A lot of people plan a trip to the Ozarks this time of year. I wanted to start a thread here to help people plan their routes. The Ozarks of Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri are the closest twisties for a lot of people in mid-America and a favorite destination.
I rode AR 7 from Russellville to Jasper yesterday, (May 5, 2016). I recommend you avoid AR 7 this summer. It's not terrible, but there are many nice alternative routes you should enjoy. The pavement north of Dover to the Newton county line is not in good shape. There are two new areas where they are widening the road and adding passing lanes. There was one area where there was a Flagler and we had to wait about 5 minutes. The pavement is better in Newton county south of Jasper but there are a few sections with plentiful tar snakes.
AR 74 from Jasper to Ponca was in great shape and lots of fun. Bodley valley is still the prettiest place in Arkansas and should be on every siteseer's list when visiting. I didn't see the Elk heard yesterday but mid-afternoon is not prime viewing time.
AR 16 and 21 are also in great shape south to Clarksville and are a good route to use if you want to avoid the construction on AR 7.
I rode AR 23 (Pig Trail) north of Ozark a few weeks ago and there are tar snakes south of Turner Bend. I'm not talking about a few tar snakes, I mean they are awful. Be careful when the weather warms up.
Both 7 and 23 have been damaged from the record rainfalls the last couple of winters. There are places where the ground has slipped and created bumps in the road.
Don't let me scare you off. There are still plenty of great roads here in the Ozarks.
Everyone else feel free to add your comments about current conditions.
I rode AR 7 from Russellville to Jasper yesterday, (May 5, 2016). I recommend you avoid AR 7 this summer. It's not terrible, but there are many nice alternative routes you should enjoy. The pavement north of Dover to the Newton county line is not in good shape. There are two new areas where they are widening the road and adding passing lanes. There was one area where there was a Flagler and we had to wait about 5 minutes. The pavement is better in Newton county south of Jasper but there are a few sections with plentiful tar snakes.
AR 74 from Jasper to Ponca was in great shape and lots of fun. Bodley valley is still the prettiest place in Arkansas and should be on every siteseer's list when visiting. I didn't see the Elk heard yesterday but mid-afternoon is not prime viewing time.
AR 16 and 21 are also in great shape south to Clarksville and are a good route to use if you want to avoid the construction on AR 7.
I rode AR 23 (Pig Trail) north of Ozark a few weeks ago and there are tar snakes south of Turner Bend. I'm not talking about a few tar snakes, I mean they are awful. Be careful when the weather warms up.
Both 7 and 23 have been damaged from the record rainfalls the last couple of winters. There are places where the ground has slipped and created bumps in the road.
Don't let me scare you off. There are still plenty of great roads here in the Ozarks.
Everyone else feel free to add your comments about current conditions.