The Northwest Arkansas Tour on Highway 62 - By HBreshears

Rode June 2020. Road was in great shape. My wife and I usually ride this route several times a year as part of a loop from Rogers via Hwy 12 to Hwy 127 to Hwy 23 to Eureka Springs, then Hwy 62 back to Rogers. This route is really two segments. The 16 miles from Rogers to Gateway, which isn't much of a motorcycle road (maybe a 2 or a 3 rating), and the 17 miles from Gateway to Eureka, which is fun and scenic (a 5). About 8 miles from Rogers is an opportunity for a side excursion through the Pea Ridge Military Park (Civil War site). You can spend an hour or so on the self-guided drive. (Since they re-routed Hwy 62, the park is no longer right off the road, but is off the old Hwy 62). Nice scenery, especially with late October/early November fall colors. Take time to walk down to the East Overlook. Stop in Garfield at the Shortstop for a VERY large ice cream cone. If you get anything larger than the Small, ask for a cup to go with it! About 3 miles past Gateway is a Candy Shop. Worth the stop if you like sweets and didn't fill up on ice cream in Garfield. The road from Gateway to Eureka is really why you ride. Curves, switchbacks, hills, views. Places where you can drag you pegs. Also a dangerous section. Seems like every year I hear a biker made his last ride on this stretch, so ride safe.