Arkansas Off-Road Trails

Webb Lake Road is an easy, straight-through gravel road that begins on the south side of the White River Rest Area on Interstate 40 and ends at Highway 70. In dry conditions, the trail is easily accessed by any two-wheel-drive vehicle. There is fishing at Webb Lake and several designated camping sites. An offshoot near the beginning of the trail allows access to the north side of Webb Lake. After passing Webb Lake, the trail winds around a small unnamed lake with great scenic views.

Spurring off FR 1108 in Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, FR 1125 follows a bluff line and a creek with awesome views. The road ends at the Sycamore Creek hiking trail and a forest campsite. OHVs tracks cross the creek, but the MVUM does not show the road continuing.

The anxiety per mile factor is extremely high on Dam Road! A precarious hill climb in Hot Springs ORV Park located between Pond Road and Main Road 2, it is less than one-tenth of a mile long and only one obstacle. The trail starts off innocent enough by a woodland pond. The real excitement begins when you turn the corner and start your climb. To the delight of some and the demise of others, you must carefully approach the washed-out area and pick the correct line, or risk dropping into the center of the trail. Dam Road will appeal to those who enjoy more challenging risks, as the consequences for your rear tire slipping off the edge could be dire. If you love excitement, it would be perfect to add to your day of wheeling after you run Rover's Ravine F7.

If you enjoy driving on a country road, hearing the crunch of gravel under your tires and the flashes of light and shade from the canopy of the trees, Grand Cherokee Challenge B4 is an off-road destination for you! Located in Hot Springs ORV Park, it is short three tenths of a mile connector trail between Main Road 2 and the trailhead of Samurai Way B13 to B28, but is much more than that. If you are headed to Samurai Way B13 to B28, take Grand Cherokee Challenge, put some more crushed stone under your tires, and experience the feeling of a slow country drive.

Shores Lake Road (FSR 1501) is primarily a well-graded gravel road with light washboarding and a few shallow washouts, especially after heavy rain. The route is passable in almost any vehicle, though a high-clearance rig will make for a smoother ride. The climb from the lake gradually gains elevation through dense hardwoods and pine, with occasional clearings offering sweeping glimpses of the valley below.

Several side trails branch off along the way, many leading to primitive campsites or short exploratory spurs perfect for off-roaders wanting to stretch their legs. The road is wide enough for easy passing, and navigation is straightforward, though cell service can be spotty; offline maps or a printed MVUM are recommended.

Highlights:

• Stunning overlook of Shores Lake from upper pull-offs near the ridge
• Multiple side trails and dispersed campsites along the route
• Direct access to the Shores Lake Recreation Area and nearby hiking loops
• Connects with FSR 1003 to White Rock Mountain for extended exploration

FS 93053A offers an enjoyable and moderately challenging ascent that caters to various offroad preferences. Driving northwest from Felkins/Meyer Bridge, you quickly encounter a creek crossing, which can be dry or up to 2+ feet deep during wetter months. Once across the creek, FS 93053A takes you across mixed terrain of loose dirt, clay, smaller rocks, and soccer to basketball-sized rocks. A steady 12-16 degree pitch and 746-foot elevation change through scenic hardwood and pines boosts your adrenaline, and expansive views of the canopy elicit feelings of driving through an enchanted forest. Expect both slight off-camber sections and possible pin-striping from overgrowth along the trail. There is a mostly firm-bottomed water hole with some softer mucky areas for a tinge of excitement, which can reach depths 3 feet even in drier seasons. This trail has a couple of good options for dispersed camping. There is one pull-off area large enough for 1-2 vehicles and another spot close to the top end of the trail, which can accommodate 7-10 vehicles and features a large established fire ring. FS 93053A is recommended if you enjoy scenic hill climbs through wooded areas, want an alternative route back to Adam's Mountain Road without completing Felkins/Meyer Bridge and Barker, or are looking for a stopover to camp during your next overland adventure.

Main Road 3 is a smooth, short drive through the woods. It is not much in itself, but does lead to the entrance to C13 "Power Wagon Point", which is a 2 rated trail in the Park's rating system and a fun washed out hill climb. You can also make a scenic loop through the woods on "Waterfall" (B22 - B25) and end up back on Main Road 3.

Rover's Ravine is a hidden gem amongst the 1200 acres of trails Hot Springs ORV Park has to offer. A gorgeous drive upstream and through the woods will calm your day, and Waypoint 5 will really get your blood pumping! Take a turn at Waypoint 2 of Pond Road, drop into the creek bed, and enjoy the sound of the creek and woodland scenery. The extreme off-camber and tight squeeze at Waypoint 5 will appeal to those who enjoy picking a perfect line. It takes an experienced driver or patient spotter to avoid body damage or a flop, but that just adds to the excitement of the trail!

