Written Directions
The route starts at the intersection of AR-123 and AR-374, located approximately 2 miles north of Mt. Judea, AR, or approx. 2 miles south of Piercetown, AR. Turn west on AR-374, and follow the road for 7.3 miles, to the intersection with AR-7. Route ends approx. 1 1/2 miles north of the Cliff Inn (turn left and go south) or 4 miles south of Jasper, AR.
Scenery
This road is a real hidden gem. The eastern half follows the left fork of Big Creek, then climbs the mountains to join AR-7 as it passes the lookouts for the Arkansas Grand Canyon. On the way, you get spectacular views of the east side of the mountains that AR-7 traverses on the west side, as well seeing the Grand Canyon from inside of it.
Drive Enjoyment
As of May 2021, most of the route had brand new rolled asphalt paving and new lane striping. A very curvy, rolling road, and with some easy switchbacks toward the western end.
Tourism Opportunities
About the only site along the route is the Log Hall Church, which is a very interesting building. The General Store in Mt. Judea has Arkansas Dragon memorabilia, as does the Cliff Inn and the Scenic Point Gift Shop on AR-7. There are a number of small shops and restaurants in Jasper, as well.
Motorcycle Road Additional info
I found this route while looking for a way to get back to AR-7 after taking AR-123 as a detour while riding up AR-7. Unlike most of the really good roads in Arkansas, it's not on Google Streetview, so I had no idea what it would be like before we turned onto it off of AR-123. I was amazed at how good the road was, and how no one else had posted it on McR before. As I said above, this is a hidden gem in Arkansas.
