Show all reviews

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

OK, I've ridden the Dragon at Deal's Gap a few times so was a little skeptical about the "Arkansas Dragon" but I was wrong. We took 123 from Clarksville to Mt. Judea and make no mistake this is a highly technical non-stop trill ride. Curves get tighter the farther North you go. Technique becomes important as one of our riders overheated his rear brakes and necessitated an unscheduled stop. Don't attempt without a full tank of gas as options are very limited.

35 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This is a great road with lots of great scenery. I road this route north from Lamar to Western Grove. The traffic was light and the surface was good. Good food in Mt. Judea. The problem I have is the comparison with Deals Gap of which there is none. The Ark. Dragon is over-rated as far as the curves are concerned. Though it is a wonderful ride it is not "The Dragon". Arkansas has many great rides but none as legendary as the Real Dragon.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This is a terrible ride. Don't bother. (I want to keep this one for myself and keep you out of state folks away. It's easily one of the best rides in the country)

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Beautiful ride. Loved the curves and the elk crossing signs. You can't go wrong riding anywhere in the Ozarks. I actually enjoyed south 123 from Pelsor to Hagarville more for the scenery, and most of all, NO traffic. We were literally the only vehicles on the road. Truly amazing country.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

I had to laugh at those who gave the 123 low ratings to keep others away!....But that's not really fair on your fellow 'bikers is it?
(it's just not suitable for Harleys!)

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

We had six in our group, clearly enjoyed the curves and the steep roads. We have ridden the Deals Gap Tail of the Dragon and this is just as good of a ride, would highly recommened to anyone. This is not for beginners and speed demons. Very beautiful country, we will be back in the near future. safe riding to everyone.....

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

The wife and I enjoyed this route and had a wonderful time. There was "no" traffic and the hair pin turns and switch backs were great. It was 100 degrees when we made this trip so we passed on the southern portion of 123 but will catch it next time through.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I rode 123 from Western Grove south to Lamar yesterday with a couple other bikes. It was a great ride and the hair pin turns on Mt. Judea was definitely not for beginners. I enjoyed the entire ride. Watch the gravel in some of the corners as it was bad in a few places yesterday after the bad storms. Beautiful ride from beginning to end.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I selected this ride based on the reviews on the website and was not disappointed. There are two distinct parts of this ride - the north end from Hwy 7 to US 65 and the south end from Clarksville to Hwy 7. The north end has some highly technical hairpins with substantial elevation and superelevation challenges. Southbound riders will be climbing during these hairpins south of Mt. Judea whereas northbound riders will have gravity working with them to maintain forward momentum. The south end of Hwy 123 takes you through forests and farmland with easy riding for the experienced and novice alike. As with other reviews, the road is in top condition but watch out for sand and gravel after heavy rains, fuel up before starting as there is no premium fuel on the route, but a stop in Mt. Judea will be a good visit.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Oct 2012' - We stayed in the Pruitt Stone House a mile east of downtown Jasper, AR off AR-74. We left the driveway and were minutes to Mt Judea... locals pronounce it as "Mt Judy". As we made our way south on AR-123 from Mt "Judy"... it is by far the best roads ive been on when you factor in road quality, zero traffic, scenary and more switchback thrills than any track i've been on. I realize Deals Gap has more switchbacks but there is so much traffic there that it's not as enjoyable as AR-123. Once you get pass the majority of tail and reach Sand Gap... from there is a really scenic ride towards Hagarville with many sweepers where u can hit exhilirating high speeds. Watch out for a little small one-way bridge before you reach near the end. There's a lil gas stop outside of Hagarville on the left where we fill up before heading back. If you're a track guy and enjoy aggressive sport riding with minimal traffic, this is the place to ride. The only concern I had was a deer jumping out :)

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Yep, this road sucks, nothing to see here, move along. ;-) Go ride the Tail of the Dragon. You won't have any fun here............

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

This is a great ride.Starting from the Lurton side, The curves come one right after another as gentle sweepers. and great views off the side if you dare to look. As you get to the other end of road, The curves get very sharp and steep. Really fun ride. but watch for some loose gravel. On one corner especially, after a hard rain the dirt and gravel had washed all the way across the road. No traffic on the day I was there except for other bikes.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Beautiful ride. Loved the curves and the elk crossing signs. You can't go wrong riding anywhere in the Ozarks.

30 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

We started a week of riding with this one. What a way to begin! I got on at the 374 junction and went south to 7 at Lurton. I agree with the others, this one is "must do". Full fall colors weren't quite there yet--a week or so early--but it was still beautiful. We rounded one corner in one of the hollers, and there stood a spike buck deer in the middle of the road. Awsome!! Just a watchout, especially this time of year. Road quality a 4-5 all the way through. Enjoy!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

I took a ride up the Dragon on March 12, 2011. This was probably mythird time on this road. Unfortunately, The Dragon bit me this time. I didn't respect it and I ended up going wide on one of the curves. But, when I am able to physically and mentally get back on my bike, I will definately go back and complete this ride. This is a great road to ride and I love it. Do your

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Definately better than riding the Tail of the Dragon. Started from the North and took it south and the Hair pin turns were thrilling to start the ride and it just continued the keep the thrills coming as you just going into turn after turn. The scenery was great as we did it in October and the colors were starting to pop. Would definetly recommend this ride.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Just rode 123 with my wife she hollerd all the way more than the other dragon great rode

64 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

All I can say is WOW... this is a great ride. Every time I've been on it, there was very little traffic. My 1st time, we rode South from Mt Judea, and got lulled into complacency.... then, BAM, sharp Rt followed by several switchbacks. It's definitely a must do.

