AR - recommended paved or dirt roads around 123 or Push Mountain?

[1moreroad]

Depending on the weather I want to run over to north central AR for a weekend next month.  I've been over there a few times for STN rides and other stuff, so I feel like I know the major roads pretty well.

For the first time I've got a supermoto (and someone to ride with) so I'm looking for roads -- bad pavement or dirt -- that connect paved roads.  Any suggestions?  Gravel, forest service, marked roads are all good.  The bike has street tires and little protection so no "true" off-roading.

I can see lots of little roads on Mapsource between 341 and 5.  Are they reasonable roads or are they true dual sport rides?

[1moreroad]

There are no good roads in north central AR, huh?

[sprocket]

Well I'll reply dagnabit!
Obviously riding a FJR, I'm not that familiar with dirt roads in the area, I would ride them more often, its just a ground clearance issue.
I know there are lots of backroads, gravelroads, firelanes etc.. in that part of the country.

As far as true "Dual Sport" I consider that to be about any road that requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle to navigate, not really true motorcycle off-roading. I figure most of those roads are "reasonable" for your motard, if not, oh well turn around.

This might not be the best board for access to that kind of information!

Sorry I'm no help.

[FJR1300]

Send Smitty141 a PM... he'd be the guy to ask about secondary roads.

[arkansawyer]

The gravel road East from Oark.  Oark is a nice place to eat lunch also.

Gravel roads connect Bass and Ben Hur.  Richland Creek has many beautiful spots.

A little South of your area there are many scenic gravel roads between 7 and 9.  All I've been on are doable in a 2WD pickup.  Between Jesseville and Nimrod on 7.  The Crystal overlook is my favorite, but it might be a rough 1/4 mile for you to get there.

[1moreroad]

Thanks

[Kirrilian]

There are some dirt roads around Jasper, AR as well. I've seen some dual sports coming off dirt roads a few times while riding around up there, mainly Hwy 21 and Hwy 7. I would suggest going to see Whitaker Point if you go down around Jasper. There is a link at the bottom of this post on how to get there. There are also a bunch of dirt roads in the Winona WMS by Hot Springs if you are willing to drive further south.

http://www.harrisonarkansas.org/hikingtrails_hawksbillcrag.htm

[arkansawyer]

This is W of Hot Springs.  Much further S than you say you want to go.  Lots of nice gravel though.  We didn't ride anything a 2WD pickup couldn't do.  The XR650L with hard topbox is mine.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=338612

[sprocket]

This is W of Hot Springs.  Much further S than you say you want to go.  Lots of nice gravel though.  We didn't ride anything a 2WD pickup couldn't do.  The XR650L with hard topbox is mine.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=338612

Nice pics, your right smack dab in the middle of my home riding area!

[1moreroad]

   60% chance of rain this weekend and I found that while my old ZX6R was set up great for extended riding down into the 20s, the new bike (pre-heated grip install) is extremely uncomfortable under about 45.  I need to do something about that....

*If* it's not raining I'll hang out on gravel roads (slowly) close to home.