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Arkansas’s Pig Trail is a scenic byway that winds through the Ozark Mountains, offering stunning views of the state’s natural beauty. In the fall, the Pig Trail is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change from green to vibrant red, orange and yellow shades.
Arkansas’s Pig Trail is among the top 8 places to look for fall color in Arkansas and rightly so; the roadsides and hillsides in view burst with a variety of colors aimed to mark the changing seasons. Those visiting the region can only hope for the right mixture of warm days and cool nights that make the colors burst!
But most people in Arkansas know the Pig Trail as the old route to get to Fayetteville for a Hogs football game. Still, many traveling from Central or South Arkansas will use the scenic route as they climb the hill for Sept. and Oct. home games. Or when heading home with a little extra time for a Sunday drive.
History of the Pig Trail
The Pig Trail was originally a narrow, winding road built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program. They named the road after the many feral hogs that roamed the area.
Hogs were introduced to the Ozarks by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. They quickly became a nuisance, destroying crops and competing with native wildlife for food. The CCC workers who built the Pig Trail often had to contend with feral hogs. It’s dually named to match Hugo Bezdek’s description of the Arkansas football team in 1909.
In the 1950s, the Pig Trail was widened and paved, making it more accessible to tourists. The Pig Trail quickly became a popular scenic byway, and it remains so today as a testament to the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
Important Stops to Pull Off and Visit
There are a handful of safe places to stop and visit along the Pig Trail, including Highways 23 and 16. Some of the most notable stops include:
- Pig Trail Bypass Cafe | Elkins – an easy stop for snacks or gas before you leave town. The burger here is legendary!
- Mulberry Mountain Camp and Lodging | Ozark – several annual events draw guests each summer, but year-round lodging and ATV trails give visitors a reason to visit repeatedly. You can access the Mulberry River, hiking and biking trails, fishing and hunting, horseback riding and watching wildlife. It is a perfect weekend oasis.
- Cass – an easy pull-off and turn-around with a Ranger Station and access to the Ozark Highlands Trail. If you want to explore more, visit all trails for waterfall hikes in the area.
- Turn East on 215 for several OHT trailheads and take a direct route to Oark and their General Store, and don’t miss the Mulberry River overlook.
- Byrd’s Adventure Center | Cass – East on 215 from the junction in Cass. Everything outdoors is all in one place!
- Turner Bend Outfitters | Ozark – Lodging, picnic, general store, gas and adventures since 1911. It’s the headquarters for fun in the area and the only actual stop for food or road services. Riverside picnic areas are a great spot to stop and stretch your legs. Don’t miss the waterfall near the store.
- Paradise Pizza Pub | Ozark – a biker’s bite delight! Check their hours; they are only closed Monday through Wednesday.
- Workman’s Travel Center | Ozark – last pit stop if you are exiting from I-40 and heading north.
- Continue further south into the town of Ozark, which has eating opportunities and the historic train depot and museum.
A Great Motorcycle Route and Place to View Changing Fall Colors
The Pig Trail is a popular motorcycle route due to its winding roads and scenic views. The fall is a beautiful time to ride the Pig Trail, as the leaves change color and the air is crisp and cool.
Side trips you may enjoy on each end of the trip
- Exploring Fayetteville
- Confederate Cemetery | Fayetteville
- Headquarters House | Fayetteville
- Terra Studios | Fayetteville
- Chasing Fall Colors in Northwest Arkansas
- Side trip to Oark – at the split where Hwy 16 meets Hwy 23
- Historic Downtown Ozark
- Waterfalls – Sixty Foot Falls (aka Pig Trail Falls), Mountain Fork Creek Falls, Spirit Mountain Falls
- Glory Hole Waterfall in Ouachita National Forest
- Altus – Post Winery or Wiederkehr Village
Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Plan your trip for the fall: The best time to see the fall colors on the Pig Trail is from October to early November. Stay up to date with the Arkansas Fall Color Guide weekly updates.
- Book your accommodations in advance: The Pig Trail is a popular tourist destination, so it is essential to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you are traveling during the fall.
- Plan to go slow: This is not a cut-through road. Most travelers are intentionally on an enjoyable drive, so pull off safely if you want to stop and look or take pictures and be mindful of other drivers, motorcycles and hikers.
- Fill up your tank: Nothing will kill your enjoyment of the Pig Trail like worrying about where you can find gas. Even if you think you have enough, fill up your tank in Ozark or Elkins before you begin your adventure.
- Pack for all types of weather: The weather in the Ozarks can be unpredictable, so it is important to pack for all kinds of weather, including rain, sun and cold. Just know you can get to different parts of the road and experience fog or slick, rainy roads and avoid during icy weather.
- Bring a camera: You will want to capture the stunning beauty of the Pig Trail with your camera. Many of your best pictures can be taken on your phone, but plan to stop and capture the beauty.
Don’t overthink it; driving the Pig Trail can be a last-minute decision once you see the day’s weather or your schedule. Fill your car with gas and hit the road!
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