American Legion,Shores Lake and Hwy 215

Finally the weather met my idea of comfortable for a long ride. Its been way too long since my last one. On this ride I decided to go to Mulberry and take Hwy 215 North to Shores lake. To my recollection I had never ridden or even driven on it. I was hoping it was going to be paved all the way to the junction of Hwy 23 just North of Turner Bend Store.
I took Hwy 64 West and stopped at this American Legion Post situated along Cedar Creek in the center of Clarksville.

To get to it turn left off 64 just after crossing Cedar Creek, then turn left and over the jogging and bicycling trail.

This post has the look of a castel which I think may be unigue in Arkansas.

The grounds are well kept and there is an old anti-tank gun out front.

After leaving Clarksville I took I-40 to Mulberry then 215 North. This is an old bridge along 215.

The creek flowing under the bridge.

A look at the road going North.

The only community before arriving at Shores Lake.

The lake is in the valley in the distance.

After 14 miles of really nice road and scenary, I arrive at the turnoff to the lake.

I was really surprised, I thought this would be a run down area with maybe a picnic table. I was wrong, this is a nice area, beautiful lake with dock, clean edges, camping (I don't think it has electricity), a swimming area with sand and several restrooms. One of the restrooms has showers. This is a pay area. I know I'll be returning to camp out here.

After leaving the lake area, I went past the turnoff to look at the feeder stream. These rocks were on both sides of the road.

The bridge over the feeder creek.

The feeder creek.

The rock outcropping was big.

Going back and turning right on 215 again, this bridge was across the creek coming from the lake.

Above the lake looking down.
Mountains and dirt road. I made a decision a long time ago that when I get to dirt I don't turn back. If I had a Harley I would turn back because of the belt drive. Luckily Cindy is an old Honda.
More of the lake from the overlook.
The overlook.
An old wooden bridge along the way.
I stopped at least five times in the eleven miles to Hwy 23. It was rough fighting the gravel, pot holes and dust.
Another stop.
After what seemed like hours. I find civilization in a Babtist Church Camp.
Hwy 23, finally.
Looking back, 11 miles to Shores Lake, 14 more on pavement to I-40. It was a good ride, a tiring one, one I won't soon forget. It was about 3pm by this time, I hadn't eaten or had anything to drink since about 9am. I went South on 23 from here, stopped at Turner Bend for food and drinks and talked with some bikers. Then home.

This video starts at the intersection at Shores Lake going East to Hwy 23. I started my video and wasn't totally surprised when the pavement gave way to dirt and gravel. The rough pavement doesn't make for a good video but its the best I could do.