Posted in Arkansas Trips October 01, 2021 Sponsored by Nissan

Everyone Should Take This Exhilarating Adventure To Some Of Arkansas’ Best Hidden Gems

There’s no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in Arkansas. (It is the Natural State, after all!) However, there’s no denying that one of the best ways to experience the state’s unsurpassed scenic beauty and natural gems is the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. Winding through the Boston and Ozark Mountains, the byway showcases some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Arkansas. Great destinations are just as plentiful. So, gas up the car (preferably one with off-roading capabilities), and prepare for an off-the-paved-path adventure like no other!

Here’s the link to an interactive Google Map that will serve as your navigator for this epic journey.

Don’t let the name fool you; the 19-mile Pig Trail Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful byways in the nation.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway/TripAdvisor
Hop in the car and prepare for a roller coaster of a route, as the scenic byway, which follows Arkansas Highway 23, twists and turns through the rugged and forested terrain of the Boston Mountains region of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains, passing by a top-notch state park, great off-roading opportunities, and tons of natural gems, including waterfalls, the Mulberry River, and the Ozarks Highland Trail.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas, USA
Our first stop is Devil’s Den State Park, where you’ll find the country’s largest sandstone crevice area.
swotsisters/Flickr
Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas, USA
That’s not its only claim to fame, though. The park is also one of the most intact Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) sites in the nation, something you can see for yourself when exploring the park’s trails and buildings, including the original cabins.
alliecat1881/Flickr
Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas, USA
If you only hike one trail, make it the Devil’s Den Lake Loop. A quick and easy trek with a big payoff, it’s just 0.8 miles and leads to one of the park’s most famous sites – a rock dam.
Jonathan Ball/Flickr
For a more challenging trek, check out Devil’s Den Trail. It’s just 1.5 miles, but it’s jam-packed with rugged beauty. Some of its best features include Devil’s Den Cave, Devil’s Ice Box, Twin Falls, Cold Springs, and more.
Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas, USA
When you’re finished exploring Devil’s Den State Park, gear up for an off-the-paved-path adventure on the Buckhorn Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail!
William Rack/Google
The 60-mile trail system will lead you on an unforgettable off-road excursion through the Boston Mountains.
Buckhorn Off-Highway Vehicle Trail, 18896-19454 N Lee Creek Rd, Chester, AR 72934, USA
Along the way, you’ll encounter varying terrain, including clay, dirt, and rocky areas, which is why this adventure is best enjoyed in a 4x4 vehicle, like the Nissan Frontier.
Nissan USA
View a map of the Buckhorn OHV Trail here.
Buckhorn Off-Highway Vehicle Trail, 18896-19454 N Lee Creek Rd, Chester, AR 72934, USA
Next stop, the historic Turner Bend Store. Here you can fuel up and stock up on everything from homemade sandwiches to souvenirs.
turnerbend.com
It’s also an outfitter that rents everything you need for a leisurely ride down the scenic Mulberry River.
Turner Bend Store, 20034 AR-23, Ozark, AR 72949, USA
Once you’ve finished filling up your car and your belly, hop back in your car and continue your journey along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway to Mulberry Mountain Lodging and Events.
Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events/Facebook
A 650-acre resort, it’s centered around Mulberry Mountain, which boasts an array of recreational opportunities throughout the seasons. ATV and UTV trails are among the region’s best perks, which means you’ll want to hitch a trailer to your Frontier and load up your 4-wheeler.
Wrap up your ride on the Pig Trail Scenic Byway at Ozark Highlands Trail.
Oakley Originals/Flickr
Ozark National Forest, Arkansas 72752, USA
A great place to get out and stretch your legs, the trail extends from one end of the Ozark National Forest to the other. It’s touted as one of the most scenic treks in the U.S. – and rightfully so.
Crystal Faunt/AllTrails
Endless beauty abounds along the entire trail. In the Boston Mountains segment, some can’t-miss sights include Haw Creek Falls, Slot Rock, and Cedar Creek Pool.
Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Boasting valley floor views, mountaintop vistas, and everything in between, Pig Trail Scenic Byway is a twisting, turning, and thrilling adventure like no other.
Arkansas State Tourism/Facebook
Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas, USA

Well, what do you think? Are you ready to embark on this off-the-paved-path adventure? We thought so! Remember, these are just a portion of the great stops along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. Other notable points of interest include Headquarters House, which served as a Union headquarters during the Civil War, and Hugo’s House, a basement-based hole-in-the-wall known for its burgers, homemade fries, and beer cheese soup.