Eureka Springs Scenic Drives: Complete Ozark Byways Guide - Rx Catering NWA
Eureka Springs Scenic Drives: Complete Ozark Byways Guide
Explore breathtaking Ozark Mountain scenic drives near Eureka Springs - from the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (USA Today's #1 motorcycle ride) to Highway 21's forest roads and beyond.
Top Scenic Routes
- Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Hwy 23): #1 USA motorcycle ride, 75-mile round trip
- Highway 21: Most scenic Ozark drive, Ponca to Clarksville
- Highway 62: Eureka Springs to Beaver Lake, Arkansas Golden Gate
- Highway 16: Day-long Ozark crossing, valleys and ridges
- Highway 123: Mountain town of Jasper, fast/slow group options
- Stops: Turpentine Creek, Withrow Springs, Pig Trail Falls, Ponca
Eureka Springs sits at the heart of the Ozark Mountains, surrounded by some of America's most spectacular scenic drives. Pick any road, choose any direction, and you're guaranteed an enchanting ride through pristine forests, dramatic mountain vistas, and charming small towns. The region's designated scenic byways and back roads offer everything from leisurely cruises perfect for fall foliage viewing to thrilling motorcycle routes with endless curves and elevation changes.
What makes these drives special is their diversity - from the Pig Trail Scenic Byway's adrenaline-inducing turns to Highway 21's peaceful forest passages, each route delivers unique experiences. Combined with stops at attractions like Thorncrown Chapel, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and quaint Ozark towns, these scenic drives transform simple transportation into unforgettable adventures through Northwest Arkansas' most beautiful landscapes.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Arkansas Highway 23)
America's Top Motorcycle Ride
Named the top motorcycle ride in the United States by USA Today Reader's Choice Poll, the Pig Trail Scenic Byway on Arkansas Highway 23 delivers a terrific cruise regardless of vehicle type. This official scenic byway begins in Brashears, about 50 miles south of Eureka Springs, but the section of Highway 23 leading there offers equally rugged and scenic terrain.
Route Details:
- Total Distance: 75 invigorating miles round trip from Eureka Springs
- Terrain: Bounty of turns, undulating hills, long inclines and descents
- Scenery: Forest on both sides with breathtaking mountain view openings
- Highlights: Pig Trail Falls, mountain vistas, continuous curves
- Best For: Motorcyclists, driving enthusiasts, thrill-seekers
Stops Along the Pig Trail
- Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: Awe-inspiring big cat preserve
- McIlroy State Game Management Area: Wildlife viewing, hiking
- Withrow Springs State Park: Hiking, camping, natural springs
- Pig Trail Falls: Scenic waterfall, photo opportunity
- Quaint Small Towns: Local character, dining stops
Name Origin: Most agree the byway got its name as a popular back-roads route for transporting pigs to market, though the exact history remains charmingly mysterious.
Highway 21: The Most Scenic Ozark Drive
Ponca to Clarksville via Highway 21
Highway 21 ranks as one of the area's most scenic drives, winding through valleys and across ridges with spectacular forest views. This route takes you south on Highway 23 to Ponca for a bathroom break at Ponca Outdoor Center, then south on Highway 21 to Clarksville.
Route Highlights:
- Ponca: Bathroom break, Ponca Outdoor Center
- Highway 21 South: Spectacular scenic drive through Ozark forests
- Lunch Stop: Oark Burger Co. in Clarksville
- Highway 123 Return: Another favorite road through mountain town of Jasper
- Jasper: Scenic mountain town, regrouping point
Best For: Full-day scenic drive, photography, nature lovers
Note: Long drive with options to split into fast and slow groups, regrouping in Jasper
Highway 62: The Arkansas Golden Gate
Eureka Springs to Beaver Lake Loop
Highway 62 provides a quick tour from Eureka Springs to Beaver Lake and back, featuring the section known as the Arkansas Golden Gate - a dramatic roadway offering spectacular views.
Route Details:
- Start: Eureka Springs
- Highlight: Arkansas Golden Gate section
- Destination: Beaver Lake scenic areas
- Return: Via "the racetrack" road to Berryville (won't race, but you'll see why it's called that)
- Lunch: Spot to be determined in Eureka Springs
Perfect For: Half-day drive, lake views, moderate curves
Highway 16: All-Day Ozark Adventure
Cross-Ozarks Journey
Looking for a day-long drive across the Ozarks on some of the most scenic back roads? Highway 16 takes you across the region, winding through valleys and across ridges with minimal services along the way.
Important Notes:
- Services: Don't expect much; leave with full tank of gas and plenty of snacks
- Duration: Full day drive
- Terrain: Valleys, ridges, continuous scenic views
- Best For: Experienced drivers, adventure seekers, full-day commitment
Additional Scenic Drive Options
Blanchard Caverns Drive
Scenic drive to Blanchard Springs Caverns and recreation area in a beautiful valley with guided cave tours available.
Highlight: Spectacular caves, valley scenery
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Drive to this National Military Park near the Missouri border, featuring a self-guided 7-mile, 10-stop tour road plus horse and hiking trails.
Features: Civil War history, scenic tour road
Railway Winery & Butler Creek Distilling
Scenic drive to local winery and distillery on State Highway 187.
Address: 4937 State Hwy 187, Eureka Springs
Planning Your Scenic Drive
Essential Tips
- Fuel Up: Fill tank before leaving; services sparse on scenic routes
- Bring Snacks: Limited food options on remote roads
- Check Weather: Mountain roads can be challenging in rain or fog
- Allow Extra Time: Curves and scenery slow travel; plan accordingly
- Camera Ready: Numerous photo opportunities; bring charged devices
- Respect Speed Limits: Enjoy curves safely; local law enforcement active
- Wildlife Awareness: Deer and other animals cross roads, especially dawn/dusk
Best Seasons for Scenic Drives
Fall (September-November)
Peak Season: Spectacular autumn foliage transforms forests into color explosions
Best Timing: Mid-October typically peak color
Expect: Heavy traffic on weekends, book lodging early
Spring (April-May)
Highlights: Wildflowers, fresh green foliage, waterfalls at peak flow
Weather: Mild temperatures, occasional rain
Crowds: Moderate, less than fall
Summer (June-August)
Benefits: Lush green forests, warm weather
Considerations: Heat, humidity; start drives early morning
Combining Drives with Attractions
Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast in downtown Eureka Springs
- 9:00 AM: Depart for Pig Trail Scenic Byway
- 10:00 AM: Stop at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (2-hour tour)
- 12:30 PM: Continue Pig Trail, lunch at small town along route
- 2:00 PM: Pig Trail Falls photo stop
- 3:30 PM: Return to Eureka Springs via Highway 62
- 5:00 PM: Rest at Victorian B&B
- 7:00 PM: Dinner in downtown Eureka Springs
Planning a Scenic Drive Event or Group Tour?
Rx Catering NWA provides exceptional catering for group drives, motorcycle rallies, and scenic tour events. From picnic lunches to full-service meals, we bring culinary excellence to your Ozark adventures.