Veterans of Foreign Wars
Motorcycle Group of Arkansas
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Motorcycle Group of Arkansas, is sponsored by a Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Arkansas, and is a family oriented organization dedicated to the ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and formed for the betterment of communication and camaraderie between other Veterans Organizations, Communities and other Motorcycle Groups, to promote interest in various forms of motorcycle activities that will promote membership and any programs that are sponsored by the VFW, and to encourage a better understanding of Motorcycle Riding as a constructive sport among members of the Public, Law Enforcement Agencies, and other Veterans Organizations.
Members must be of Good Character, meet all eligible requirements of and be a member in good standing of the VFW.
Suggested Ride: scenic 7 from El Dorado to Hot Springs, 143 miles
Arkansas's first state-designated scenic byway travels through four of the state's varied geographical regions. The route begins on the southern end of the state within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in 1921 near El Dorado. It continues to Camden, looping through White Oak Lake State Park and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests. Near Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the Spa City's historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bath House Row of Hot Springs National Park.
Along The Way:
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources State Park, Smackover. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits examples of Arkansas's natural resources including oil, brine and timber with emphasis on the 1920s oil boom in South Arkansas. A Temporary Exhibit Gallery features varying exhibits. Oil Field Park includes actual oil derricks and equipment.
DeGray Resort State Park, Arkadelphia. DeGray Lake Resort State Park is Arkansas's only resort state park. Situated on the north shore of 13,800-acre DeGray Lake, this recreational retreat in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains offers resort amenities combined with the outdoor adventures of an Arkansas state park. DeGray is a fishing, water sports, and golf resort. DeGray is a state park perfect for family vacations, getaways, reunions, weddings, business meetings and retreats. DeGray is a fishing, water sports, and golf resort and is perfect for family vacations, getaways, reunions, weddings, business meetings and retreats.
* Hwy. 7, N approx. 5 miles to Museum of Natural Resources in Smackover
* Hwy. 7, N 32 miles (Camden)
* Hwy. 27, W 10 miles
* Ark. 57, N 9 miles
* Ark. 76, E 7 miles
* Ark. 24, E 7 miles
* Hwy. 7, N 49 miles (Arkadelphia)
* Hwy. 7, 8 miles to DeGray Resort State Park
* Hwy. 7, 23 miles to Hot Springs
Suggested Ride From Hot Springs: Petit Jean State Park Ride, 146 miles
This popular motorcycle loop from Hot Springs is one of the best motorcycle rides in Arkansas, leading riders through the heart of the Ouachita National Forest. Ark. 9 meanders along the milder eastern edge of the forest, while Ark. 7 zig-zags through more rugged terrain. An automobile magazine once named Ark. 7 Scenic Byway one of America's top ten driving experiences. Connecting the two roads is Ark. 154 that climbs Petit Jean Mountain then drops to the Arkansas River Valley. Unfortunately, the popularity of this Arkansas motorcycle trip generates a fair amount of traffic, especially on Ark. 7.
Along The Way:
The Museum of Automobiles. Fifty antique and classic automobiles -- and a couple of motorcycles -- are housed in an intricate, modern building commissioned by late Governor Winthrop Rockefeller. The structure is almost as interesting as the continually changing car displays. Off Ark. 154 on Petit Jean Mountain; (501) 727-5427; www.museumofautos.com.
Petit Jean State Park and Mather Lodge. Arkansas's first state park offers plenty of breathtaking outdoor experiences. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the stone-and-log Mather Lodge with a dining room, and the lodge's mountain overlook is guaranteed to distract even the hungriest of diners. Off Ark. 154 on Petit Jean Mountain; (501) 727-5441; www.petitjeanstatepark.com.
Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. A birdwatcher's paradise located 14 miles west of Petit Jean State Park on Ark. 154 and north on Ark. 155. The refuge is home to migratory species like Canada Geese, bald eagles, several species of duck and other wildlife. (501) 229-4300.
Nimrod Lake. Off Ark. 7, 12 miles south of Ola. Located on the Fourche LaFave River, this is a camping and crappie hotspot. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area provides campsites, boat ramps and picnic sites. (501) 272-4324.
Directions from Downtown Hot Springs:
* Central Avenue/Ark. 7, North 4 miles. Comments: Congested Hot Springs traffic.
* Ark. 5, East 14 miles to Crows. Comments: Back road to Little Rock is well trafficked.
* Ark. 9, North 39 miles to Oppelo. Comments: Surface rough and traffic moderate for first 14 miles then surface improves, traffic thins and medium radius curves set in.
* Ark. 154, West 28 miles to Centerville. Comments: Seven miles of tight curves. Watch for gravel.
* Ark. 7, South 61 miles to Hot Springs. Comments: It's called "Scenic Seven" for good reason. This stretch has panoramic vistas and a good variety of entertaining curves, especially the 22 miles south of Ola.
