Route Description

ROUTE #5: Ride one of the finest motorcycle routes in Arkansas and Missouri

The 33 miles north on US 65 from Harrison to Branson, Missouri, are mostly rolling, scenic landscapes with broad horizons; however, the four-lane roadway makes it a fairly pedestrian ride.

MO 76 – better known as “the Strip” – descends into historic Branson and Branson Landing on Lake Taneycomo. Traffic is sometimes heavy but lightens quickly as you escape downtown going east on MO 76.

US 160 to MO 125 is an easy, pleasant ride, primarily through a wooded landscape with some tight curves in spots. It runs through rolling hills across the top of the Ozarks plateau.

MO 125 is less winding and also narrower than US 160. It’s also less forested, with more farms and lake-area development. At the AR/MO state line, it becomes AR 125 and crosses Bull Shoals Lake on the Peel Ferry. As you wait for the ferry, you will probably encounter other riders in the queue.

The two-mile trip takes about 20 minutes. And if you miss the boat, just relax and embrace the wait. You will enjoy this leisurely trip across Bull Shoals.

This is the last ferry plying the waters of any lake or river in Arkansas and is a vital link for the area. It will probably be around for the foreseeable future, much to the delight of riders. It runs daylight hours year-round.

After crossing the lake, AR 125 winds its way along highland ridges, offering beautiful glimpses of the lake.

AR 14 is very twisty but with more development than AR 125. It’s a nice look at rural life in the Ozarks. AR 7 down to Harrison is less forested and gradually becomes more urban as it nears town.

On-Road: Route 5 118 Miles - 190 Kilometers 2:55 Ride Time

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Route Description

ROUTE #5: Ride one of the finest motorcycle routes in Arkansas and Missouri

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On-Road: Route 5
118 Miles - 190 Kilometers
2:55 Ride Time