Overlanding Arkansas, Ozark National Forest

Overlanding Arkansas in the Ozark National Forest with Midwest Lone Peak Owners, April 25, 2026.

I have to laugh as I called my photo album for this portion of our trip "overlanding seriousness." This was just about too far down my desire to overland, especially since I do not have the truck or vehicle fit for overlanding too tough. I think I would love doing it if I had the right vehicle. I wish I could afford a jeep!

We continued on down the road from Bud's Cabin where we were on Mount Pleasant Road 1405A ( seems to also be called County Road 5550). I was not the navigator, but a follower, so I do not know the exact route that we were on, but it did seem that we turned down a creek bed and drove straight down it!

I am assuming that we crossed the Little Piney Creek again.

Then we came to this gigantic mud hole right down the middle of the path.

The leader went around to see if there was a bypass. I learned on this trip that most overlanding trails have a bypass for those who do not want to risk the challenge.

There was a lot of discussion and a lot of stick poking to determine the depth of the water.

I took this frame because I liked seeing the four Lone Peak vehicles lined up.

One of our party was the brave one to go through first and everyone watched with anticipation.

He had a bigger truck and made it just fine, but after I saw him go through, I said 'no' for my little truck.

I ended up taking the bypass which was just as risky because it was SO narrow that my little truck barely fit. On the right was a tree to go around which gauged where one could drive and on the left was a river embankment to fall off onto! They guided me inch by inch. The crew was very excited when I made it telling me I only had an inch or so to spare. It was so dramatic photos and videos were a failure, so I have none. I gave the video to hubby but he dropped it. This photo is after I pulled around to the other side of the mud puddle.

It seemed we were headed down a utility easement.

The final truck came through and they were nervous to do so, but also brave.

There were two of us with video and photos of him coming through.

I was taking a video from behind the other camera person, but I think the shots turned out cool.

There was a bit of excitement when he made it!

There were lots of mud puddles to drive through. Not my favorite thing to do.

This is when we reached the other side and parked for a break next to the paved road in a pull-off area. I just liked seeing the four Lone Peak lined up.

I believe this is where we came out. I snapped a screenshot on the overland app.

Then I snapped a screenshot on the iPhone map app. We came out on Highway 21. Thereafter we drove back to Haw Creek Falls to camp again the second night.