Scenic Drives Through the Ozark Mountains 2026

Scenic Drives Through the Ozark Mountains. What is it about exchanging the droning buzz of the highway for a ribbon of winding blacktop that drapes over the sides of ancient , wooded peaks? The air immediately feels fresher , the vistas open up and with every curve and the stresses of daily life seem to melt away.

If it is the pure unplugging you are after to be fully enveloped by nature in all its raw glory , there is no better way to achieve it than a road trip through the heartland of America specifically , a scenic drive through the legendary Ozark Mountains.

The Ozarks, otherwise known as the Ozark Plateau, sprawl across the southern portion of Missouri and northern Arkansas (and a small portion of Oklahoma and Kansas) and is considered by many, both drivers and hikers alike, a premier natural wonder of the Midwest. The ancient, weathered range has been shaped by water and time into a beautiful , ridged , forested topography and it is precisely these stunning Ozark Mountain scenic drives that will guide you into its soul. You’ll leave the hustle and bustle and get right to the “Natural State.” Read on to discover our favorite Ozark mountain scenic roads, whether you are seeking a drive that will test your road handling or simply to relax and enjoy some beautiful autumn leaves. Time to get you on the road! Scenic Drives Through.

The Legends : Arkansas’s Most Celebrated Byways

The subject of any scenic drives through the Ozarks is inevitably the state of Arkansas. The Ozark state has done a very respectable job in promoting its byways with several of their scenic routes having attained a semi-mythic status with drivers and leaf-watchers alike. Scenic Drives Through.

The Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Arkansas 23)

19 miles of road with plenty of attitude We’ll get started with some highway that has its own unique character. Arkansas 23 officially the ‘Pig Trail Scenic Byway’ is a 19-mile strip through the heart of the Boston Mountains. The name alone conjures images, likely derived from the very tight and curvy road and from its use as a traditional route for Arkansas Razorback fans going to games.

• The Drive : This drive is not for the timid ; it is a tight, twisty affair that requires a great deal of concentration. You will have a chance to take on hair pin turns , take on steep inclines , which makes this road a favorite of motorcycles and sports car owners alike . The road has been carved so deeply into the forest that the trees in the summer form a green asphalt tunnel . Come fall it explodes in red oranges , yellows and greens.
• Where to Stop: Turner Bend is the iconic spot. Part general store, canoe rental facility and campground; it’s on the banks of the Mulberry River. Don’t miss a visit to the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area. This will require navigating down a forest road but the payoff is worth it: a 2,260 foot peak with a 2.1 mile Rim Walk trail and arguably the best panoramic view in the entire Ozarks! Scenic Drives Through.
• Pro Tip: Consider your vehicle’s ability. If you’re traveling with an RV or a trailer this road can be a bit tricky. Also, keep your gas tank filled and your camera charged. Scenic Drives Through.

Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway

If the Pig Trail is the rebellious child of Scenic drives, then the Scenic 7 Byway is its elderly father. It was the state’s first designated Scenic Byway and still ranks among the “Top 10 Most Scenic Drives in America”. Though it’s quite the distance more than 290 miles from Louisiana’s edge to the Missouri state line we’re most concerned with a 60-mile stretch through the Ozark National Forest . Scenic Drives Through.

• The Drive : This route offers a more mellow drive than the Pig Trail with sweeping , natural curves and incredible views of the craggy mountains and terrain . When you drive north from the town of Russellville you leave the river valley and make your way up into the Boston mountain’s and a realm of high bluffs and narrow canyons . Scenic Drives Through.
• Where to Stop : Check out the Rotary Ann Overlook for some incredible views it’s a local favorite for good reason. Enjoy dinner at the Cliff House Inn near Jasper , perched right on a cliff top and offering literally “dining on the edge,” complete with panoramic views over what is commonly referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Arkansas.” The byway is also the gateway to Arkansas’s highest point in Mount Magazine State Park as well as Mount Nebo State Park. Scenic Drives Through.
• Pro Tip : This road makes for an excellent multi day excursion . Take a dip in the thermal waters of Hot Springs National Park on the southern end of the byway or book a room in a cabin in the mountains near Jasper for some relaxation time . Scenic Drives Through.

Beyond the Big Names : Discovering the Hidden Gems

Those scenic routes are just the starting point. The best way to truly understand the Ozarks is to leave the paved road and wander down those peaceful , backwoods routes that the local travelers enjoy. Scenic Drives Through.

The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (Arkansas 21)

Even though AR-7 often garners much of the attention, its shy cousin , the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway , is the AR-21. This35 mile drive travels north from Clarksville across the Boston Mountains towards the Buffalo National River. Scenic Drives Through.

• The Drive : “Highlands route” means the road takes you along the ridgelines with views overlooking the Arkansas River Valley. It will take you through small villages such as Ozone and Fall Seville and will provide you with a glimpse into the remoteness of this region and the life that its inhabitants lead. It’s also a main travel corridor for locals, so expect a more genuine and less touristy feel compared to other routes.
• Where to stop: Don’t miss the Red Lick Country Store for gas and what are arguably the best pulled pork sandwiches in the area. Scenic Drives Through.
• This local watering hole and country store is a popular local hang out.
• Insider’s Tip: Be prepared to travel with fewer resources bring water, food and a full tank of gas, since this is a less traveled road. Enjoy looking for white tail deer, wild turkey and even black bear as you take in this stunning drive. Scenic Drives Through.

