Arkansas Camping

[Peteg]

Never been to Arkansas. It sounds like a great place to ride. I plan to set up a tent camp about 10 West of Mena on the Talimena, at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. I'm thinking 4-5 days riding locally including the Talimena and the Diamond run. Based on the all the squiggly lines on the map it looks like there are tons of cool roads in the area in addition to what could be paved county roads through the mountains. I'm thinking of leaving the Pig Tail and northern routes for another trip / camp. If the local roads around Mena are not as good as they look I'll probably head up to the Pig tail this trip and stay in a motel 1 night. Comments from someone who actually knows the area would be appreciated.

I've got a little trailer I'll be pulling and leaving at the camp. Base on a 200 mile trip I took with it last Spring it seems like it should be no issue.

[fgtex]

Have fun and stay safe out there. Last time I was there many years ago, the area was 'dry' so plan accordingly. 

[Disco]

Arkansas gets a bum rap from those not familiar. 

Don't miss breakfast at Pam's Hateful Hussy Diner in Talihina.

Not far off the Scenic Byway is the town of Heavener.  You might find the Rune Stone there interesting.  It's either evidence of Viking presence way back when, or a fun joke (not calling it a hoax) played by a more recent local.

If you do make it up the Pig Trail, Eureka Springs is a neat town with history and lots of lodging and eating options.  Getting from Mena to White Oak is a nice ride.  71 and 540 are nicer than I-40.  You can also take 71 to 23 at Elm Park and avoid the highways.

Have a great time!

[Peteg]

Cool thanks! I've been looking at routes - looks like a more amazing area than even it's reputation would indicate. It looks like I'll likely do some loops on the lower pig tail 23 -  215/103 and 16/21 appear pretty cool but I think Eureka Springs will be another trip.

My wife and I seem to have an annual conversation: I want to take a motorcycle trip to Arkansas. I'll go with you if you load the bike on a trailer and unload it when we get there. Why would I do that when the ride there and back is nearly perfect? Since we typically only get one week, she might actually have a point for once. It looks like I could get up to the base of the pig tail in about 5 hours on a Sunday and dump the truck and trailer. With the hitch hauler on the back of the bike I ought to be able to do 5 days of hotels with her on the northern routes without advanced reservations. I'm just not sure I want to drag the anchor around for 5 days. I'm sure I already told you guys how envious I'm am of the single seat motorcycle configuration!

Lastly I can't believe how many ranger offices there are Ouacita's. I think I'll spend some time talking to the rangers and get some maps of the national forest roads. Possibly I'll leave the anchor home again next trip and just throw the little bike in the back of the pickup and ride the national forest roads. Could be a lot more peaceful!

If I find some interesting routes, I'll post them when I return.