If you’ve never visited Arkansas, you may not think it offers much natural beauty. However, Arkansas residents know the state is filled with beautiful scenic views, including vast forests, sparkling lakes, and majestic mountain ranges.
Crystal Springs and Lake Ouachita are two attractions you must see during an Arkansas motorcycle trip. Read on to learn our guide to planning a Crystal Springs and Lake Ouachita motorcycle trip.
Pack Your Bags
Packing everything you may need for your motorcycle ride can ensure that you do not become stranded without essential supplies or clothing. Here are a few things you’ll want to add to your packing list:
- Versatile clothing: Minimizing the clothing you pack can help you save room for other essential items. We recommend packing lightweight layers and practical clothing that you can incorporate into several different outfits. And don’t forget a helmet.
- Maintenance tools: Keeping emergency maintenance supplies in your bike’s storage compartment is always a good idea. We recommend packing a tire compressor, a set of essential tools, and a tire patching kit at a minimum.
- Emergency supplies: If you plan to travel any remote roads on your trip, you’ll want to keep emergency supplies on hand. These supplies may include a first aid kit, a flashlight, spare batteries, a note with your emergency contact information, and extra food and water.
- License and registration info: While it seems obvious, some riders forget their bike registration and motorcycle license in the midst of packing. Be sure to keep these items on hand throughout your trip.
Choose Your Motorcycle Routes
Identifying ahead of time the motorcycle routes you want to hit during your trip can save you time on the road and allow you to plan the most efficient route. Here are two scenic motorcycle rides near Lake Ouachita that you’ll want to add to your itinerary:
Scenic 7 Byway
The Scenic 7 Byway was Arkansas’s first state-designated scenic byway. It passes through four unique geographical regions — including the Lake Ouachita area.
If you’re planning a long-distance road trip through Arkansas, you can consider taking this scenic byway for a significant portion of your trip. The Scenic 7 Byway passes through almost the entire state of Arkansas from north to south.
The route officially begins near Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. However, you can feel free to pick up the byway near the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and continue south as far as you’d like.
The byway is almost 300 miles from start to finish, but many motorcyclists simply incorporate a shorter span of the route into their motorcycle journeys.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
The Talimena National Scenic Byway spans 54 miles from eastern Oklahoma to western Arkansas. This route offers breathtaking views of the Ouachita Mountains and passes by Winding Stair and Rich Mountain.
The byway also passes through mountain vistas, lakes and streams, and vast mountain valleys. You’ll see plenty of beautiful sights along this scenic Arkansas route.
If you’re looking to stay within Arkansas on your trip, you can travel the 18-mile Arkansas portion of the byway rather than the entire route. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your trip, you can combine this byway with the West-Northwest Scenic Byway by staying on Highway 71 North in Mena, OK.
Hit The Road with Law Tigers
Once you’ve packed your bags and planned your route, you’ll be ready to take off on your Crystal Springs and Lake Ouachita motorcycle trip. Be sure to ride with caution and follow all motorcycle laws throughout your ride. If you run into any trouble, contact our Law Tigers team for assistance at 1-888-863-7216.
