Winona Scenic Drive Ouachita National Forest

Winona Scenic Drive Ouachita National Forest

Ride Report: Winona Scenic Drive (Forest Road 132/Forest Road 11)

 

Ouachita National Forest Road 132 is also known as the Winona Scenic Drive and the Winona Auto Tour. This 27-mile unpaved road is a popular route that connects Arkansas Hwy 9 (north of Paron) and Hwy 7 (north of Jessieville.) The road is graded and passable with 2-wheel drive trucks – and even cars if you proceed with caution. Dual purpose motorcycles are a great way to explore this route, including my Suzuki V-Strom DL650.

The road varies from hard-packed stone to rough rock – especially on the steeper grades where washouts should be expected. All-purpose bike tires are OK, but knobbies are even better! I wouldn’t recommend 2-up riding unless you are very experienced. If you happen to be riding after a section of the road has just been graded, watch out for loose rock. The unpacked rock is like driving on ice! I recommend staying in the vehicle tracks and watching out for large rocks that have been turned over by the grader and form “land mines” with a soft hole behind.

This road is popular for sightseeing, as there are numerous scenic overlooks – especially in the fall. Just be aware that you are sharing the Ouachita National Forest with hikers and hunters – so be respectful of other users.

This stone sign marks the eastern corner of the Flatside Wilderness Area within the Ouachita National Forest. Further restrictions on motorized access exist in wilderness areas.

(If you want to take a side trip, take Forest Road 94 three miles north to Flatside Pinnacle. Here a 0.2 mile trail leads to the top of the Pinnacle for a view of the wilderness area.

 

 As you continue west you will find a side loop trail to the overlook for Forked Mountain. Traveling west to east, the side road is marked by a sign. Traveling east to west, you will probably miss this road and need to enter from the west where the road is marked.

The 1,300 foot Forked Mountain is directly to the north. Legend has it that an Indian Chief called down the wrath of the Great Spirit, who sent a lightning bolt that split the mountain. Ridge after ridge lie further north.

 Both ends of FR 132 are marked by signs:

Highway 7 marks the end of FR 132. But the road continues west – it is just named FR 11 running west. It is another 26 miles across to Highway 27 (which continues north to Danville.)
If you want to return to Hot Springs (in 37 miles), Highway 7 runs south through Jessieville. Stop at “The Shack” for a handmade milkshake and a Shack burger!

About a mile south on Highway 7 you will find the trail head for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. This hiking trail spans the entire 192-mile length of the Ouachita National Forest. Another mile farther south is the Iron Springs Recreation Area. A 4-mile loop trail connects to the trail head. The Iron Springs area has campsites, picnic areas, drinking water and restrooms.

If you turn north from the Forest Road 132 intersection you will connect with Highway 60 in Fourche Junction just past Lake Nimrod, or continue on to Highway 10 in Ola after a great twisty ride over the mountains.

If you are looking for about 15 miles of additional unpaved riding, continue west on FR 11. After about 3.5 miles you will arrive at the intersection with FR 772.

The road runs north though the forest, and eventually private property used by hunters. You will also pass the Bear Creek campground designated for horse riders. The road narrows at spots beyond Bear Creek to a two-track that may have high weeds. There are also numerous low bridges on this road with water crossings. Take care because even at low water, the concrete will be slippery with algae!!!


After about 5 miles you will intersect with FR 45 that takes you back east to Highway 7. Once back to Highway 7, you can enjoy the twisties riding back south to Jessieville, and on into Hot Springs.
A second alternative is to continue past FR 772 for a quarter mile, and then turn south on FR 788.

The next intersection will be FR 122, and about one mile east you will find the Buffalo Gap Overlook. The mountain pass known as Buffalo Gap. History tells the mountain pass was used by Indians and explorers, but the name is probably from the shape of the mountains and not because buffalo ever lived in the Ouachitas!

If you continue west on FR 11, you will reach Highway 27 (south of Danville.) Most road intersections are marked, like this one that connects with the road through the “Buffalo Gap”. Like the Winona Scenic Road to the east, this section is popular for sightseeing, especially in the fall – so don’t be surprised to round a corner and find vehicles stopped in the road.

About 2 miles from Hwy 27 you will ride parallel to Irons Fork Creek. It looks like a great place to take a break or have a picnic but there aren’t any parking places other than the side of the road.

The intersection with Hwy 27 is marked only with a small FR 11 sign. If you are riding this route from west to east, FR 11 is located just north of the bridge for Irons Fork Creek.

Just behind the Irons Fork Creek sign you will see a worn trail on the SE bank of the creek. This track is accessible on the east side of the highway, about 100 yards south of the bridge – and roughly 20 yards beyond the gravel road that connects with the highway from the west. This looks like a great place to relax off the highway – and maybe soak your feet for a while.


Highway 27 continues south to Story, where it intersects with Highway 298. The store at Hwy 298 is known for great pie, and 298 is another great twisty road that runs east back towards Hot Springs Village and Highway 7. If you continue further south on Highway 27 you will connect with Highway 70 – which runs east into Hot Springs – or west towards Mena.

If you are continuing to the east and want more off-road riding, watch for FR 148 about 1 mile south of the bridge.

FR 148 “cuts the corner” and connects with Hwy 298 after 6 miles. After only 2 miles, there is a sharp right turn to continue on to 298. Going straight takes you to the old Lee Cemetery.

FR 148 is called “Whippoorwill Road” where it intersects Hwy 298, just west of the church parking lot. If you know it’s coming, there is a fork in the road before you get to Hwy 298 – and “Red Haw Road” will also connect with 298 about one-half mile farther east.