Heart of the Ozarks
  • 168 Miles
Heart of the Ozarks Dual Sport Motorcycle Route

168 Miles

Experience over 160 miles of the scenic Ozark Mountains on this gravel and pavement mixed surface adventure ride - perfect for dual sport enthusiasts. A gravel lover’s dream, this scenic route takes you into the heart of the Ozarks along popular but remote backcountry roads.

Leaving from Downtown Fayetteville, the route heads south on Dead Horse Mountain Road, following meandering paved roads into rural territory. The twisting county roads give way to forest service roads where soon you’ll find yourself at the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area. Reaching 2,260 feet in elevation, riders should enjoy the view at this scenic overlook area before heading west on Hurricane Creek Road. Shores Lake Road offers multiple viewpoints of the picturesque Shores Lake - either at the surface or from high above. Once you hit Highway 23, you’ll be on the famous “Pig Trail”. Turn right to top off fuel and snacks at Turner Bend Store or turn left to continue along the route towards Highway 215.

Motorcyclists know that roads following rivers are always fun, and Highway 215 does not disappoint. Flowing alongside the Mulberry River, the highway leads you towards Oark and a stop for lunch at the historic Oark General Store. Once full of burgers and pie, you’ll climb out of the river’s valley on Oark Road. The route crosses Highway 16 before descending towards the Kings River Area. If you’re in the mood to experience nature further off the beaten path, follow the Kings River Falls trail for an easy hike to a popular waterfall.

A short stint back on the Pig Trail leads to Aurora for cattle guard hopping through dense Ozark farmland. Our Heart of the Ozarks route finishes with a combination of gravel roads and exciting, twisty pavement that will take you to Lake Sequoyah Park and over a narrow bridge. Built in 1958, this 160’ stringer bridge spans the 400-acre lake and provides views of one of Fayetteville’s early water supply reservoirs.

Back downtown, you’ll find Fayetteville offers plenty of opportunities for post-ride recovery and refreshments including Cheers at the OPO – the centerpiece of Fayetteville’s Historic Square. Housed in Fayetteville’s original Post Office, Cheers serves up incredibly delicious meals right off a wood fire grill. For a grilled lunch or dinner, Cheers offers a classic American menu with a few outside of the box options too.

Ride with GPS

Experience Fayetteville has partnered with Ride with GPS for our route development needs. Featuring complimentary turn by turn navigation and unique Points of Interest (POI), mobile users will want to download the free Ride with GPS app.

Download App

Ask Tina

Hi, I'm Tina Archer-Cope, a dual sport adventurer! Want to ride the beautiful Arkansas back country? Email me for help planning your dual sport experience out of Fayetteville.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.