Our next day adventure was to travel down one of our favorite roads, "Arkansas Route 21" where the wild life and scenic views are frequent along the nearly 35-mile-long route. This highway is popular as a major route to the Ozark National Forest, the Ozark Highlands Trail, and the White River in addition to being the major travel route to cities in the area and points in our stomping grounds, southern Missouri.
Our adventure also connected with Arkansas 16. Much of the highway winds through the Ozarks, including the Ozark National Forest, where a portion of the highway is designated as an Arkansas Scenic Byway and... All views were spectacular!
Then of course we couldn't resist riding down highway 23 where we ran into the famous Arkansas Pig Trail.
When you think about epic road trips, you probably think long routes like Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and A1A, but sometimes the best road trips can be done in a weekend or even a free day, and Arkansas’s “Pig Trail” is just such an adventure.
By definition, the “Pig Trail,” is just the 19-mile stretch of State Hwy 23 that passes through Ozark National Forest, but most visitor's trip (ours started from Branson area this time), starts and ends in Fayetteville, Arkansas, makes the relatively short drive into a nice day or weekend trip, highlighting everything that makes the Pig Trail so great…
The “Pig Trail,” named for its use as a shortcut for University of Arkansas Razorbacks fans traveling to Fayetteville, is widely-known by motorcyclists as one of the best rides in the state, if not the entire south. The Pig Trail cuts, zigs, and zags through the Ozark National Forest with just about every kind of scenery imaginable from rivers to waterfalls to mountain views.
This not my photo but a depiction from the air of the ride during the fall colors.
In addition to the twists, turns, and pretty views, the Pig Trail is also a part of American history, having been used by both the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War. Put simply, the Pig Trail has it all… Exciting curves, beautiful scenery and centuries of American history.
Oark Cafe
No trip to the Ozark National Forest is complete without a stop at Oark General Store. The burgers are delicious and the pie is the best in Arkansas. The staff is always friendly and happy to serve, and we look forward to each visit that we can make here. Today's was great as usual!
The usual fantastic fresh burgers, home cut fries, homemade pies & always our big smiles... Another great day in the Neighborhood!
Nana
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