The wife and I are planning a trip in April.

We are going to drag the Polaris Ranger and ride trails in the NF.

Looking for local advice as to where to focus. We need to rent a VRBO and I've never been to the forest.

Any thoughts as to where to focus or search?

Thanks

Go to the Hillary Jones wildlife museum, and the associated national forest office next door in Jasper, AR. Good place to get trail and topo/quadrangle maps of the Ozarks.

If you are trailering vehicles, stay off of state road 123 south of Mount Judea. It’s a turn-off on highway 7 from Russellville. Although a paved road, 123 has too many switchbacks with guardrails, and actually have to do some backing up to make them if you have a trailer over 20’ long.

My opinion is that there is better territory west of Highway 7. An exception is just north of Snowball, off of US 65. Paved road turns into dirt, and some good high overlooks of the Buffalo River. Here is where a topo map is your friend.

Ponca in the evening to watch the elk herd. Usually 30 or more show up. Also good primitive camping on Steele Creek road (between Low Gap and Ponca) next to bluffs on the Buffalo River.

Don’t trust google maps. Highway 74 is not continuous between Bass and Snowball/US 65. But some interesting trails that may be suitable for a Polaris.

No opinions on VRBOs.

Very good info. Exactly what I wanted. Much appreciated brother.