We went home over the weekend and made a last minute decision to take the Jeep. For the first time in months there was finally one day without rain and figured we’d enjoy it just in case the sun didn’t come out again this summer. It was a beautiful drive home via Eureka Springs and an even more beautiful drive back via our favorite short cut. When friends ask me why I moved to Arkansas I email them pictures of the beautiful landscapes that surround this area. This is not the Arkansas people think about; the North West corner is a little slice of heaven. It is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and in my opinion one of the best kept secrets in the Unites States.

Our favorite little short cut starts on Hilltop Road off of Highway 43 and cuts through to Highway 412 at Osage. It technically is a short cut and the first time we took it in the Yukon it was faster. We have had a lot of rain in this area recently and the road has suffered some erosion in areas. We have no problems with this but it has slowed us down.

This is the beginning of our Journey, Highway 43

After turning off Highway 43 you are greeted by rolling hills and the beginning of the dirt road

The first part is very well kept; the next five miles are beautiful tree covered roads with loose rocks and some erosion from recent floods.

Coming out of the trees you are greeted by a beautiful view

This is followed by two low water crossings

The view before entering Osage is beautiful.

We didn’t stop to take pictures; these were all taken out the front windshield.

So to all of you that ask why Arkansas, look at the pictures above, that’s why.