Excerpted from The Mountain Biker's Guide to The Ozarks by Steve Henry

If the river is up, you'll get a cool splash as you pedal across the slab at Erbie Ford. Depending on recent rainfall, there may be other stream crossings along the north river road.

Swimming in the Buffalo is a great way to cool off after a hot summer ride. Better still, spend a weekend on the Buffalo, combining mountain biking with a canoe trip on this scenic river.

You should take time to explore some of the abandoned side roads leading off the loop. Many lead to old homesteads. One of these, the Parker-Hickman Homestead, is located one mile west of the Erbie Campground. It has been stabilized and opened to the public. There is an interpretive sign there, but the site is otherwise unimproved-it looks as it must have in the old days. You are free to wander through the buildings, enjoying the atmosphere of days gone by on the Buffalo.

General location:
5 miles north of Jasper on AR 7.
Elevation change:
Elevations range from 800 along the river to 1,350 at the high points along the north river road. This is a hilly ride. In addition to numerous small climbs and descents, there is a 1-mile ascent and a 1.5-mile descent on the north side of the river, and a 1-mile climb and matching descent while riding on AR 7 on the south side of the river.
Season:
While there may be good riding days throughout the year in Arkansas, spring and fall are the best. These two seasons feature cooler temperatures, spring wildflower blooms, and blazing fall foliage outlined against the bluffs along the Buffalo. Summer riding can be great, especially when combined with a swim or canoe trip on the Buffalo. Winter rides are good, too, but you may get your feet wet crossing the river at Erbie Ford.
Services:
Drinking water is available along the ride at both Pruitt Information Station and Erbie Campground. The nearest camping is at Erbie Campground. Other sites, both public and private, can be found along the Buffalo. Pick up a map of the Buffalo National River at Pruitt, to see where the public campsites are. Hotels, grocery stores, and restaurants are in Jasper, 5 miles to the south, and in Harrison, 21 miles to the north. The nearest bike shop is The Bicycle Outfitter in Harrison.
Hazards:
Ride cautiously on the short stretch of the loop on AR 7. It can be busy on weekends and during rush hour. There is a 3-foot shoulder that will keep you out of harm's way. Do not try to cross the Buffalo at Erbie Ford during high water. Flooding is most likely in early spring and during summer thunderstorms.
Rescue Index:
While most of this loop follows roads that see several cars per day, the rough S-mile section of the north river road sees little use. If you have trouble on this stretch you will probably be on your own.
Land Status:
This ride passes through a combination of national park and private land. Respect the rights of property owners by heeding the No Trespassing signs on land along the way.
Maps:
A Park Service map of the Buffalo National River will show where the various facilities are located, but will only show part of the ride. A map of Newton County will show most of the roads used by the Erbie Loop. The Jasper 7.5 minute topo shows all roads on this ride.
Finding The Trail:
There are 2 access points for this ride. The most convenient is Pruitt Information Center, where AR 7 crosses the Buffalo. It is S miles north of Jasper or 21 miles south of Harrison. If you want to camp before or after your ride, consider starting the ride at Erbie Campground. To reach it, go 2.5 miles south from Pruitt on AR 7. Turn north where a sign points the way to Erbie. Follow a gravel road (part of the loop ride) 6 miles to the campground.

Notes On The Trail:
The north side of the loop can be confusing. Keep the river to the south and maintain an east-west direction of travel, and you'll stay on the right path. Because there are no markings, you may be confused by several faint side roads leading south toward the river. If in doubt, check them out. You won't be able to stray too far off the route before you hit the river or the road disappears. You may find an interesting old homestead or scenic spot along the Buffalo.

One turn IS fairly easy to miss. When riding the loop clockwise, you'll come to an intersection 4 miles east of the Erbie ford. The well-maintained road you will have been following will curve north not far after cresting a hill. To the right (south) goes a narrower road that immediately begins to descend. Take it. It is the rough and scenic north river road. There will be many side roads going off it. Just stick to the more obvious road and maintain an easterly direction and you'll reach Pruitt, about 8 miles later.

Source of Additional Information

Buffalo National River
Post Office Box 1173
Harrison, AR 72602-1173
(501) 741-5443

The Bicycle Outfitter
110-112 North Walnut
Harrison, AR 72601
(501) 741-6833

View: Trail Map

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