175 Miles
Clear your mind and take in the variety of this 175-mile adventure motorcycle route that takes you through Ozark mountain farmlands, secluded wildlife management areas, eclectic Eureka Springs, and beautiful Beaver Lake.
From Downtown Fayetteville, our Wandering Wildlife route heads east from town and across a one lane bridge over Lake Sequoyah – connecting you to the first segment of twisty pavement. Continuing south, alternating gravel and paved roads pull you deep into Ozark Mountain farmland. These rolling hills offer glimpses of beautiful views over rich valleys.
After descending Massey Mountain – a 7-mile scenic gravel decent - you’ll cross Lollars Creek. This rocky water crossing can be treacherous and deep during wet seasons so stop to double check depth and pick a smooth line before blasting through. The fun continues on undulating gravel roads with a peak of the traffic you’ve been missing as you cross over State Highway 412.
Heading northbound on Madison County Rd 7335, you’ll reach the McIlroy Wildlife Management Area. Even though no ATV activity is allowed inside the WMA, you’ll begin to feel like you’re on trails as the bumpy roads narrow and the hills begin to close in. If a rest is needed, the Ozark Natural Science Center is located in this section and includes science and nature education specific to the Ozark ecosystem as well as hiking trails. Adventurers looking to get off their bike should check out the Kings River Overlook Trail, a popular scenic overlook via a 1.2-mile hike.
Rockhouse Road leads you out of the woods and onto a lively paved road that keeps the adrenaline pumping right into the charming town of Eureka Springs. This is a great opportunity to fill your bike as well as your stomach and even take in the sights. Downtown Eureka Springs offers many options for shopping, dining, and taking in its rich history. If you’d rather keep the rubber warm, then fill up and stay on the route to avoid any downtown traffic.
In the town of Beaver, you’ll cross a historic one-lane suspension bridge over the White River that has become known as “The Little Golden Gate Bridge of Arkansas” – and a popular photo opportunity along the route. Curvy paved roads lead across the Beaver Dam before challenging gravel roads take you down into the valley at the edge of the lake. Once back to the pavement you’ll be riding the famous “Pig Trail” for a short stint then turning onto Buck Mountain Road. This out-and-back leads to another opportunity for a lakeside viewpoint (as well as swimming during the right season) at the local favorite “Lover’s Leap”.
On the other side of Pemberton Hollow the route rides over the top of a waterfall. Take caution as this solid rock water crossing is always slippery even if not deep! Continuing alongside Beaver Lake and you’ll come to the community of War Eagle - with a functioning gristmill and another historic one lane bridge over War Eagle Creek. Our Wandering Wildlife route finishes with serpentine paved and gravel roads through the White River Valley back to Fayetteville.
