We'll be taking a trip up to Eureka Springs in a couple of weeks and doing day trips out of there. Anybody got some suggestions on their favorite roads out of there? :dunno Just need to be paved ...

Thanks in advance for the input.

[GSTom]

Just head out in any direction, they are all good.

A nice side trip about a half hour north of Eureka Springs, not far into Missouri, there is a very pleasant state park called "Roaring River" where they stock the stream with trout. It is just off the state highway and you can ride through or park and watch the trout fishermen, visit the trout hatchery, the spring, or wander around on the nature trails.
Go north out of Eureka Springs on 23 into Missouri. At Highway 86 you will come to a stop sign. Take a left and go around 5 or 6 miles through Eagle Rock. Not far past the town take a left on Highway "F" for another 5 miles or so until you enter the park.

From the park, take 112 to Seligman, then south on 37 to Gateway, Ar. At Gateway turn east on Highway 62 for 18 miles of twisties to get back to Eureka Springs.

Total Time -- around 1.5 to 2 hours.

[StevieWonder]

Thanks for the tip. I'll mark that one down.

[mcclstevmoa]

I purchased a book "Arkansas - A Riders Guide" that has day trips detailed from Eureka Springs, Hot Springs, Mountain View and Little Rock.
Arkansas a Riders Guide (http://www.arkansasrider.com/)
It's a good source for rides.

[PMonk]

One of my favorite roads in Arkanses is HW 23.
It goes into Eureka Springs. I prefer it to hw 7 and there are mucho fantastic curves.

[TOTOLee]

23 is great one of the best. 21 on down south is very good. 62 west out of there you will meet your self coming the other way. You just can't go wrong from there.

[eeyore]

Here's a possible route for you...

Highway 23 south from Eureka Springs to Huntsville.
Four miles south of Huntsville, turn east on Highway 74 to Kingston.
Take Highway 21 south to Boxley.
Take Highway 74 east to Jasper (Ponca is a good gas/rest stop if you're not up to going on to Jasper)
Jasper is a neat little town with a couple of good cafe's.
Take Highway 7 south 5 miles to Highway 374
Take Highway 374 east to Vendor
Take Highway 123 south to Lurton

From there you can loop back toward Eureka via Highways 7, 16, and 21, and/or 23

Or, if you want more....

From Lurton take Highway 7 south to Sand Gap / Pelsor
Take Highway 123 south to Lamar
Take Highway 64 west through Clarksville to Highway 103 (College Street)
Turn north on 103 to Oark (interesting General Store at Oark)
Take 215 west to Cass (1500 ft gravel segment)
Nice store at Turner Bend about 4 miles south on 23
North on 23 takes you through the best part of the Pig Trail and back to Eureka Springs.


If you've got the time, this will take you through most of the best riding this state has to offer, IMO.

Or...

Highway 21 north from Clarksville to Fallsville is a good ride
From there you can go east on 21/16 to Boxley or west on 16 to 23

Watch out for deer...you may see more of them than you will car traffic on most of these routes, depending on the day and time...seriously. :thumb

[GSTom]

Another trip suggestion if you haven't already done this.....
On your way to or from Houston to Eureka Springs be sure to take the Talimena Scenic Drive from Talihina, OK to Mena, Arkansas. From Mena you can take Highway 71 north past Waldron about 10 miles and get on Highway 23. This will take you on into Eureka Springs (about 120 miles). Highway 23 south of the Arkansas River is a gentle warmup to the part north of Ozark. North of I-40, highway 23 becomes the "Pig Trail Scenic Byway". You will not be disappointed with this route.

[PMonk]

gotta get my map and highlighter.
Planning a short ride to Petit Jean in november to catch the colors.
What is your best guess for the best time?

[eeyore]

The last couple of years, the colors peaked around the first week of November. However, I don't know what effect the unusually hot and dry weather we've has this summer is going to have on the colors.

And yes...the Talimena Scenic Drive is a must do if you are coming this direction from Texas.