Arkansas may not always get mentioned alongside Colorado or Utah, but for overlanders in the Southeast and Midwest, it’s one of the most underrated adventure states in the country. Known as The Natural State, Arkansas is packed with rugged Ozark ridgelines, rolling Ouachita forests, wild rivers, and endless backroads just waiting for a Jeep Gladiator (or any capable rig) to explore.
Whether you’re after a multi-day state-spanning journey, a weekend basecamp loop, or a technical trail challenge, Arkansas has you covered. Here are the top five overlanding routes in Arkansas to put on your map.
Links to Routes & Maps
- Arkansas Ozark Overland Route (AOOR)
- Buffalo National River Backroads
- Ouachita National Forest Backcountry
- Ozark National Forest & Mill Creek OHV
- Sylamore District & Blanchard Springs Caverns
Arkansas Ozark Overland Route (AOOR)
The Arkansas Ozark Overland Route is the big one. Stretching more than 1,000 miles through the Ozark Mountains, it’s a curated track designed specifically for overlanders. Expect everything from gravel ridge roads to creek crossings, with dispersed camps scattered all along the way.
Route Details
- Length: ~1,200 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Terrain: Gravel forest roads, mild water crossings, some rugged connectors
- Highlights: Buffalo National River, Ozark NF vistas, remote ridge camps
Best Time to Go
Spring for waterfalls, fall for foliage. Summers are hot and humid; winters can bring slick conditions.
Camping
Dispersed camping is widely available in Ozark National Forest, especially near rivers and scenic overlooks.
Buffalo National River Backroads
The Buffalo River corridor delivers one of the most scenic overlanding loops in the South. You’ll find dirt tracks hugging river bluffs, wildlife encounters (including elk herds near Ponca), and some of the best primitive riverside camps in Arkansas.
Route Details
- Length: 75–100 miles depending on loop
- Difficulty: Moderate (water crossings, mud after rain)
- Terrain: Dirt double-track, gravel, low water bridges
- Highlights: Steel Creek bluffs, Ponca elk herd, Lost Valley hiking spur
Best Time to Go
Fall is prime—cool nights, fiery foliage, and the elk rut in full swing.
Camping
Plenty of riverside pull-offs; Steel Creek and Kyles Landing campgrounds offer developed options.
Ouachita National Forest Backcountry
Overview
The Ouachitas stretch across central and western Arkansas, offering a gentler but still scenic overlanding experience. With its rolling pine forests, ridge roads, and hidden lakes, it’s a great place for beginners or those who want a slower-paced trip.
Route Details
- Length: 150–200 miles of linked FS roads
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Terrain: Mostly gravel; some rutted climbs in wet weather
- Highlights: Lake Sylvia, Ouachita Vista Trail, Mount Magazine overlooks
Best Time to Go
Year-round, though summer heat and bugs can be intense. Winter is peaceful and low-traffic.
Camping
Dispersed FS sites are plentiful; developed campgrounds include Lake Sylvia and Charlton.
Ozark National Forest & Mill Creek OHV
Overview
For overlanders who like more technical driving, the Mill Creek OHV area delivers. It’s a mix of rocky climbs, creek crossings, and tight wooded trails you can link into longer Ozark forest loops. Add in nearby scenic byways and overlooks, and you’ve got one of Arkansas’s most rugged adventures.
Route Details
- Length: 60–80 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Terrain: Rocky forest trails, rutted climbs, water crossings
- Highlights: Mulberry River, White Rock Mountain overlook, waterfalls off FS 1003
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall for traction and cool weather. Summer storms can make trails slick.
Camping
Primitive pull-offs are common; White Rock Mountain Recreation Area offers developed camping with big views.
Sylamore District & Blanchard Springs Caverns
Overview
Tucked in the eastern Ozarks, the Sylamore District blends scenic forest service roads with unique attractions like Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Sylamore Scenic Byway. It’s less rugged than Mill Creek, but perfect for a mix of exploring, hiking, and riverside camping.
Route Details
- Length: 80–100 miles of connected FS roads and byways
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Terrain: Gravel, mild ruts, occasional creek crossings
- Highlights: Blanchard Springs Caverns, Gunner Pool, White River overlooks, Mountain View’s Ozark music scene
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall for best temps. Summer offers great swimming in creeks and rivers.
Camping
Gunner Pool Rec Area and Blanchard Springs campground are popular; dispersed pull-offs available along FS roads.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas is one of the Southeast’s best-kept overlanding secrets. From the state-spanning AOOR, to the rugged Buffalo River backroads, to the technical Mill Creek OHV trails, and the relaxed Ouachita and Sylamore routes, there’s something here for every type of adventure.
Load up your rig, download your GPX tracks, and hit the trail—Arkansas has all the makings of your next great trip.
Tread Lightly and Gladiator Up!
Revised: Aug 18, 2025