Map:http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ar/berryville%20to%20eureka%20springs/647128898018636612 Mileage: 26 miles Climbing: 2324' Terrain: A few pretty good hills. Seems to be a little less steep, if your ride this loop counter-clockwise. Road Safety: Hwy 62 is a busy route, but most places there is a good shoulder to ride on. Rockhouse Road is a narrow county road, but minimal traffic. Hwy 221 is great (except for the hills). Nice wide shoulder, minimal traffic.
On November 4, 2010, I did a loop ride, beginning in Berryville, AR. I rode on hwy 62 towards Eureka Springs. Just before Eureka, I turned onto Rockhouse Road. It's a county-maintained road, but is all pavement and is in good condition for cycling. That road eventually runs into 221, which will take you back to Berryville. There were several beautiful fall-colored trees along the way.
For the first time this fall, I had to dig out my winter shoes (I usually ride in sandals) and my stocking cap.
Leaving Berryville. There is an fairly wide shoulder on hwy 62 from Berryville to Eureka Springs.
Maybe it's because I was raised on a farm, but I've always enjoyed seeing nice farm land.
Heading towards the hills.
The Kings River at hwy 62 bridge.
Lots of different things to visit in the area. I'm not a fan of snakes, so I've never visited this one.
Large round hay bales at edge of a pasture.
Heading down Rockhouse Road.
Riding stables.
Another of the many resorts in the Eureka Springs area.
I love riding tree-shaded roads.
I think this little short, but steep hill was where I got my heart rate up to 176.
Can't pass a body of water without taking a photo!
Not sure what this place is about.
The Winona Church.
At the end of Rockhouse Road, you come out on hwy 221 south of Berryville. If you turn to the right, you'll go about a mile, and the pavement ends.
It's a long hill down to the Kings River bridge on 221. This side of the hill is steeper than the side across the bridge.
The Kings River at the 221 bridge. It's a nice float from here to the bridge on hwy 62 west of Berryville.
I did find some fall colors on my trip.
Always thought this is an interesting area. It just doesn't look like the rest of Carroll County.
Map:http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ar/eureka%20springs/708128874629829530 Mileage: Approximately 27 Climbing: 2622' Terrain: Well, it's Eureka Springs. Several hills, but none really long. Steep hills are short. The group I road with all agreed, call this a moderately difficult ride. Road Safety: I'd have to rate Eureka Springs traffic a "biker friendly". No one honked at us to get out of the way. Most gave us plenty of room when passing. As with all rides, I'd highly suggest you have a mirror!
If you are into mountain biking, you should check out the annual Fat Tire event in Eureka Springs.
We started our ride, by riding down a popular side route through town. The big building on the hill is the Crescent Hotel. There's a lot of history with this hotel. It was once a hospital. My grand father had a brother who died at this hotel when it was a hospital, as he was there with an appendicitis attack. His name was King David Plumlee. They claim the hotel is haunted! Here's link to their web site: http://www.crescent-hotel.com/
The roads through the residential sections of Eureka Springs are VERY narrow. Many houses do not even have a front yard!
Photo taken by David of Jerrie, Russ and myself in down town Eureka Springs. I'm putting on my "thug" look.
The down-town area of Eureka Springs.
Heading out of town on hwy 23 north.
Hwy 23 has moderate traffic. The shoulder is narrow in many places.
Jerrie and Russ stopping to check out an interesting building. See photo below.
Hwy 187 is more of a "country road". Road has lots of curves, traffic is fairly slow, so I felt safe.
You want to stay ON the road here, not get on the shoulder, or you might end up at the bottom of the hill!
Table Rock Lake, at the town of Beaver, Arkansas.
David riding over the suspension bridge over Table Rock Lake to Beaver.
The store at Beaver, the "Beaver Town Inn & Trading Post".
Inside the store. They have a few interesting photos of the area, and refreshments.
Wouldn't you like to be post master here? Open 2 1/2 hours a week, or so it seems.
Heading west on 187. Several moderate hills to climb.
One of the steeper, but shorter hills.
One of my favorite signs! Down hill!
A view of the hwy 62 bridge over the White River, seen from 187.
Beaver Lake.
Beaver dam.
The view off Beaver dam.
A scuba shop and store with snacks. Also noticed they have pizza.
The Eureka Springs area is a huge wedding destination.
Stopping at the RiverLake Outdoor Center, at the hwy 62/187 intersection.
I am going to need to invest in a better video camera set up. Riding down a hill, hand-holding a camera is not real safe.
Thorncrown Chapel is just west of Eureka Springs. It's a must see for anyone visiting Eureka! Their web site: http://www.thorncrown.com/
"Ride Quietly" is aimed at the many motorcyclist who visit Eureka.
