It's worth the drive to explore one of Arkansas' most scenic byways.
Mulberry River Road Scenic Byway meanders through a stunning slice of the Ozarks that offers long views of the region's Boston Mountain range, clear streams and pioneer history.
The river calls
There’s a wealth of outdoor activities available along the Mulberry River Road Scenic Byway.
Visitors can camp at the U.S. Forest Service’s Redding Campground or private campgrounds on the river. When the river is low in autumn, wade-fishing for smallmouth bass is an option. Or enjoy a picnic lunch beside the water.
When the Mulberry is flowing full, launch a canoe or kayak at several access points along the stream. Outfitters can fix travelers up with boats and shuttle service. The Ozark Highlands Trail and spur trails are close by for hiking.
Source: Staff report
The 18-mile byway runs parallel to the Mulberry River and its free flowing turquoise water. The Mulberry rockets downstream full and fast after a big rain, mainly in spring. It's personality is more relaxed, with less water, in autumn.
The byway starts on the west near the river community of Cass, in Franklin County, at the junction of Arkansas 23 and Arkansas 215. Travelers follow two-lane asphalt east for 18 miles along the river, through tiny Oark, and on east to Catalpa where the pavement ends.
From Catalpa, adventurous travelers can explore gravel road even deeper into the hill country.
For a highway in this rugged range of the Ozarks, Mulberry River Road Scenic Byway is surprisingly flat. That's because it follows the river through a wide valley much of the way. Those level miles are heavenly to ride on a bicycle. Throw in the fact that there's little traffic, especially during the week, and it could be called the Mulberry River scenic bike-way.
There are some moderate climbs in those 18 miles. A couple might rate a 6 on the wheezer scale. But after the climb, it's a joyous downhill coast past forest and roadside crags. People driving cars, motorcycles and the occasional off-road rig enjoy every twisting mile as well.
A jovial trio of bike riders sampled byway bike riding on Oct. 29, a sunny Monday. First stop was to park the car at an information kiosk at Arkansas 23 and 215 and unload the bikes. Panels offer a quick education of all things Mulberry. Paragraphs tell the origins of the Ozark National Forest and tout recreation opportunities in the woods and on water.
A map shows the route from there to Catalpa. It's a 36-mile round trip along Arkansas 215 to Catalpa and back. Game plan for this ride was to pedal east to Oark and chow down at the Oark Café. Fortified by a fine meal, we'd ride back for a trip of about 33 miles.
There's another fine eatery at Catalpa, but it's closed on Mondays, the day of this ride. The group makes a point to bike the byway each spring and fall.
Folks who've been around here for a while may recall years ago when the byway was a rough and muddy washboard of a gravel road. Driving the route to do a canoe shuttle or hike could shake the fillings out of a good set of molars. The Arkansas Transportation Department did a stellar job transforming a rocky road into the smooth and attractive byway it is today.
Smooth asphalt most of the way to Oark makes for smooth bicycling. Chip and seal stretches on the byway's eastern miles are a tad rougher. Pull-off spots welcome visitors to stop and savor ridgetop views of the Mulberry River and read more information panels at these pause points.
A surprise on this ride was a river that flowed more full than expected for October, thanks to rain three days earlier. Two paddlers in kayaks were seen taking advantage of the decent water level.
Fall foliage was gorgeous the whole way in the heart of the national forest. The day was mild, but cool enough that autumn was in the air.
Oark Café was jumping at midday on this Monday. Travelers were out in force enjoying the bounty of autumn color. Motorcycles, cars, four-wheelers and bicycles packed the parking lot.
This popular eatery started as a general store in 1890 and is the longest-running continually operating store in Arkansas. It's mostly a café, but sells gasoline and some grocery items.
The food is so good it takes a dose of will power not to over do it. We passed on dessert, facing a 16-mile ride back to the car. Maybe when the byway beckons in spring we'll leave room for pie.
Flip Putthoff can be reached at fputthoff@nwadg.com.
Sports on 11/13/2018