100 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Another awesome Arkansas Ozark Mountains road!

214 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

AR 123 is a great road for twisties/scenery. However, don't miss out on the extended sections of 123. North from Mt. Judea to Western Grove, and especially south from Pelsor to Hagarsville. The entire ride is good.

15 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Another Arkansas home run. Great road, watch for gravel.

157 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I like this road from Western Grove all the way to Clarksville. Also like the side roads to Jasper and back to Hwy 7. Rode it this past Saturday

21 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

This is the best route in Arkansas, in my opinion. However, I would start the route down in Hagarville and follow 123 all the up to Mt Judea. Fantastic ride with plenty of scenery and lots of curves. From Hiway 7 up to Mt Judea is nice because you can see around most of the curves.

214 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

For twisties, this road rivals Push Mountain (AR-341). The other road I would compare it to is the Melbourne Run (AR-9 from Sylamore to Melbourne). To me, these three roads constitute the best set of twisties in Arkansas. Yes the Pig Trail has twisties, but not as many. Also, don't miss the lower part of AR-123 (from intersection of AR-7/123 to Hagarville). Not quite as tight, but a great ride.

126 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I thought is was much better than the Pig Trail in part because of the traffic on the Pig Trail. The scenery was good and the ride enjoyment great. I am there for the ride so never pay attention to tourism sorry.

38 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

The switchback section had me giggling in my helmet.

950 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Rode the Dragon during the 2021 Riding the Ozarks HOG Rally. There had been a hard rain overnight, so the road was damp in spots, and some tree debris here and there, but still a lot of fun to ride. Rode it from south to north, so I took the switch backs near Mt. Judah going downhill, which, with the damp road conditions, was a good choice. I'd definitely like to do it again in full dry conditions, possibly even doing it both ways on the same day.

56 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Great ride today (Saturday May 25, 2019 Memorial Day Weekend) on this route. I went North to South and the technical stuff is like others said not far from Mt Judea. Traffic was very light and only had 2 pickups come into my lane on some nice tight turns. Good thing I was prepared but could have been bad especially if there was another truck their size going the opposite way.

Road quality was great, weather was great, some of the switchbacks were great with the tight turn, elevation changes etc. Tires got a workout and held up beautifully.

Definitely recommend this and be aware of others and don't get too cocky or you could be a hood ornament or a permanent fixture in the very cool rock walls lining the route.

Great route!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

We just rode Ar. 123 on sept 12th. Awesome road, and the curves are great. Road surface is in good shape, and I don't have any "chicken strips" left on the rear tire.

8 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Excellent road conditions, but don't become complacent! Yeah, you got this -- until the 10 mph switchbacks. lol

I had a couple of oncoming cars in my lane on one of the 15 mph turns, so be aware and stay in your lane.

The view is stunning, when you can take a look. The ride is outstanding, so you won't regret missing any views.

I rode this heading north from 7, on a Thursday. Didn't stop in town, I just wanted to keep on riding. :)

2630 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This is one of the overall nicest technical rides in the country. The curves on the north end are 10 mph curves. The rest of the route is just the normal beautiful scenery in the forested area here in Arkansas. Through in no trucks, little traffic, good pavement and there you have it.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I would put 123 up against any road in America. The beautiful scenery, quality of the road and low traffic are all qualities riders look for. The entire stretch from Mt Judea to Clarksville I could count the number of cars we saw on one hand. Fill up at the station in Jasper and your good all the way south to Clarksville. Stop in Clarksville and grab lunch at Oark Burger. Head back North. It's a completely different road.

7 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Loved it! Road conditions were excellent. No loose gravel and traffic was virtually non-existent (it was mid-day on a Friday). The switchbacks on just North of Campbell Gap are a floorboard scraping good time...the real deal! The scenery is beautiful if you can manage to steal a second to take a glance.

214 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Everyone's missing out on the rest of Hwy-123 (Lurton-to-Hagarville (31 mi)). This is a beautiful section of road, longer than the Lurton-to-Mt. Judea section, and has a nice Ozark stream running next to it for a few miles.

12 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Rode this last week, what a kick to ride. We'll definitely be back to do it again.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Rode this last fall. Great scenery, lot's of curves,lot's of fun.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This is a great road. One of the best I have been on. Has everything from great scenery, tight hairpin corners to nice sweeping corners. Don't forget to add the Southern leg of Hwy 123 as it is very awesome ride as well.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Make sure you stop in Mt. Judea at the Cafe and get a piece of penutbutter Pie. Rd. was great, ben riding it since the 70's and it is in great shape now. try 23 to 103 nd come out in Clarksville.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This is a great route. Has everything from great scenery, tight hairpin corners to nice sweeping corners. Don't forget to add the Southern leg of Hwy 123 as it is very awesome ride as well.

25 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Fun ride

21 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

We rode this at the end of October in 2021. The scenery was fantastic and weather was perfect. Not a lot of traffic during the day. Will be headed back to do it again.

126 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring

Definitely agree with the author = not a lot of time to turn your head and enjoy the scenery!

50 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

uphill is south. many very tight switchbacks the top has a few spots that overlook the valley. light traffic on this road

166 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Our first long trip was to the Ozarks and we made sure to ride this road. Bring a map because cell phone coverage is spotty.

10 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Awesome ride. Switchbacks ... plenty of curves. Will ride again this summer.

53 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

On a VFR1200X

60 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

i enjoyed it had fun , nice road

130 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great switchbacks and beautiful scenery

61 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Rode it from south to north to Mt. Judea, not as technical as the Tail of the Dragon, longer distances between the curves.