Located in the scenic Arkansas Ozark National Forest, the Arkansas Pig Trail is a nineteen mile motorcycle ride through perhaps the most charming scenery in the state of Arkansas. One will notice while navigating this challenging motorcycle route that this historic road provides its guests a combination of rock formations, waterfalls, scenic Ozark mountain views, and Mulberry River water attractions.
Getting to the Arkansas Pig Trail
The Pig Trail (AR-23) motorcycle ride starts from the south end in the town Ozark, AR. This is approximately 40 minutes east of Ft. Smith and two hours west of Little Rock by way of Interstate 40. The Pig Trail finishes its run to the north in Brashears, where it intersects with Arkansas Highway 16. If you approach from the north and wish to begin your Arkansas motorcycle trip in Brashears you can proceed to AR-16 south out of Fayetteville for about 45 minutes or head south on AR-23 out of Eureka Springs.
Arkansas Pig Trail History
The road derived its name mainly because it is a well-used short-cut for fans on their way to see University of Arkansas Razorback games in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks are affectionately referred to as the Pigs or Hogs by their fans.
The Pig Trail was a twisting trail that wound its way through the hills and valleys of this robust area of the Arkansas Ozarks preceding the Civil War. It is well-known that it was utilized by the Native Indians in the area. The Indians used the curative properties of the natural springs in what is now Eureka Springs and this path may have been their means to the springs.
The Arkansas Pig Trail was an active road used by both armies during the Civil War, as it was the principal road between Fayetteville and Ozark on the Arkansas River. In 1908 the Ozark National Forest was declared and the Pig Trail became part of. The stretch of AR-23 between Ozark and Brashears was also designated as a Scenic Byway. It is one of the favorite locations in the state for tourism as more motorcycle riders are sharing their stories about these resplendent mountains.
Arkansas Pig Trail Motorcycle Heaven
The Pig Trail is ranked as the 9th best motorcycle road in the America by MotorcycleRoads.com. The reasons for this are:
- Spine-tingling hairpin turns, switchbacks, curves, and elevation changes.
- The scenery is breathtaking. The heavily forested Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains provides the backdrop for this Arkansas motorcycle trip. From late spring through the fall a tunnel of foliage often blankets the riders.
- Road conditions are excellent, typical for motorcycling in Arkansas
- White Rock Mountain offers a view of spectacular cliffs by way of a small detour
When you are on a great motorcycle cruise in Arkansas always leave yourself time to check out the sites along the way. Hundreds of thousands of bikers come to Arkansas from around the country to enjoy the spectacular conditions in the state. Hope to catch on the road someday. Bud light customer service