Trail Overview
The Arkansas Overland Route - Section 2 - Highway 371 to Road 113 is an easy-going, scenic dirt and gravel track designed for overland enthusiasts, beginners, and families looking to explore the rolling, forested terrain of southern Arkansas. Serving as a crucial 16.9-mile continuation of the Falcon Bottoms Back Roads Trail, this section provides an accessible journey suitable for stock four-wheel-drive vehicles, high-clearance rigs, and SxSs. The route features mild elevation changes ranging from 214 to 402 feet above sea level, with a gentle climb and descent totaling around 490 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Drivers will experience primarily unpaved surfaces consisting of hard-packed dirt and loose gravel that wind through dense pine stands and mixed hardwood forests.
While generally rated easy with a technical difficulty rating of 2, the trail's conditions can shift rapidly depending on the weather. During dry spells, the route becomes exceptionally dusty, requiring drivers to maintain adequate spacing, whereas heavy rains can turn the dirt sections into slick, sloppy mud that may demand extra caution and four-wheel-drive engagement. Serving as a stepping stone toward Poison Springs Wildlife Management Area, this overland section eventually terminates at Road 113, where travelers can seamlessly transition into Section 3 of the larger Arkansas Overland Route. This section serves as a key connecting corridor within the region's broader multi-day overland trail system.