The areas we saw were every bit as pretty as NC in the fall--we were there last Fall at near peak color. Our ride began last Friday from the New Orleans area, taking back roads to Vicksburg, then on US 65 to La 2. Both interesting in a Mississippi Delta sort of way. La 2 traversed the northern part of the state and offered gentle sweepers and good surfaces. Some pretty little towns along the way made things interesting, Lake Providence and Mer Rouge come to mind.
We took Arkansas 7 at the border and it is considered THE scenic byway of Arkansas. But, it can have a lot of traffic, including RVs. It does go to Branson, Mo--that should be warning enough. So, after an overnight in Hot Springs, we discovered the secret (to us) of riding well in Arkansas. It is look for the green areas on the map, eg nat'l forests, parks, you know, "nature areas," and go for the roads that go through the middle of them. On my AAA map they were the grey roads. These roads were ALWAYS wonderful. Great surfaces, no gravel, almost no traffic, some twisties, but mostly sweepers--you get around one and two more are ahead--amazing. Ones that come to mind are 80 to Mena, 298 to 27 to 309 to Ozark (out of Hot Springs), The Pig Trail--Ark 23--stop at Turner's Bend for a great homemade sandwich. 215 off of 23. 16 off of 23 to 21 to Berryville. US 71 to 278 to Hope. 29 south out of Hope.
The countryside is beautiful, especially since the redbuds, dogwoods, azaleas and lilacs were in full bloom and the fields were Ireland green.
But the riding was the thing. If there is one description of the road types it is "fast sweepers." I'm talking 75-80mph sweepers. Sure there were the occasional 15 mph hairpins, but mostly it was fast and excellent surfaces. And NO traffic
Of the three--THC, NC and ARk-- I'd rank NW Ark at the top for spirited riding in excellent conditions.
Unfortunately, we had to cut the trip a little short because of the weather in Tx--a planned trip to College Station was scrubbed.
Overlooking the Mississippi at Vickburg at Sunset
Somewhere in central Ark taking a break
our group on the road on Mt Magazine--Highest point in Arkansas
my steed at Mt Magazine
the overlook at Mt Magazine
Our Group on 215 at Oark--yours truly in red
The riding was so good that I didn't want to stop and take pictures.
Thanks to all who provided tips for this trip. They were invaluable.
John
