Scenic 71 Loop

Rolling hills and small farms are hallmarks of this idyllic ride on the outskirts of Fayetteville. Start on the south side of town on AR 265 at I-49. Continue south on AR 265 through the picturesque countryside as it gradually runs deeper into the Ozark forests. The first community along this route is called Hogeye, an appropriate name for a place that’s smack dab in the middle of Hog Country with the University of Arkansas, home of the Razorbacks, just 10 miles away. Still traveling south, AR 170 brings you to a special spot, Devil’s Den, an iconic Arkansas State Park known for its history and CCC rustic-style architecture, as well as its natural wonders, including caves and crevices. One such area of sandstone crevices is the largest of its kind in the US. Traveling from Devil’s Den on AR 74 to Winslow and US 71 is a wonderful, curvaceous 12-mile ride. The first two miles out of the park are a series of technically challenging switchbacks, and new riders should be cautious. US 71 takes you over the top of the Boston Mountain range of the Ozarks. It’s a fantastic ride of winding pavement and broad sweepers. It’s two wide lanes – sometimes three – all with wide shoulders. There are some hairpin corners, plus the views are nothing short of spectacular. This stretch was the major north-south highway for years. Now, all but local traffic makes the north-south journey on I-49 to the west. With no semis and very few cars traveling it, the Boston Mountain Scenic Byway (US 71) is a great route. The trip down into and back out of Mountainburg is the highlight of the ride, with elevation changes of over 1,300 feet. US 71 will become US 64 to Van Buren and on into Fort Smith. AR 59 north – not US 59 over in Oklahoma – takes you back toward Fayetteville. It runs through mostly farmland, with a nice stretch of woods north of Natural Dam. The unique geological formation there is a worthwhile interruption. Take AR 45 to US 62 E. to Fayetteville and enjoy a nice evening out after a day of fine motorcycling.