Arkansas Highway 23: Ozark to Brashears (Pig Trail Scenic Byway)

Buckle up for one of Arkansas’s most iconic scenic drives as we travel 24 miles north along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, better known as Arkansas Highway 23, from Ozark to Brashears. This route isn’t just a road—it’s a rite of passage for motorcyclists, leaf-peepers, and road trip lovers alike. With hairpin turns, deep forest canopies, and glimpses of the Mulberry River, the Pig Trail is both beautiful and thrilling.

Our drive begins in the town of Ozark, just a block north of Interstate 40. Almost immediately, AR-23 leaves behind the Arkansas River valley as it slips into the foothills of the Ozark Plateau. We pass the community of White Oak and the intersection with Highway 352, a good reminder that services start thinning out from here on. The elevation gains quickly, and we find ourselves enveloped in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest—a dense, green expanse that defines the heart of this route. The road begins to twist and climb in earnest, wrapping around the mountain slopes as we inch closer to the Mulberry River.

At Cass, about halfway through the drive, the forest deepens and the curves tighten. We pass the Cass Job Corps Center, and not long after, we meet the intersection with Highway 215, which parallels the Mulberry River to the east. This section marks one of the most technically challenging and visually dramatic stretches of the Pig Trail. The scenery is dominated by thick woods, roadside creeks, and in autumn, a cascade of color that draws in crowds from across the South. A notable highlight here is the scenic overlook just south of Mulberry Mountain, a popular stop for a breather and some awe-inspiring photo ops.

From the overlook, the road continues to climb—switchbacks, short straights, and tight curves dominate until we near the summit. The forest begins to thin out and the elevation levels off. The final few miles to Brashears are gentler, though still surrounded by thick timber and mountain air. We roll into Brashears at the intersection with Arkansas Highway 16, completing a journey that’s as much about the ride as the destination.

Though there are few towns or services directly on the byway itself, those traveling this stretch will find ample opportunity to camp, hike, or just stop and breathe in the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Places like Mulberry Mountain Lodge offer a base for extended exploration, and those continuing north can look forward to more highland driving toward St. Paul and Huntsville.