Join us as we cruise 17 miles west along Arkansas Highway 14, journeying from the quaint community of Allison, just outside Mountain View, all the way to the quiet crossroads of Big Flat. This stretch of highway is more than just pavement through the Ozarks — it’s a front-row seat to some of north-central Arkansas’s most scenic backcountry, complete with limestone bluffs, deep forests, and hidden gems you’ll want to pull over and explore.
We kick things off by rolling out of Allison, merging onto AR-14 right where Highways 5 and 9 come together. This part of the highway doubles as the Sylamore Scenic Byway — a name that says it all. Almost immediately, we’re enveloped by the towering hardwoods and rugged terrain of the Ozark National Forest. It’s a winding, easygoing drive that tempts us to slow down and enjoy the landscape. Just a few miles in, we pass the northern end of Arkansas Highway 87, a turnoff that can lead you to even more secluded forest roads and homesteads hidden deep in the hills.
One absolute must-see along this stretch is Blanchard Springs. Tucked just off the highway near the AR-87 junction, this beloved recreation area is known for its striking cavern system — Blanchard Springs Caverns — and a cool mountain spring bubbling straight from the bluff. It’s worth parking the car for a cave tour, a hike along Sylamore Creek, or a picnic near Mirror Lake. If you’re short on time, even a quick stop to stretch your legs under the shady canopy is worth it.
Back on the road, Highway 14 carries us westward out of the National Forest and into the small town of Fifty-Six — one of the smallest incorporated towns in Arkansas, and famous mostly for its curious name. Here, life moves at a relaxed pace, with a scattering of houses, a local post office, and signs pointing the way to the caverns and other outdoor spots. After rolling through town, the road begins to swing northwest, cutting through more open countryside where farms and old homesteads peek through the trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife too — deer crossings are common, especially at dawn and dusk.
About halfway between Fifty-Six and Big Flat, we make a quick pit stop at a roadside convenience store. In this part of the state, these little stores are more than just gas and snacks — they’re often gathering spots for locals and travelers alike. After topping off and grabbing a cold drink, we’re back on AR-14 for the final leg. The road keeps its gentle curves all the way to the southern terminus of Arkansas Highway 341, better known to locals and riders as Push Mountain Road — a favorite twisty stretch for motorcyclists craving hairpin curves and steep grades. Here, just east of Big Flat, we wrap up our ride by turning north onto AR-341, ready to tackle even more Ozark backroads.
Whether you’re touring caves, seeking forest solitude, or just savoring a beautiful drive through Arkansas’s highlands, this short but rewarding segment of Highway 14 delivers a healthy dose of everything that makes the Ozarks special. Be sure to fuel up, pack a camera, and give yourself time to stop — because on roads like these, the journey really is the destination.
🗺️ Route Map
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