Pig Trail Scenic Byway: The Ozark Mountains
Ozark, AR to Brashears, AR
Start
Finish
Distance
45 miles
Duration
1-2 days
Best Months
April - October
Budget
$$
EV Ready
4/10
Kid-Friendly
6/10
Key Waypoints
Seasonal Weather
Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming dogwoods; summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms; autumn offers spectacular foliage with cool, crisp air; winters are cold with occasional ice or light snow that can make mountain passes hazardous.
Road Conditions
The route is a well-maintained two-lane asphalt highway (AR-23) characterized by steep grades, tight switchbacks, and hairpin turns. It is open year-round, but exercise extreme caution during heavy rain or winter precipitation as the road is prone to slick surfaces and rockfall.
Essential Packing
- High-quality polarized sunglasses for glare reduction
- Sturdy hiking boots for Ozark trail exploration
- Lightweight rain shell for sudden mountain showers
- Offline GPS maps (cellular service is unreliable in deep valleys)
- Portable power bank for navigation devices
- Motion sickness relief for winding mountain curves
Where to Stay
Rustic cabins in the Ozark National Forest, historic bed and breakfasts in nearby Eureka Springs, and riverside campgrounds along the Mulberry River.
Trip Essentials for Ozark, AR
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Ozark (Starting Point)
Fuel & Full Supplies
This is your last opportunity for a full grocery restock and major fuel station before entering the remote, winding stretches of the Pig Trail.
Turner Bend Store
Fuel & Essential Supplies
Located at the intersection of Highway 23 and the Mulberry River, this is the final reliable outpost for snacks, fuel, and local navigation advice before the steep mountain climbs.
Brashears (Destination)
Rest & Supplies
Services are extremely limited here, so ensure you have enough fuel to either return to a larger town or continue toward your next destination.
Insider Driving Tips
Check your tire pressure and brake fluid levels before heading out; the steep gradients and constant cornering demand a vehicle in peak mechanical condition.
Avoid the Pig Trail during peak Razorback game days if you prefer a quiet drive, as traffic can become significantly congested with fans heading to Fayetteville.
Cell service is notoriously spotty or non-existent in the deep hollows of the Ozark National Forest, so download offline maps before you leave the town of Ozark.
The best light for photography is during the 'golden hour' just before sunset when the sun dips behind the mountain ridges, creating long, dramatic shadows across the valley.
Watch out for wildlife, particularly white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, which are notorious for crossing the road unexpectedly in the early morning and late evening hours.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Mulberry River Bridge
Turner Bend Store
“An iconic local outpost serving legendary sandwiches and cold drinks, acting as the unofficial headquarters for river rafters and road trippers alike.”
Bridge Railing
A wide-angle shot looking down the river as it bends through the dense tree line.
River Bank
A low-angle shot focusing on the limestone rock formations and the clear, flowing water.
Turner Bend Access
A quiet gravel pull-off just downriver where you can walk down to the water's edge and skip stones in perfect solitude.
Mulberry River
Natural Landmark
“This scenic waterway offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming amidst the beautiful Ozark landscape.”
Ozark National Forest
National Forest
“Surrounding the bridge, this vast wilderness provides miles of hiking trails, breathtaking vistas, and tranquil camping spots.”
Wolf Pen Recreation Area
Recreation Area
“Located nearby, this spot serves as a perfect base for river access and offers picnic facilities nestled in a peaceful forest setting.”
White Rock Mountain
The Summit Picnic Area
“Pack a gourmet picnic with local Arkansas cheeses and artisan bread to enjoy at the highest point of the mountain.”
The Lookout Point
The quintessential vista shot capturing the layers of blue-tinted mountain ridges.
CCC Stonework
A detailed texture shot of the weathered, historic stone architecture against the forest backdrop.
The CCC Cabin Foundations
Hidden off the main trail, these moss-covered stone remnants offer a haunting look at the mountain's human history.
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
National Forest Recreation Area
“This scenic destination offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains from its famous stone observation deck.”
Ozark Highlands Trail
Hiking Trail
“Traverse segments of this iconic long-distance trail to experience the rugged beauty, waterfalls, and diverse flora of the Arkansas wilderness.”
Shoreline Drive
Scenic Byway
“Enjoy a peaceful drive that winds through the lush mountain landscape, providing numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.”
Pig Trail Hairpin Turn
Oark General Store
“Located just a short detour from the trail, this historic store has been serving homemade pies and burgers since the 1890s.”
Road Curve Angle
Position yourself safely to capture the dramatic 'S' curve of the road as it disappears into the trees.
Forest Canopy Tunnel
A shot looking through the windshield or from the roadside showing the road swallowed by dense foliage.
The 'Hidden' Waterfall
A seasonal, unnamed waterfall that trickles down the rock face near one of the tightest switchbacks during heavy rain.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway
Scenic Drive
“This famous stretch of Highway 23 offers breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains and is renowned for its thrilling twists and turns.”
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
State Park
“Perched atop a high mountain ridge, this spot provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness and excellent hiking trails.”
Mulberry River
Natural Landmark
“This beautiful, clear-flowing river is a popular destination for paddling and fishing enthusiasts looking to enjoy the rugged Arkansas landscape.”
Brashears Creek Valley
Valley View Cafe
“A small, family-run diner in the vicinity known for its hearty country breakfast and friendly, small-town atmosphere.”
Valley Meadow
A wide-angle landscape shot of the valley floor with the mountains rising in the distance.
Creek Bed Reflection
A macro or close-up shot of the water reflecting the sky and the surrounding trees.
The Old Stone Mill
A dilapidated, photogenic mill foundation tucked away near the creek, barely visible from the road.
Brashears Creek Access
Natural Area
“This serene spot offers a perfect opportunity for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the peaceful scenery of the creek valley.”
Ozark National Forest Trails
Recreational Area
“The surrounding forest provides miles of rugged hiking trails that showcase the diverse flora and fauna of the Arkansas Ozarks.”
Madison County Wildlife Management Area
Nature Preserve
“This vast landscape is ideal for birdwatching and photography, offering visitors a chance to see native wildlife in their natural habitat.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Mulberry River Float
A scenic detour to the banks of the Mulberry River where you can rent a kayak or enjoy a picnic by the crystal-clear, spring-fed waters.
Why It's Worth It
“Immersing yourself in this wild, free-flowing river offers a cooling escape and a perspective of the Ozarks from the water that most highway travelers completely miss.”
Turner Bend Store
A historic, rustic outpost nestled at a sharp bend in the Pig Trail that serves as a legendary hub for local travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Why It's Worth It
“Stepping inside this time-capsule store feels like finding the true heartbeat of the mountains, complete with local gear, snacks, and stories from those who know the forest best.”
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
A winding drive up to one of the highest points in the Ozarks, featuring a historic stone lodge and a panoramic rim trail.
Why It's Worth It
“The breathtaking, 360-degree view from the summit provides a dramatic, bird's-eye perspective of the deep valleys you just navigated, making it the ultimate photo opportunity of the trip.”
Ready to book your Brashears, AR trip?
No extra cost to you • Supports free travel guides
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pig Trail is a challenging road with sharp curves and steep grades, but it is safe if you drive at a reasonable speed and stay focused on the road.
Late October is ideal for fall foliage, while April and May offer the best weather and blooming wildflowers.
Compare the Journey
How does this route stack up against similar adventures? Compare the vitals to find your perfect drive.
Related Guides
Reader dispatches & comments
Have you driven this route or explored these stops? Join the discussion, share your own travel dispatches, or ask our community questions!