Push Mountain Road (Arkansas 341)

Alright, motorheads, this one is for you. Even though it is not exactly a “long” byway, the Push Mountain Road (AR-341) is a road worth visiting in and of itself. If you are getting a little bored and you want something different and Push Mountain is not as crowded on the weekend as Pig Trail. You will be interested to find that it runs between the area towns of Mountain Home and Yellville. This is also a favorite route for motorcyclist; especially for those who like their “high speed turns”! Scenic Drives Through.

• The Drive: This road navigates the Ozark National Forest and will put you through a non stop, twisty onslaught you might just recognize if you’re a rally fan. Scenic Drives Through.
• Where to Stop: This is largely a “point A to point B” kind of road, but you can create a gargantuan loop from the town of Mountain Home. Link with AR-7 and this makes for a great driving day. Scenic Drives Through.
• Pro Tip: Carry a radar detector if it pleases you and watch for loose gravel. Drive within your skill level at all times. Scenic Drives Through.

Exploring the “Forgotten Corner”: Scenic Drives in the Oklahoma Ozarks

Many people think of the Ozarks when they imagine Missouri and Arkansas . Because of this many call this piece of Oklahoma the “Forgotten Corner.” … This stretch of land is a real discovery scenic drives with a touch of history to them. Scenic Drives Through.

The Illinois River Corridor

Northeastern Oklahoma’s Ozarks are defined by clear rivers and rugged forested canyons. While there isn’t a single “scenic byway” sign posted, the drive along the Illinois River (Highway 10 between Tahlequah and the Arkansas state line) is a spectacular scenic route through the Cherokee Nation . Scenic Drives Through.

• The Drive : The road hugs the crystal clear , spring fed Illinois River, a nationally designated Scenic River . You’ll drive past dramatic limestone bluffs and thick hardwood forests with plenty of places to pull over and gaze out over the water. Scenic Drives Through.
• Where to Stop : Spend time in Tahlequah , the capital of the Cherokee Nation. It’s a town rich in history with the Cherokee National Capitol building and fascinating museums . For an out of the way adventure, explore Lake Tenkiller known locally as “Oklahoma’s Caribbean” for its incredible water clarity . Scenic Drives Through.
• Pro Tip : This is the perfect route to combine driving with water activities. In the summer, plan a day to float the river in a kayak or canoe ; in the cooler months , the hiking around Lake Tennille is exceptional. Scenic Drives Through.

Hit the Trails : Where to Stretch Your Legs on Your Ozark Road Trip

Driving through is a good way to see the country but if you want to fully appreciate the Ozarks, get out and stretch your legs. Ozark country has thousands of miles of hiking and walking trails; quite a few start right off of one of the drives listed above.

• Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas: This is heaven if you love to hike. Close to the southern tip of the Pig Trail, Yellow Rock Trail takes you up to a bluff 300 ft in height for vast valley views. Over 60 miles of hiking trails wait for you here.
• Buffalo National River Trail: Whether from the Scenic 7 Byway or Ozark Highlands Byway, the hiking near the Buffalo River is unparalleled.
• The Twin Falls Trail near Ponca is fairly easy but pays off with waterfalls aplenty and it’s great to swim at in the summer.
• Sam’s Throne & Pedestal Rocks: Near Pelsor just off Highway 7, these natural rock formations give access to short and daring hikes up to massive flat rock tops for Instagram able , dizzying views.
• Pam’s Grotto: For the true adventurous type , Pam’s Grotto is one of the best kept secrets in the Ozarks. The .8 mile trail just off Hwy 123 is tough and boulder covered but rewards you with a beautiful 37ft waterfall cascading into a mossy cavern. Local efforts to hide this one fail regularly.

Also Read : The Best Waterfalls to Visit in Washington State 2026

When to Go : The Best Seasons for an Ozark Road Trip

The beauty of the Ozarks is that there’s a “right” season for everyone.

• Fall: Superstar. One reason Ozarks are legendary is for “exquisite autumn colors” brilliant red, orange and yellow popping out at you against blue sky. Pig Trail, Scenic 7 ( and others, too ) get quite crowded for good reason.
• Summer: “Natural tunnel” green canopies overhead, creeks and rivers scream to be swum or floated.
• If you can stand the heat and don’t mind hiking the first half of your day.
• Spring: Waterfalls are gushing, the hillside is painted pink and white by redbuds and dogwoods; wildflower season at full tilt. Winter: Trees are nude, offering stunning rock outcroppings, distance views previously hidden and generally a very peaceful, stark kind of beauty.

Conclusion

It’s no surprise that the scenic drives through the Ozarks Mountains are known not just by locals but by road-trippers around the world. Whether it’s the twisting, nerve-wracking curves of the Pig Trail or the wide-ranging vistas from the Scenic 7 Byway, the connection to nature that these roads offer simply can’t be found from a four lane highway. But beyond the breathtaking vistas lies the unique charm of the Ozarks abandoned towns, local country stores and an escape to an America of another era.

What are you waiting for? Take a look at these scenic drives and begin planning your itinerary , pack up your car , prepare the ultimate playlist, bring your camera and have an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)