Riding the "Pig Trail"
The Pig Trail Scenic Byway
takes its name from its use by
University of Arkansas fans.
Turner Bend, Arkansas
A popular stopping point on
the Pig Trail, Turner Bend is a
mecca for outdoors types who
come canoe and kayak.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway - Ozark, Arkansas
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas
Pig Trail Falls
This pretty little waterfall can literally be seen from
your car along Arkansas' Pig Trail Scenic Byway.
Scenic Driving in the Ozarks
Some of the prettiest country in the Arkansas
Ozarks can be explored with a drive along the
Pig Trail Scenic Byway.

This 19 mile long section of State Highway
23 passes through a picturesque section of
the Ozark National Forest. Along its winding
way, the historic road passes waterfalls, rock
formations, scenic mountain views and the
popular
Mulberry River.

Named for its popularity as a short cut to
Fayetteville for games University of Arkansas
Razorbacks (also affectionately called the
Hogs or Pigs), the Pig Trail is one of the
most historic roads in the Ozarks. It begins at
the southern boundary of the National Forest,
just north of
Ozark, and ends at Brashears
where it intersections with Highway 16.

Long before it became a popular route for
Razorbacks' fans, the Pig Trail was a winding
pathway through the valleys and rolling hills
of the Ozarks. It existed long before the Civil
War and may have originated as an Indian or
fur trapper path. French trappers frequented
the region during colonial times.

By the time of the Civil War it was part of a
well-used road connecting Fayetteville in
Northwest Arkansas with Ozark on the
Arkansas River. The road was heavily used
by both regular Union and Confederate
troops and guerrilla forces during the war. In
April of 1863, Confederate General W.L.
Cabell led 900 men north up the Pig Trail
from Ozark on an expedition that ended at the
Battle of Fayetteville.

The Pig Trail became part of the Ozark
National Forest when it was established by
Presidential Proclamation on March 6, 1908.
As the tourism potential of the forest grew
and people began flocking to the region in
the spring, summer and fall to admire the
beautiful mountains, the 19 mile section from
just north of Ozark to Brashears was
designated a scenic byway.

It passes through some of the most scenic
country in western Arkansas. The section
south of the Mulberry River passes two pretty
little waterfalls.
Please click here to learn
more about waterfalls in the area. Turner
Bend is a focal point for people who come to
canoe and kayak the beautiful Mulberry. The
spectacular cliffs of
White Rock Mountain can
also be easily accessed by following the
signs from the Pig Trail.
The Mulberry River
A popular canoe and kayak
stream, the Mulberry passes
under the Pig Trail.
Waterfall at Turner Bend
A small waterfall flows from
the mountain side just steps
from the parking lot at Turner
Bend.
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Copyright 2011 by Dale Cox
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