Arkansas Off-Road Trails

Are you looking for excitement on Bilstein Ravine, or just wanting a leisurely drive through the woods? B14 to B22 delivers both! Its entire length is a pine and hardwood canopied connector trail with a small creek crossing that flows almost year-round​. It would be a great trail to add to a day of just cruising around taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Or, you take a turn onto Bilstein Ravine at Waypoint 3 and pump your adrenaline a bit!

This short connector trail packs a lot of variety into a quick drive, making it a worthwhile addition to the surrounding trail network. Traveling west to east, the route drops steadily through a narrow, overgrown corridor with deep mud holes, tight sections, and a memorable off-camber descent along a steep hillside. The Forest Service has improved a famous ledge on the descent, but the narrow road and exposure into the canyon can still feel intimidating for newer drivers. Once at the bottom, the trail enters a scenic, rock-lined creek fed by clear springs, with several places to stop, cool off, and enjoy the water, including a natural rock waterslide that makes this a fun summer destination. There is also a dispersed campsite near the creek area, though suitability may vary depending on recent water levels and seasonal use. The route finishes with another set of mud puddles, some reaching 18 to 24 inches deep, before connecting to the next road. High-clearance 4WD is recommended, and while full-size vehicles can make it through, expect tight brush, pinstriping, and possible body contact.

Traveling along the western slope of its namesake, West Forked Mountain is an easy, well-maintained dirt and gravel road that connects North Fork to the Winona Auto Tour Scenic Drive. While the views are more open during the winter months, the trail offers a peaceful drive year-round. Running alongside the Flatside Wilderness, it’s a great spot for spotting wildlife and enjoying the quiet beauty of the Ouachita National Forest.

This narrow dirt trail winds through the forest and may leave a few scratches on wider rigs due to overgrown brush in spots. The route is mostly flat and easygoing, making it suitable for stock 4x4s, but it ends with a steep descent down to the dam’s surface. That final section can be slippery or challenging in wet conditions, so use caution. Despite its short length, the trail connects nicely with Cove Creek Lake and offers a more adventurous loop option when combined with Link Mountain.

An integral part of the Ozark Overland Adventure Trail, specifically as Day 4 of the journey, this challenging off-road trail is not for the faint of heart, demanding both advanced driving skills and well-prepared, robust off-road equipment. Drivers should anticipate significant elevation changes and a variety of obstacles throughout the entire route. The lower sections of the trail are particularly demanding, featuring numerous challenging water crossings and deep, potentially treacherous mud bogs, especially after rainfall or during the wet season, requiring very careful line selection to avoid getting bogged down. Washouts and deep drainage gutters are also commonplace, making recovery gear an essential piece of equipment for any vehicle venturing onto this trail. The trail network connects to HWY 23 at West Fly Gap Road to the north and Morgan Mountain Road to the southeast. To exit the trail, take FS94669D straight, and at the Y-junction, turn onto FS94669A.

Adventurous drivers are encouraged to explore the numerous side trails, discover the area's refreshing waterfalls, and be mindful that the marked trail has shifted in some areas due to natural erosion. This is a longer, more demanding trail within the region, offering excellent opportunities for off-road driving and exploring the surrounding area on foot, as well as unique waterfall exploration.

This is an easy connecting trail through the Winona Wildlife Management Area, with a washout and a water crossing to navigate. You will need high clearance at least, and possibly 4x4 at times with heavy rainfall. No camping along this trail; however, camping can be found near the end at Cedar Creek Lake.

Oak is a short, maintained dirt trail that connects Highway 7 to the Winona Auto Tour Scenic Drive. It is an easy trail, but it does require high clearance vehicles. One fantastic campsite along this trail has an incredible view.

Take this fun hill climb while you are on Tex-Winder F15 for some added excitement. Take it slow and make it technical, or blaze up the hill, get sideways, and throw some dirt! If you happen to be there during rain or the wet season, you will be throwing mud and in for a real challenge trying to make it to the top.

Camping is not found directly along this trail. Cabins, primitive tent camping sites, RV campsites with 30 and 50-amp electrical and water hookups, and primitive RV sites are all available in HSORV Park from Thursday through Sunday nights. They also have a nice restroom/shower house on-site and a convenience store with snacks, drinks, tools, apparel, and other sundries. Firewood and ice are also available, and there is a 3900-square-foot pavilion that provides a nice place for shade on a hot day. There are also numerous bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites, and RV parks within a 15-minute​ drive from the park if you wish to stay elsewhere.

