Queen Wilhelmina State Park sits on the crest of Rich Mountain in western Arkansas, close to the Oklahoma line, and its lodge is one of the odd survivors of the Ouachitas. The name goes back to the 1890s, when Dutch investors backing a railroad called the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf planned a resort here and named it for the young queen of the Netherlands. The first lodge was built in 1898, but the railroad's money ran out and the building was abandoned, and the current lodge, a mid-century rebuild, stands in its place.
At roughly 2,600 feet, this is one of the highest points in the Ouachita range, and the air is cooler than in the valleys below. The drive runs along the ridge, with long views north over the Oklahoma side and south across the forested slopes of the Ouachita National Forest. The lodge has a restaurant with a view, a gift shop and rooms, and a miniature train circles the grounds in summer. A short trail leads to a fire tower.
The riding here is the high point of the drive. The road is smooth, with long easy bends and no serious climbs, and the sense of height comes from the views. It is a road made for unhurried touring, and many riders stop at the overlooks for a long pause. The speed limit is low and wildlife crossings are frequent, so keep the pace calm. In summer, sudden fog can close in on the ridge, and in winter, ice can make the road dangerous.
The lodge restaurant is a good option for a meal, and rooms with a view of the valley can be booked in advance. Camping is available in the park, and the campground has showers.
The forest around the park is rich in wildlife. Deer, wild turkey, black bear and a variety of birds, including pileated woodpeckers, live in the pine and oak. Wildflowers are plentiful in spring, with a long season from March to May, and in October the foliage turns red, orange and yellow. Bring a jacket, because the ridge can be windy.