The state of Arkansas is also known as the Natural State. If you don't know why, perhaps a ride along the Arkansas River in the center of the state will clear things up for you. Arkansas is a little bit different in that it combines several different types of landscapes in a concentrated area. You can go from flat plains to rolling hills in a matter of minutes. And of course, the state is sparsely populated (just under 3 million in the entire state) leaving lots of room for open country.
In this week's post, we'll discover a beautiful, 72-mile run that takes you along both sides of the Arkansas River just outside of Conway, in central Arkansas. Conway itself is a nice little town with a quintessential Main Street. You might want to stay the night there if you're coming in from out of town.
Driving the Route
Highway 60 runs west out of Conway; this is where you'll start. Follow Route 60 across the river to the Toad Suck Ferry Dam; at this point, the road heads south. You'll enjoy a leisurely ride down to Rt. 113 with a nice mixture of gentle curves, rolling hills and a few straightaways. Turn left on Rt. 113 toward the town of Bigelow.
Just south of Bigelow Rt. 113 connects with Highway 300; make a left, heading southeast. Highway 300 will make a number of turns as you head east toward the Arkansas River; some of those terms are rather sharp, so keep your eyes open. Highway 300 will eventually take you to Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Rt. 10. Follow Rt. 10 east to I-430 E., cross the river and take the first exit to Rt. 100 N.
At this point, you should be on the east side of the river traveling back up toward Conway. This road will take you through some heavily wooded areas that are just beautiful in the autumn. Continue following Rt. 100 until you get to Rt. 365, which will eventually take you back into the heart of Conway.
Scenery and Roads
The scenery along this route is both varied and breathtaking. Many of the riders who enjoy it for the first time are incredibly impressed with the wooded areas. For some reason, we tend not to think of Arkansas as being a place for great forests, but it truly is. Another favorite place is the area around Pinnacle Mountain.
As for the roads, they are a mixed bag of sorts. All of them are very well maintained, you won't have to worry about potholes, broken shoulders and the like. On the other hand, you'll find the roads to be somewhat narrow in spots. Some of the narrowest were in the area of Pinnacle Mountain and at the end of the run as you climb back up toward Conway.
You'll pass through several small towns along the way that offer plenty of options to stop and eat. Pinnacle Mountain State Park is also another option if you'll be bringing your food with you. There are plenty of open spaces in the park to sit, relax, and enjoy nature.
Riding along the Arkansas River outside of Conway is a great ride any time of year. Plan on a late October trip if you want to see the fall foliage; early spring is the better option if you want to see the lushness of the Arkansas Valley in full bloom. Overall, it is a wonderfully scenic ride that deserves to be enjoyed by bikers of all skill levels.