Alum Branch is an easy, short, well-maintained dirt/gravel trail within Ouachita National Forest. It is a great connecting route between Alum Divide and Ritter and is suitable for any vehicle. If you turn left on Ritter from Alum Branch there is a really neat water crossing. The trail is heavily wooded, offering abundant shade. No dispersed camping can be found along Alum Branch.

Splash your way through the water and take another scenic drive through the woods of Hot Springs ORV Park. This short connector trail is easy on the eyes and easy to drive! Got a Prius...no problem! You can make it through this one if you don't mind a little dirt and mud.

Camping is not found directly along this trail. Cabins, primitive tent camping sites, RV campsites with 30 and 50-amp electrical and water hookups, and primitive RV sites are all available in HSORV Park from Thursday through Sunday nights. They also have a nice restroom/shower house on-site and a convenience store with snacks, drinks, tools, apparel, and other sundries. Firewood and ice are also available, and there is a 3900-square-foot pavilion that provides a nice place for shade on a hot day. There are also numerous bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites, and RV parks within a 15-minute​ drive from the park if you wish to stay elsewhere.

This easy dirt trail winds along a ridge through tall pine forest, offering a peaceful drive and access to scenic campsites. It leads to Cove Creek Lake Dam, a picturesque spot with a boat ramp for those looking to enjoy time on the water. Along the way, a few campsites can be found directly on the trail, with additional camping opportunities available both above and below the dam. The trail is mostly smooth, but there is one minor obstacle where rainwater runoff cuts across the road—visible in the provided photo. For drivers with a high-clearance 4x4 equipped with low range, the route continues across the dam to access Little Cove Creek Trail, which loops back toward Highway 7, making for a nice offroad circuit in the area.

Gorgeous views of the Ouachita Mountains can be enjoyed at the end of this out-and-back trail​ if you catch it during the fall and winter months. A small peek of their beauty can be seen during heavy foliage. Prothane Point is also a good spot to park off the beaten path of Main Road 5 to escape the dust and heat of the summer. Stop for lunch and enjoy some shade and beautiful views!

Camping is not found directly along this trail. Cabins, primitive tent camping sites, RV campsites with 30 and 50-amp electrical and water hookups, and primitive RV sites are all available in HSORV Park from Thursday through Sunday nights. They also have a nice restroom/shower house on-site and a convenience store with snacks, drinks, tools, apparel, and other sundries. Firewood and ice are also available, and there is a 3900-square-foot pavilion that provides a nice place for shade on a hot day. There are also numerous bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites, and RV parks within a 15-minute​ drive from the park if you wish to stay elsewhere.

B2 is a great way to access Samurai Way B13. It is less than a tenth of a mile long but there is a small bit of excitement. A washed out and rocky spot just as you get going provide a small challenge on what otherwise would be a simple connecting trail.

Camping is not found directly along this trail. Cabins, primitive tent camping sites, RV campsites with 30 and 50-amp electrical and water hookups, and primitive RV sites are all available in HSORV Park from Thursday through Sunday nights. They also have a nice restroom/shower house on-site and a convenience store with snacks, drinks, tools, apparel, and other sundries. Firewood and ice are also available, and there is a 3900-square-foot pavilion that provides a nice place for shade on a hot day. There are also numerous bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites, and RV parks within a 15-minute​ drive from the park if you wish to stay elsewhere.

Take a short detour off Power Wagon Point at Waypoint 7 and enjoy the easy, shaded woodland drive on this short gravel connector trail. The trail end also connects to C11 to C13, which is a bypass exit for "The Bowl" obstacle on Ingrid's Revenge C6. If you are lucky, you might catch some buggies or hardcore​ rigs attempting to make it through.

Camping is not found directly along this trail. Cabins, primitive tent camping sites, RV campsites with 30 and 50-amp electrical and water hookups, and primitive RV sites are all available in HSORV Park from Thursday through Sunday nights. They also have a nice restroom/shower house on-site and a convenience store with snacks, drinks, tools, apparel, and other sundries. Firewood and ice are also available, and there is a 3900-square-foot pavilion that provides a nice place for shade on a hot day. There are also numerous bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites, and RV parks within a 15-minute​ drive from the park if you wish to stay elsewhere.