Take A Drive On These 9 Scenic Byways In Arkansas For Unforgettable Views

Feel like catching some nature, but too tired to take a hike? Well, the Natural State has the cure. You can take some of the best scenic drives in Arkansas from your car, or better yet, the back of your motorcycle. We've got a number of gorgeous state and national byways where you can satisfy your taste for natural beauty without having to lace up your hiking boots. Here are nine of the most beautiful drives in Arkansas:

1. Pig Trail Scenic Byway

The Pig Trail, also known as Arkansas Highway 23, is one of the most beautiful drives in Arkansas. It's definitely one you don't want to miss. It winds from Elm Park in central Arkansas through the Ozarks, and then goes all the way to the Missouri state line. Whether you're in a car or on a bike, this trip allows for some spectacular views of the most scenic places in Arkansas. You can find out more information about the 19-mile Pig Trail at the Arkansas website.

2. Boston Mountains Scenic Loop

The Boston Mountains are the highest section of the Ozarks. The Boston Mountains Scenic Loop will take you from the small town of Alma all the way to Fayetteville. Both Highway 71 and I-49 are considered part of this loop, as well as sections of Highway 282. Between the two main roads, Highway 71 has more twists and turns, but it also lacks the traffic flow of the much more congested I-49. You can find out more information on the Arkansas website.

3. Talimena Scenic Drive

The Talimena Scenic Drive actually begins in southeastern Oklahoma, on Oklahoma State Highway 1, to be exact. Most of the route, however, is on Arkansas Highway 88. It runs through the Ouachita Mountains and Ouachita National Forest, all the way to the town of Mena. The 54-mile journey is so popular it even has a website with merchandise.

4. Mount Magazine Scenic Byway

The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway is one of the best scenic drives in Arkansas. It's a section of Arkansas Highway 309 that goes from the town of Havana to just south of Paris. It's about 20 miles of gorgeous, winding road that passes right by Mount Magazine, the highest point of elevation in Arkansas. Get more information about this popular drive at the Arkansas website.

5. Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway

The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway is actually a 35-mile section of Arkansas Highway 21. It begins at Clarksville and runs to the Buffalo National River in Boxley. Whether you're headed to the Buffalo River or White River (or just driving aimlessly!), this is a wonderful route to take. More information can be found on the Arkansas website.

6. National Scenic 7 Byway

If you take Scenic Highway 7, you'll get to see some of the most scenic places in Arkansas. While driving from the Louisiana border to Missouri, you'll go through the heart of the Natural State, seeing both the Ozarks and the Ouachitas. The portion designated as a state scenic byway begins at the Louisiana state line and ends just north of Harrison, Arkansas. There's more information at the Arkansas website.

7. Interstate 530 Scenic Byway

Tired of mountains yet? Fifteen miles of Interstate 530 have been designated a state scenic byway. These 15 miles run between AR-256 in White Hall to Route 65 in Pine Bluff. This highway takes you through some pretty incredible wetlands. You'll pass through the Mississippi Alluvial Plain and over Bayou Bartholomew. You can view a map at the Arkansas Department of Transportation website.

8. Crowley’s Ridge Parkway

Crowley's Ridge Parkway is a National Scenic Byway that leads travelers through the St. Francis National Forest and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. It runs right along the back of Crowley's Ridge. It begins at Helena-West Helena by the Missisippi River and continues into southern Missouri near the town of Kennett. Crowley's Ridge Parkway is a 198-mile collection of roads instead of just one, so you should probably bring along a map. More information is available at the Arkansas website.

9. Great River Road National Scenic Byway

This one's actually not just in Arkansas. The All-American Road in Arkansas (and several other states) is also called the Great River Road . The full road extends all the way from Louisiana to Minnesota, along the course of the mighty Mississippi River. The Arkansas section begins at the Louisiana border on US Highway 65 and ends at the Arkansas state line on Highway 61 to Missouri. This portion will take you from the delta into the mountains, so you'll see some of the most scenic places in Arkansas. This is another collection of roads and some pass through residential areas. The Arkansas website has a map and additional information about this beautiful 391-mile trip.

Is your favorite of the best scenic drives in Arkansas listed here? If not, tell us where to drive in the comments.