Leaving Mountain View North on AR 5, head for the river. At
the top of the mountain you will enjoy one of the most scenic views on
all the White River runs as you drop off into Allison. Turn LEFT,
West on AR 14 this will lead you up Government Mountain and through
the Ozark National Forest to Fifty-Six. Fifty-Six, home of the famous
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a must see. If you have time, ride down
to the creek. Be sure to see the dam and springs. On a hot
day take a dip in the swimming hole or picnic in the day use area.
In the campground you will have the opportunity to ride through the creek
on a concrete low water bridge. West on AR 14 through the
National Forest you will see rolling hills and vistas. After crossing
the Baxter County line you will enjoy more curves, slower suggested speeds,
and then CR 341 to the right. That is the start of the famous Push
Mountain Road. Rumor has it Airmen on maneuvers from the
Air Force Base in Jacksonville Arkansas flew over this road and said
"We have to ride this". Word and then helmet cams found
their way around the World of this little piece of biker Heaven. Ride
on through Big Flat, one of the most level parts in the Ozarks.
At the Liquor stores turn RIGHT, West on AR 14. Vistas
and wows await you as the curves get sharper, hills steeper, and speeds
slower on the way to Harriet. Turn LEFT on AR 74 toward Marshall.
It will level out a bit but the Buffalo National River is just to the right
so watch for canoes. If you have time, check with a rental for a
ride to the river while they pickup canoes. Beware most river access
roads are "almost" gravel. Before you get to Marshall,
turn LEFT, East on AR 74 at Thola. If you need gas, groceries,
or something to eat go straight. Marshall should have whatever you
need. AR 74 will bring you back to Mountain View. You
will ride up the creek surrounded by mountains. At the end of the
valley you climb up on a flat and ride through wide open spaces with small
farms. You will stop to turn LEFT, East on AR 66. Arkansas
66 our own version of the "Mother Road" runs from Mountain View
to Leslie. This is one of Arkansas shortest state roads. In
the Fall this road has some of the most vivid colors. You will follow
the Blue Mountain ridgeline all the way back to Mountain View.
ATTENTION: There are pull offs on all roads
in the Ozarks, however most are gravel. Heavy rains also "wash" gravel
onto highways. Be careful on the curves. Lots of folks let their
dogs run free here in the hills and occasionally a cow or a horse.
Watch for the unexpected, especially our native White Tail deer.
They can't run on blacktop but they sure can jump. Depending
on the time of year you ride; you may see RV's, big trucks, road construction,
hunters in orange, or someone sitting in the middle of the road taking a
picture. Share the road and don't be surprised if everyone you meet
waves or "takes the middle out of your lane". We joke about paying taxes
on both sides of the road. Every town has a good place to eat or as we
call it "coffee". Be sure to check for the pie in season and "today's
special". Enjoy your place in the
Mountains.
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taken with permission from Canadian authorities, including: © Her
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