A state known for being mostly pancake flat, the northwest corner of Arkansas offers some climbs dispersed around the Ozark and Ouachita (Wah-shee-ta) mountains. Characteristic of short, hilly climbs like these found in places like the American southeast, are sharp, punchy midsections with gradients getting gentler at the top.
Surprisingly, these mostly wooded roads still offer some great views of the surrounding landscapes, with most of the climbs ending at or passing a scenic overlook or two. The climbs of the Ouachita extend over into Oklahoma as far north as Poteau, all within a short drive of the AR/OK border.