Story by Allison parker
The Ozark Mountains are a rider’s paradise, and there are many charming small towns that would serve well as a base camp for a riding tour of the area. None of them, however, could be mistaken for Eureka Springs.
The town’s uniqueness can be traced to its early days in the 19th century. At the time, there was a trend, perhaps even a craze, for natural waters with supposed healing properties. The area where Eureka Springs sits today had springs in abundance, trickling from the tall bluffs. Word of these springs spread, and people came to be healed and rejuvenated.
As a tourist town since its inception, Eureka Springs’ Victorian-age buildings were built into the rock itself to be as close to the spring water as possible. The roads meandered up and down, twisting around to reach these buildings perched on the side of rock faces. Many buildings have street access from multiple floors. The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s not just the strange layout of the town or the springs themselves that make Eureka Springs unique. It has a culture all its own, one that blends with the larger Ozark culture in some ways and defies it in others. Art can be found wherever you look, on street corners or in shop windows and anywhere between. Annual celebrations crowd the calendar, like the Great Passion Play around Easter and the Zombie Crawl during Halloween, as well as UFO conferences, music festivals, and more.
And on top of all that, Eureka Springs is a prime location from which to stage a motorcycle trip in the Ozarks.
The Pig Trail is perhaps the most famous northwestern Arkansas route for motorcyclists, covering about 24 miles and offering elevation changes and lots of twisties and hairpin turns. From Eureka Springs, riders head south on State Route 23 for about 50 miles to reach the northern tip of the Pig Trail, enjoying more curvy pavement on the way down. The Pig Trail travels south through the Ozark National Forest, rewarding riders with scenic overlooks and waterfalls along a corridor through a heavy canopy of trees. The Turner Bend Mulberry River Outfitter is a popular stop, offering campsites and cabins, as well as food and souvenirs.
For a different view of the Ozark National Forest, head east from Eureka Springs to get to State Route 21, which takes riders south toward the 35-mile Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway. This route includes beautiful streams, rustic homesteads, and places to pull over and stretch your legs, including scenic waterfalls and lookout areas.
The Arkansas Dragon (State Route 123) is another popular route. The 19-mile stretch known as the Dragon’s Tail is comparable to Tennessee’s Tail of the Dragon, offering blind switchbacks and demanding sharp attention to keep the tires on the pavement. The full route starts in Osage, about 30 miles southeast of Eureka Springs, and continues south for about 60 miles to State Route 16.
What makes this area special for motorcyclists is that the roads in between these famous designations are also rewarding and enjoyable. There’s no need for interstate slogs to get to the twisties – just pick a direction and enjoy curve after curve. After a long day of riding through Ozark paradise, enjoy a soak in the cool waters of Eureka Springs. The springs’ health claims may not have been based in concrete science, but we can’t deny we feel a little more alive after a good soak, a hearty meal, and a stroll through one of the most unique towns in the U.S.
Weather in the Ozark Mountains can be dramatic, including sudden thunderstorms and flooding. Generally, popular routes through the Ozark National Forest and connecting towns are well-maintained, but conditions can change with weather. As some roads cross rivers and streams, flooding is a concern during heavy or sudden rain events. Check road conditions before heading out to ensure your route is open and safe.
A trip to Eureka Springs is possible almost any time of year thanks to both mild winters and summers, with temperatures only occasionally dipping below freezing or rising above the low 90s. For the best experience, we recommend a fall trip for vibrant orange forests, cool riding, and fall decorations in town. If you plan a trip near one of Eureka Springs’ many annual celebrations, you’ll encounter more traffic but an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to enjoy the festivities or avoid the crowds, check the town’s calendar before booking your stay.
Eureka Springs offers a wide variety of eateries to suit any taste or budget. Coffee houses and cafes are plentiful, and visitors can choose from upscale curated menus to pub food. Those looking for international flavors can find Thai, Mexican, Italian, French, Indian, and more. Eureka Springs also offers places to stop after dinner for an ice cream, candy, or confections. Out on the road, riders can expect local restaurants offering home cooking, burgers, sandwiches, and other hearty meals to fuel more riding.
Accommodations in Eureka Springs are just as unique as the town itself. Book a stay at the Eureka Springs Treehouses and choose from a treehouse, a hobbit hole, a castle, or a cave. Those who enjoy the paranormal should check out the Crescent Hotel & Spa (reportedly the most haunted hotel in the U.S.) or the Basin Park Hotel. Visitors can also find cabins, bed-and-breakfasts, inns, and other lodging in Eureka Springs. As a tourist destination, accommodations are plentiful.
Christ of the Ozarks
Thorncrown Chapel
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Quigley’s Castle
Grotto Spring
Basin Spring Park
Ozark National Forest
Alum Cove Natural Bridge
Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Distance: Numerous routes from 20 to 200-plus miles
Ride Time: Half-day to multiday adventures
Best Direction to Ride: South toward Ozark National Forest
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced (twisty mountain roads)
Best Bike Type: Touring, sport-touring, sport, cruiser