# Ozark Scenic Byways (Pig Trail)

> The Pig Trail is Arkansas Highway 23 through the Ozark National Forest in the Boston Mountains. It is winding and popular with motorcyclists.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/pig-trail-ozark-byways/

The Pig Trail is Arkansas Highway 23 through the Ozark National Forest in the Boston Mountains. It is winding and popular with motorcyclists.

- **State:** Arkansas
- **Road:** Arkansas Highway 23
- **Length:** About 17–19 miles (sources differ)
- **Best season:** Spring to autumn

No toll roads expected for a car.

## What should you know before visiting Ozark Scenic Byways (Pig Trail)?

- The road winds through forested mountains and is also popular with motorcyclists. In a motorhome drive slowly and expect oncoming traffic.
- The sources name no length, height or weight limits. With large vehicles, ask the Arkansas Department of Transportation before driving.
- Spring wildflowers and autumn foliage are the popular times. Expect more traffic in those seasons and check campground availability.
- Campgrounds on or near the route: Turner Bend, White Rock Mountain, Shores Lake and Redding in the Ozark National Forest. Clarify reservations and site sizes with the Forest Service.

## The drive

Highway 23 runs through Franklin County from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest to its junction with Highway 16 at Brashears in Madison County. It crosses the Mulberry River and the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Ozark lies near the south end and Fayetteville to the northwest; Eureka Springs, a short distance away, has shops and lodging. Redding campground, by the river, has trailheads to the Ozark Highlands Trail.

## Nearby byways

The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (Highway 21) is 35 miles long and runs from Clarksville at Highway 64 to the Buffalo National River. It also crosses the Ozark Highlands Trail and is described as a good foliage drive. The Mount Magazine Byway (Highway 309) climbs from Havana to Mount Magazine at 2,753 feet, then descends to Paris. Check road conditions beforehand.

## FAQs

**How long is the Pig Trail?**
Figures differ: the Arkansas tourism site gives 19 miles (about 31 km) on one page and 17 miles (about 27 km) on another; the Encyclopedia of Arkansas also gives 19. The drive itself is short; time goes into stops at the Mulberry River and viewpoints.

**When is the best time to drive the Pig Trail?**
The tourism page names spring, summer and fall. Spring wildflowers and autumn foliage are especially popular. It gives no closure period; check current road conditions with the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

**Where can I stay overnight in a motorhome?**
The tourism page lists cabins and campsites at Turner Bend plus campgrounds at White Rock Mountain, Shores Lake and Redding in the Ozark National Forest. Ask the Forest Service about vehicle size and reservations. No rule on wild camping was found.

## Places to see

- [Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-crystal-bridges/)
- [Petit Jean State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-petit-jean/)
- [Mount Magazine State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-mount-magazine/)
- [Buffalo National River](https://camping-spirit.com/places/buffalo-river/)
- [Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-wilsons-creek/)
- [Roaring River State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-roaring-river-sp/)
- [Thorncrown Chapel](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-thorncrown-chapel/)
- [Pea Ridge National Military Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-pea-ridge/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Arkansas](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/arkansas/)
- [All campsites in Missouri](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/missouri/)