Pond Road near Hot Springs, Arkansas is a nice leisurely drive through the woods, complete with a stream crossing and a shaded picnic table by the pond. It is also a scenic cut-through between Main Road 1 and Main Road 2 that can be driven in either direction. If you are partaking in all the other off-road trails in Hot Springs ORV Park, this is a fun road to simply enjoy the scenery.

Hidden deep in the Ozark National Forest, Deer Trap Trail is a rugged and narrow path that tests both driver precision and vehicle width. Heading south through dense woodland, the route connects to Forest Road 1003 (White Rock Mountain), eventually leading toward Shores Lake. This secluded section of trail winds through thick hardwood forest, where the canopy closes in tightly overhead, creating a tunnel-like drive with low-hanging branches ready to leave their mark on wider rigs.

Downed timber and tight trail corridors make this route best suited for narrow offroad vehicles. Full-size trucks will struggle to squeeze through without significant pinstriping or risk of body damage. The terrain alternates between rutted dirt, slick roots, exposed rocks, and off-camber sections that require careful line choice, especially after rainfall when the surface becomes slick. While challenging in spots, the drive is immensely rewarding, offering a genuine backcountry feel and a sense of exploration that few other routes in the area provide.

This trail is not well-suited for camping, but a large, open site suitable for groups does exist, less than 1 mile from the southern end of the trail. Some vehicle leveling or creative tent placement will be required in 75% of the area due to the hillside's contour. The other 25% seems flat with little to no leveling 

Traveling alongside the Flatside Wilderness, Little Cedar Creek is an easy, maintained trail with two low water crossings while trekking through a dense forest canopy, on its way to a fantastic hike to Forked Mountain Falls. This trail is suitable for any vehicle. Along the drive, you can find one Campsite on the way in and additional camping at the end of the road next to a large bluff on Forked Mountain.

Hooper Hollow, FR 1108F, spurs off North Barkshed Road in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. This short side road winds through the woods and ends in a clearing on a grassy knoll. Hooper Hollow is a great road to catch wildlife and do a little bird watching. Downed trees are common on this trail. Bring your saw.

Parker Ridge Road offers an easy and scenic route along one of the Ozark National Forest’s most beautiful ridgelines. This well-maintained gravel forest road features gentle washboarding in sections, wide-open valley views on both sides of the ridge, and multiple side trails to explore. It’s an ideal beginner-friendly route with big-payoff scenery, especially during fall when the foliage turns the hillsides into a stunning blend of orange, red, and gold. There are also several primitive camping options.

Bulletproof Loop B1 to B7 is a smooth, short, forrest drive down a dirt road. It is very well shaded in the green months, and can be a nice route to run if you need a break from wheeling in the hot sun. There is a small dell that runs along the road on your left, and makes the wooded scenery that much more pleasant. The trail ends in the middle of B4 "Grand Cherokee Challenge."

Forest Road 1510, locally known as County Road 77, or Potato Knob on Forest Service maps, winds its way through the rugged heart of the Ozark National Forest. This maintained gravel route steadily climbs in elevation, offering a classic backcountry drive that’s perfect for those looking to explore the high ridges north of Shores Lake and White Rock Mountain.

Expect mild washboarding. The road is wide enough to pass at most points. There is a steady climb in elevation. There are several offshoots for more trail exploration and many dispersed camping options.

There is primitive camping on this route, but there are only a few in this section.

C11 to C13 is just what its name sounds like, a connector road between a harder trail and a main road, Ingrid's Revenge C6 and Main Road 5. It is short, as in super short. In fact you could line up 18 Jeep JKU Wranglers and cover every inch of this trail! If you want to avoid “The Bowl” on Ingrid's Revenge this would be your bypass route!

Fanes Creek Road is a scenic back road in the Ozark National Forest that delivers a mix of relaxed exploration and classic Ozark character. Winding along forested ridges and dropping into low creek valleys, this route offers a little more texture than your average forest road, with frequent washboards, mild ruts, and a few rocky stretches that keep things interesting.

While passable for most high-clearance vehicles, the uneven surface and occasional standing water make it best suited for SUVs and trucks with off-road tires.

Points of interest include Phipps Branch Falls, which is beautiful in the spring. There is a low-water bridge that crosses clear, turquoise water, offering a nice place to see true Ozark beauty. There are several opportunities to explore additional trails and dispersed camping.