Tale of the Pig Trail

When you think of Texas, longhorns, cowboy boots, and horses come to mind. When you think of Arkansas, pigs are on the list. Arkansas’ Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 23) is listed as one of the best motorcycle routes in Arkansas among many strong contenders. It is located in the Ozark Mountains, one of two major mountain ranges in Arkansas.

So why call it the Pig Trail? Well, you guessed it… feral pigs roamed the area. However, that is not the only reason. The twists and turns of the Pig Trail resemble that of the curl of a pig's tail, and the road is a popular cut-through for Razorback fans heading to Fayetteville for a football game.

To date, we have ridden the Pig Trail three times in three different months: September, November, and March. There is no doubt we will ride it again because I really want to see the fall leaves before they fall and the wildflowers in bloom in the spring. I think October and May rides may be on our agenda.

Our first trip was in September of 2020. I remember it well because I was having surgery the next week, and it would be the last trip for a while. The Pig Trail is 19 miles through the Boston and Ozark Mountains, complete with steep inclines and sharp curves. Turner Bend is a popular start/stop location and an opportunity to get a snack. There are usually quite a few motorcycles there, no matter the month.

If in the area, don't miss Scenic Highway 7. It is 290 miles long and goes through four different geographic regions complete with mountains, rolling hills, forests, and river valleys. It goes through both the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains and runs north to south from the Louisiana border almost into Missouri. We were caught in a hailstorm once but were able to seek protection under trees. Our second ride on the Pig Trail was in November after the leaves had fallen and after a rain. It was quite slippery! I am good with never doing that again.

Arkansas Dragon's Tail

Our third Pig Trail ride was with another couple in March. We made a stop at Turner’s Bend, of course. In March, everything still looks brown from the winter. I really want to experience spring! It was also during this trip that we rode the Arkansas Dragon’s Tail, a 144-mile route with over 100 switchbacks! Thrill seekers, this one does not disappoint.

As a Texan, I do not raise longhorns, wear cowboy boots, or ride a horse, just as Arkansas has much more to offer than all things related to pigs. Arkansas has a great number of beautiful rides as well as the luxury of Hot Springs, the uniqueness of Eureka Springs, and a great food stop in Huntsville (Granny's Kitchen). If you are there, check out the Pig Trail, the Arkansas Dragon, and Highway 7 Scenic Byway. Arkansas will leave you wanting to come back for more.

The Blonde Backpack