Ozark Mountains

Ozark Mountains - Ride the beautiful, rustic, back country roads of the Ozarks

Riding in the Ozark Mountains makes for great scenery and interesting as well as challenging roads. The Ozark Mountains are found in southern Missouri and Northwestern Arkansas. If you have not taken a ride through the Ozark Mountains, what are you waiting for?

The name "Ozarks" is thought to have originated from the French. The French had an abbreviation "aux Arks" which is short for Arkansas. What does the name mean to you? Hills, curves, and great scenery are some of what you will experience riding these parts. The Ozark Mountains are the largest section of higher altitude riding between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains.

There is some flatland to ride across on the way to the Ozark Mountains. The surrounding lowlands lead to some great curves and hills. Some of the elevations reach over 2500 feet. The ride surrounds you with trees. There are several spots along the roadways where you can get a good view between the trees that cast welcome shade on your ride.

Ride to one of the natural bridges. The bridges were formed by erosion and caves that collapsed in the area. Of course, most of the natural bridges are impassible, but they are something to see. Did you know that there are over 6000 caves in Missouri? Most of them are found right in the Ozark Mountains. A cave might make a good place for a short break from the ride, or to catch a quick bite to eat along the ride.

One of the routes I like goes from the Memphis area toward Branson and Springfield Missouri. My favorite road to travel in the Ozark Mountains is Highway 14. This road make some very sharp turns, so watch for the signs! There are a couple of turns that are right angle turns. You actually have to come to a stop to make these! Watch out for loose gravel at times on some of the Off-Highway, switchback roads. In some of the tight curves, it's not unusual to hit some loose gravel.

A Large spring named Big Spring is one of the largest you will find. Over 200 million gallons of water flow from it to the Current River. Talk about alot of water! A scenic riverway is here in the Ozark Mountains. The Current and Jacks rivers were actually made into part of the park system. This is also a great place to ride. Several tourists come into the park area to enjoy the rivers.

Several Dams were built, making several lakes around and in the Ozark Mountains. Of course with lakes, there is fishing opportunities galore. If you want a break from the ride, hang out at one of the lakes. Choose from one of the six you will find in the Ozark Mountains. There are even Helicopter flights over Table Rock Lake. What a great view to see while riding the Ozark Mountains!.

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