Ozarks and Crystal Springs
 

I'm heading out in a couple of days for a ride from Baton Rouge, LA, up to Hot Springs, AR. I plan to then spend a day riding thru the Ozarks, working my way up to Bentonville to visit the Crystal Springs Museum. Anybody been to that museum?

After Bentonville, I'll probably wander up into Missouri a ways, maybe loop over into Kansas a bit before heading back south. Plan to at some point get on Route 66 for a ways. Once I get back into TX I'll have to decide which way to go next...

Obviously not a detailed itinerary, but I'm really just looking forward to getting on the road for a few days of solitude.

Ride the Pig Trail Highway 23. Enjoy your trip.
I was told by a Barber that the museum is a must see, we did'nt have a chance to check it out, maybe next trip.

OK, that's now in the plan -- thanks!

Bart,,,,Don't know how you're coming up, but I'd take US 61 from BR and then in Natchez hit US 425 until you get to US 82 in Arkansas. 82 to Eldorado the SH 7 from there to Hot Springs....the best part of 7 starts after you leave camden and continues on up into the Ozarks around Harrison.. If you get time, try US 270 from Hot Springs to Y City then back down US 71 to Mena and the Talimena Scenic Drive over into Oklahoma. You can always hit the Talimena on the way back to BR>..

Have a safe trip...

There are so may places to ride in NW Arkansas, I'd be surprised if you ever get out of there. But if you do, and you make it into Missouri and Kansas, drop down into Oklahoma to Miami and check out the Vintage Iron Museum.

Talimena is a great ride, but don't expect much fall foilage this year. Too darn dry and hot. Good luck and have a fun trip.

Fyi, I believe missouri its a helmet state. Just a heads up if you dont wear one.

yes, it is. :(

Helmet's not a problem -- never leave home without it(!) I've totalled two bikes in my life, walked away both times, I'm convinced largely because I was wearing a helmet. Not preaching to anyone else and not interested in debate, just my own conviction.

My original plan was to take 61 to Natchez, then 65 up to Pine Bluff, 270 on to Hot Springs. I've been told 65 is a good scenic ride -- do you think 425/82/7 is better? One of the nice things about riding solo is I don't have to get anyone else's agreement to changes(!)

Planning on camping at Lake Catherine State Park first night.

both 65 to Pine bluff and 82 to eldorado are both flat with pine trees....270 from pine bluff to hot springs is ok, you don't get into the hills until you get to Malvern....as far as condition of the roads.. not sure about any of them. been a while since i've traveled 65, 82 from 425 or 270 from Pine Bluff....