Join us for a 35-mile journey through one of Arkansas’s most scenic and twist-filled stretches as we head north from Lamar to Sand Gap along Arkansas Highway 123 — better known among motorcycle enthusiasts as The Arkansas Dragon. This ride showcases not only the thrilling curves the route is known for, but also the kind of forested beauty and remote charm that define the northern reaches of the Arkansas River Valley and the southern Ozarks.
Our trip begins in the small city of Lamar, located just southeast of Clarksville, where Arkansas Highway 123 meets U.S. Highway 64. From here, we head north out of town and almost immediately join Arkansas Highway 164 for a brief concurrency that leads us toward Hagarville. This part of the drive is fairly straightforward, passing through rolling hills and pastoral farmland, dotted with the occasional church or country homestead. The road is smooth and lightly traveled, offering a gentle warmup before the terrain becomes more rugged ahead.
At the junction with AR-292, we veer east into Hagarville, a quiet community with modest amenities and a handy stop if you need fuel or a snack before diving into the heart of the route. Here, Highway 123 splits from 164 again and resumes its northward push — and this is where things get interesting. Within just a few minutes of leaving Hagarville, you’ll start noticing the grade increases and the curves tighten. The highway begins its climb into the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, and over the next 11 miles, you’re treated to one of the best two-lane rides in the state. Steep hillsides, dense hardwoods, and hairpin curves demand your attention — and reward it with sweeping vistas and pure riding pleasure.
Known as the “Arkansas Dragon” for good reason, this stretch is a favorite among motorcyclists who enjoy technical riding. But even in a car, this route offers a fun and engaging drive. As we continue north and then northeast, the forest envelopes you. There are few services along this portion of the route — just nature, rock bluffs, and the occasional scenic pull-off. If you’re lucky, you might spot deer or even a black bear, particularly early in the morning or late in the day. This area is also popular for hiking, with trailheads like the nearby Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Loop just off the road once you near Sand Gap.
After about 16 more miles of winding northeast through rugged terrain, we emerge at Sand Gap — a remote crossroads that was once known as Pelsor. This unincorporated community sits at the junction of Arkansas Highways 7 and 16 and serves as a key waypoint for travelers headed deeper into the Ozark Highlands. From here, this segment of Highway 123 officially ends, and we turn north onto AR-7, one of the state’s designated scenic byways, to wrap up our drive.
While the towns along this route are small, the character of the road and the surrounding wilderness more than make up for it. Whether you’re riding the curves for the thrill, exploring the Ozarks for a quiet retreat, or just enjoying a beautiful drive, Arkansas Highway 123 delivers.
🗺️ Route Map
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