Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
4.41 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.41
22 Reviews

The Melbourne Run

Motorcycle Route Author

profile Image
By Guest (0 McR Points) on Feb 29, 2004

Rider Reviews

See All Rider Reviews
No Image Found
Guest
June 10, 2008
https://www.flickr.com/photos/27396342@N06/…
Read More
Thumbsup
ozarkdiver
214 McR Points
October 25, 2018
If you like twisties, this is your dream ride.…
Read More
Thumbsup

Written Directions

Start the route in the town of Mountain View, AR which sits about 85 miles due north of Little Rock. From there you take State Road 14 north out of Mountain View, AR for about 6 miles and then look for State Road 9 (you will see signs pointing the way to Melbourne, AR). Take a right on State Road 9 and you'll be heading east and cross the White river and you are on your way to Melbourne, AR. For the next 20 or so miles, stay on State Road 9 and take it in to Melbourne (note: State Road 9 is part of the Ozark National forest).

Scenery

Start by crossing the scenic White river then gear down for the climb up the first mountain. At the top of the first peak prepare for tight 180 degree turns. Pass sheer mountain cut outs as you descend slightly then up again and hard turns. Look to your left and you can see a sheer drop-off to the river valley below. It is hard not to stare at the beautiful scenery. Only trouble is if you do (with all the killer turns) this will be a one-time trip.

Drive Enjoyment

It is a good road, well maintained. However be aware that this is a mountain road and with changing weather conditions there will be loose gravel from the mountainside on some turns. One thing to watch out for is large black birds feeding on the road kill. They won't move until the last moment and when they do they could just a well fly at you as away from you. Have had three close calls in the last two years.

Tourism Opportunities

Visit the well-equipped store at the base of the road for gas and drinks. There is nothing from Mountain View to Melbourne except motorcycle adventure. However, running out of gas is not a problem as you could probably coast down most of the 25-mile distance.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

Top Images

View All Add Photo Add Video
Share Your Comments ( 22 )
  Earn McR Points
Write a review
ArkTerry
September 12, 2011
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Really nice run! Lived in Arkansas my whole life and been all over North Arkansas, but never took this road unitl now. Now my favorite road in the area!
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
pb4ugo
July 30, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Great road in good condition. Had recently been resurfaced in several areas. Lots of deer hanging around so use caution.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
Guest
June 10, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/27396342@N06/2555465596/" title="Beautiful by joshua_mcanally, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2555465596_5015334d64.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Beautiful" /></a>
One amazing road. My Dad has told me about this road for years and I finally got to ride it. One of the reasons I'm moving back. :-D
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
0 riders found this road review useful