JASPER TO DEER – 91 miles Enjoy a cozy stay in the quaint town of Jasper, nestled along the Buffalo National River, America’s first designated free-flowing, undammed river, before embarking on this incredible adventure. The route hits fun primitive dirt roads dropping steadily to the valley below where if the water level allows, you can cross a concrete low bridge at the Buffalo River to access the historic Parker-Hickman farmstead. Erbie Road twists and turns west, leading to a great stretch of pavement into the town of Ponca where you can refuel and resupply. The first optional ALT Harder track starts here as the main route diverts around, reconnecting with a nice stretch of flowy gravel roads. Two more ALT Harders are available, while the main route passes the iconic Hawksbill Crag hiking trail followed by a blissful stretch of primitive forest roads and a concrete low bridge crossing that can be impassable when high. Take a short hike to the scenic Alum Cove Natural Bridge before arriving in Deer. This small town has no lodging and fuel is unavailable Sundays, so riders may elect to ride 20 min back to Jasper for a second nights’ stay.

DEER TO MOUNTAINBURG – 130 MILES Advanced riders can tackle the first ALT Harder, reconnecting with the main route along the majestic Big Piney Creek. This next stretch is a highlight and features ruts, rocks, creek crossings, and the potential for mud, along with great dispersed camping options. Blissful gravel roads lead to County Road 26, a splendid primitive road with yet another crossing of the Big Piney Creek. Take a spin up to Devil’s Knob for incredible views before a short stretch of nice pavement. Then, you can detour into Oark for gas and food if needed, and take the optional harder section if you’re up for a big challenge while the main route continues on forest roads past the Spoke Plant Hollow overlook. Fly Gap Road meanders through the dense woods, giving way to open valley vistas as you make your way west, connecting to tighter forest roads, past Lake Fort Smith and into the town of Mountainburg. This quaint town has food and gas, and lodging can be found off-route in nearby Alma.

MOUNTAINBURG TO OARK – 103 MILES Departing Mountainburg, the main route climbs via pristine twisty pavement, connecting to flowy dirt roads as you cruise along Hurricane Creek Rd. White Rock is a must see, featuring cabins, camping, and spectacular views with a nice general store (day use fee required). Meander through the dense forest on amazing dirt roads and twisty pavement as you spin past Shores Lake with a great overlook. Apple Tree Rd is a great stretch of dirt passing by a picture-worthy rock arch before you cross the bridge over the Mulberry River into Turner Bend for fuel and supplies. The final stretch of Section 3 features flowy gravel roads and nice pavement past Horsehead Lake, followed by a rocky climb heading north, with scenic Hwy 103 leading to the small town of Oark. This legendary general store features fuel, supplies, and the best home cooking around. Aside from a few cabin rentals, there is no lodging here, so riders may wish to plan for traditional lodging off-route in Ozark or Clarksville.

OARK TO JASPER – 157 MILES The fun continues through a highlight section of the route featuring a series of primitive, rocky, and rustic forest roads with numerous creek crossings as you make your way toward Ozone. Riders can stop at Red Lick for fuel and supplies, while an ALT Harder section awaits, rejoining the main route near the impressive Strawberry Bluffs viewpoint. Enjoy a short stretch on Hwy 123 and another optional challenge section as the main route follows twisty gravel roads to Pilot Knob, the final ALT Harder on this route. Through a continuous stretch of flowy paved and gravel roads, join North Fork Road as you make your way through the Richland Creek Wilderness, a beautiful stretch of pristine forest with multiple waterfalls. After a short run on tight two-track, the route tops out again on Hwy 123 as you descend the incredible Arkansas Dragon Switchbacks into Mt. Judea where food and fuel are available. Interspersed pavement and dirt bring the final miles to a close as you descend into Jasper for the completion of an epic adventure.