Anyone familiar with the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas?

Jack · 02-19-2007, 01:54 PM

I'm heading down to Arkansas and would like to do some exploring in and around the Ozark forest west of Clinton. I'm a newbie to 4 wheeling so I'm not looking for anything too dificult and my FJ is stock.

I thought I'd mention the area in case someone had some suggestion on some roads to try.

I've got a Gazetteer Atlas and plan on hitting some of the roads listed. I'm taking my DRZ 400 and might hit some tighter trails with it as well. Mocassin Gap Trail? I'm taking my 11 year-old son and might try some fishing and check out the Blanchard Springs caves.

Any suggestions? Let me know and thanks in advance!

Invisible J · 02-19-2007, 03:06 PM

Can't tell you much about the OHV areas, but I used to live near where you're headed.

If you've never been to the area, one thing you need to account for is that it will take you longer to get from point A to point B than you would think due to the winding roads and relatively low speeds necessary to navigate them (I'm talking about the highways, not the trails).

Definately check out Blanchard Springs Caverns if you have time - if you happen to be there between April and October, sign up for the wild cave tour. Blanchard Springs Caverns - Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

If you'd like some OHV trail maps (they're free), go to Ozark-St. Francis National Forests and click on the map to see the routes for that district.

blu3*Ox · 02-19-2007, 04:35 PM

(banjo's) badda bing bong bing bong bing bong biiinnggg...

I think I saw something about that area in DELIVERANCE... an informative movie about that colorful Ozark culture. You might think about renting it before venturing anywhere near there. Just a thought.

Jack · 02-19-2007, 08:29 PM

Yeah, was joking with a coworker that I could already hear the dueling banjos!

I'm heading there Thursday. My dad retired in the area so I've been there a couple times. But this will be the first time exploring the forest. My son an I are looking forward to it.

I got some GPS tracks for a dual sport route. I'm going to see how that looks on the Gazetteer.

**1911** · 02-20-2007, 07:07 AM

I've taken several motorcycle trips through there in years past and there are some great twisty roads. Most any of the odd-numbered north-south roads are good, 19 and 17 were really neat IIRC. Never went off pavement, but there are lots of logging roads off of the paved county roads. Watch out for the logging trucks - they always have the right of way since might makes right. Also there are some strectches where there aren't many gas stations so you might want to top off when you can.

Jack · 02-20-2007, 08:14 AM

Quote:

1911 previously said:

I've taken several motorcycle trips through there in years past and there are some great twisty roads. Most any of the odd-numbered north-south roads are good, 19 and 17 were really neat IIRC. Never went off pavement, but there are lots of logging roads off of the paved county roads. Watch out for the logging trucks - they always have the right of way since might makes right. Also there are some strectches where there aren't many gas stations so you might want to top off when you can.

yeah, was thinking about that this morning when I couldn't sleep. I'm regretting not upgrading the gas tank on my DRZ over the winter. I have only a little over 100 miles of range with that little tank.

Thanks for the reminder. I'll strap a tank to the top of the FJ as well.

Phelan · 02-24-2007, 06:00 PM

Can't say much about that area of the Ozarks other than Harrison, AR (which you'll likely pass through/near on the way) is known for a high KKK population.

Be prepared for rapid weather changes; and consider carrying a revolver with shotshells for dealing with snakes if you're going mid spring or later.

Jack · 02-26-2007, 08:06 PM

Had a great time! The FJ had fun too!

Razor J · 02-27-2007, 08:25 AM

Glad you had fun. Sorry I just saw your post-I had some recs. Lots of forrest service roads near Turner Bend/Mulberry area. White Rock Mtn is great. Looks like you found some roads though.
BTY, Deliverance was north GA on the Chatooga river-not the Ozarks. That is not to say that we don't have a few toothless banjo pickers though

Phelan · 02-27-2007, 08:53 AM

Just let 'em keep thinking we're homicidal backwoods country folk... They'll stay away and leave the Ozarks for the natives to enjoy.