This summer may be the best in years to enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Arkansas. That's a cruise along Arkansas 215 beside the Mulberry River.
The two-lane asphalt highway runs next to the fast-flowing Mulberry most of the way. Travelers pass sandstone crags and pine-scented forest on an east-west route between Arkansas 23 and the little town of Catalpa, where the pavement ends. We like to do this trip on our bicycles and make a point to savor the ride at least twice a year.
But wait, you say. Isn't part of Arkansas 23, the highway that leads to Arkansas 215, closed because of a hill slide? Indeed it is. That's why this is prime time for a visit. You know the businesses in the Mulberry River valley will suffer until the highway is reopened, which could be weeks. The little cafes, stores and river outfitters need your business now as much as ever. We just have to drive the long way around.
The upside is that travelers get to see even more of our lovely countryside. Most folks in our neck of the woods will head down Interstate 49, go east on Interstate 40 then north on Arkansas 23 to Arkansas 215.
Our little Sunday bicycling group did this ride at the first part of spring, when green-up was just starting. Any season is fine for a Sunday drive or bike ride beside the Mulberry.
We parked at the entrance to Redding campground, along Arkansas 215 three miles east of Arkansas 23. We hopped on our bikes and pedaled away. Our destination was Catalpa, about 17 scenic miles east along Arkansas 215.
Since the highway is in the Mulberry River valley, it's fairly flat. There are pull-off places for cars or bikes at scenic overlooks along the way. The asphalt is smooth and the ride is wonderful.
Heading east, you're pedaling upstream. The Mulberry becomes smaller as the miles go by, but the scenery is grand all the way. Traffic is minimal in this remote countryside.
This bike ride or Sunday drive comes with a bonus. Great food. Travelers can stop for lunch at the Oark Cafe in tiny Oark, or keep going to even tinier Catalpa and dine at the Catalpa Cafe. We chose Catalpa on this ride, but have enjoyed the noontime fare at both eateries.
The hardest thing for our biking bunch is not to eat too much. The food is so good you just want to go for the gusto with pie ala mode for dessert. You pay for the pleasure on that 17-mile ride back to Redding.
The return trip is a little faster. Now you're headed downstream along the Mulberry and there's more downhill. No need to hurry. There are wildflowers galore to see and waterfalls to enjoy after a good rain.
About the time you get back to Redding, you may have pedaled off that big slice of pie.
Flip Putthoff is outdoors reporter at the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @NWAFlip
Sports on 06/18/2015