Pocahontas to Powhatan Ride

ROUTE #33: This route begins on AR 90 West just north of Pocahontas, a historic port town near the Black River and Eleven Point River. In its early days, Pocahontas was the first supply stop in Arkansas, and it still makes a great place to stock up with food and fuel. 3.5 miles to the northwest of town, the route heads west on Blacks Ferry Rd. into a peaceful farm valley. Just after crossing the river, the road becomes Valley Chapel Rd. and continues to the old Valley Chapel Church. The road bends to the north, passes the church and intersects Hall Rd, which leads us farther north up the mountain where it intersects AR 90. From there, head west to Ravenden Springs to the intersection at Upper Janes Creek Rd.. The route turns west on Upper Janes Creek Rd. and follows the valley north into the mountains where it once again leaves the pavement for crunchy terrain. Follow Upper Janes Creek Rd. as it winds through the forest to the intersection of Taylor Rd. A short detour takes you back to Upper Janes Creek Rd.. Continue west toward the town of Wirth. From here, follow Wirth Rd. between the mountaintop meadows to Busch Run Rd.. Once again on pavement, ride west on Busch Run to US 63 and north toward Mammoth Spring, a town named for Arkansas’s largest spring, a National Natural Landmark. From downtown Mammoth Spring, turn south on Second Street from AR 9. Veer right onto Riverview Rd. then turn left onto North Fairview Rd. Follow Fairview south out of town as it winds through the mountains to the intersection with Bayou Access Rd. Be prepared to cross several small creeks as you continue south toward English Creek Rd. Continue south all the way to Bakers Ford, which takes you to Nine Mile Rd. where you’ll head east to the Spring River, a beloved stream for its crystal-clear waters lined by rocky bluffs. Crossing the long, one-lane bridge, the road changes names to Bluff Rd. but continues toward US 63, just north of Hardy. Take US 63 south into Hardy where you’ll cross back over the Spring River on US 412 west. Shortly after crossing, the route turns right onto AR 342 for a scenic jaunt along the Spring River bottoms. AR 342 gives way to Rock Creek Rd. and continues south into the Wildlife Management Area with opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife. Rock Creek ends at AR 58, but continue south on Mill Creek Rd. just across the highway. Follow Mill Creek Rd. along the hollow to its intersection with Strawberry Rd. where the ride heads east to Smithville. Just east of here on AR 117, turn south on Lawrence County Rd. 273 toward Hardaway. From CR 273, turn east on CR 280, then south on CR 281, then back east on CR 279 into Lynn. In Lynn, head south on AR 361 to Game and Fish Rd. (CR 316) and ride east into the Shirey Bay Wildlife Management Area. As you cross the cypress bottoms of Shirey Bay, continue east on CR 317 and follow the Black River north to CR 309. Turn east on CR 309, and ride north to CR 301. Turn east onto CR 301, and follow it north to Powhatan Historic State Park where our 113-mile route ends.