Autumn in the Ozarks: The last great ride of the season

For some motorcyclists, autumn signals the end of riding season as they prepare to store their bikes for the winter. Sadly, I’m about to take my last rides of the season, too, but for a different reason. I have rotator cuff repair surgery coming up and will be spending the next few months healing. I glance at my watch and decide I can fit in a ride before the sun drops, so I grab my gear and head out the door, inhaling the crisp, cool air while zipping up my jacket.

I do a quick check of my bike, then stop for gas. A popular saying in Arkansas is “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” That’s because sunny skies, rain, thunder and lightning can all occur in the same day. So I check my phone for the forecast, knowing full well that anything is possible in the Ozarks. It’s a breezy 58 degrees, which is means a ride in full gear is more comfortable.

Autumn’s shorter days cut into my riding time, but when you live in the Ozarks, like I do, it’s easy to find a long, twisty road, and you really don’t have to travel far. There are so many choices for riding and plenty of places to view fall foliage, such as the Boston Mountains, Talimena Scenic Byway, and Pig Trail Scenic Byway, which are more well known. But no matter which direction you choose to travel you simply can’t go wrong. This time, I head out for a short 50-mile loop along Push Mountain Road, AR 341, because of its close proximity to my home.

Exploring Push Mountain

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of north central Arkansas, 341 runs north and south in Baxter County. To reach 341, I ride south out of Mountain Home on AR 201, one of the buttery smooth, scenic two-lane roads that wind along the back country. Amenities are scarce on this route, except for the 341 Market, which has cold drinks, snacks and two old-style gas pumps, if you’re low on fuel.

I turn right onto AR 341, careful not to miss the sign. It’s simply marked by its route number, AR 341. The street sign was a highly sought-after piece of memorabilia and is no longer replaced with its street name. It’s not congested with traffic, save for the locals and a few other riders out enjoying the day. As I cross the White River bridge, a beautiful limestone bluff on appears on my right with homes overlooking the water.

Newly paved Push Mountain Road transforms from a country back road into a densely forested 25-mile stretch of twisty tarmac that winds along mountain ridges with gorgeous scenery and panoramic vistas. There are plenty of switchbacks, sweepers, and hairpin turns, peppered with steep elevation changes to satisfy even the most accomplished rider.

I navigate the magnificent curves into the heart of the Sylamore-Ozark National Forest. As I lean into the turns, leaves float through the air and dance around my helmet. It takes a healthy dose of adult restraint not to break into high speeds in between the curves. The road is technical in areas and will test your cornering skills. I focus on the riding first and will circle back to the turnouts to take in the scenic views on my return.

The leaves have begun to turn color, but before long they will fall and camouflage the roadway, presenting a hazard to riders. I remind myself that its rutting season, which means my head and eyes are laser focused on the road, taking care to watch for any signs of deer and other wildlife on the move. I know what it’s like to hit a deer with my motorcycle, and it’s not something I wish to repeat. 

The sun sits lower this time of year and its glare can be an issue if you’re not wearing sunglasses, or a tinted visor. Depending on how barren the trees are, you may also experience a strobe-light effect while riding through the light and shade. I stay focused and hold my line.

There are farms and beautiful wide-open pastures hidden between the peaks of this curvy goodness that make for enjoyable views on the short straightaways ascending into higher elevations. I look for gravel, as it often finds its way onto the road from the driveways along this route.

I’ve just gotten into the groove of continuous sweepers, hairpin turns and thrilling elevation changes when the road comes to an end at AR 14. This is a great jumping off point to more curves and colors and will not disappoint. As with any forested road, however, not so much when the sun goes down. So I make a U-turn for another dose of Push Mountain Road and begin my return home. The road is cracked and rough in this direction. I pull into one of the scenic turnouts, park my bike, and walk a short distance to take in the panoramic views.

These Ozark Mountain forests are comprised of more than 200 different tree species, not counting the hybrids. Tall hardwood species form the main canopy, and shorter understory trees grow beneath. Both the taller trees and understory growth produce beautiful fall foliage. Although, some species have no fall color at all.

The color change begins in mid-October and the peak usually occurs in late October or early November. Ozark hardwoods are dressed in yellow and orange foliage from sweet gum, several varieties of maple, and sassafras trees. Trees that produce purple foliage are typically sweet gum, black gum, and some oaks. Maples, dogwood, and red oak typically provide the brilliant shades of red and crimson. I reach for my camera to capture the moment but somehow pictures just don’t do it justice. Instead, I stand in awe of the stunning view of the Ozark Mountains, storing a memory to get me through the coming drought of riding.

Fall is in the air in the Ozarks.