Deep in the heart of America, a landscape of ancient mountains, rolling hills, and crystal-clear rivers awaits. This is the Ozarks, a sprawling highland region where the roads twist and turn through dense hardwood forests and open up to breathtaking vistas. A journey here is about slowing down, rolling the windows down, and letting the winding roads lead you to hidden waterfalls, charming small towns, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Discovering the Heart of the Highlands

The Ozark Mountains, stretching across parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, are one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. Unlike the sharp, jagged peaks of younger ranges, the Ozarks are gentle, weathered, and deeply carved by eons of wind and water. This geology has created a unique topography of steep hollows (pronounced "hollers"), limestone bluffs, and countless springs and caves.

For the traveler, this translates into a paradise for scenic drives. The roads here were built to follow the contours of the land, resulting in thrilling curves, switchbacks, and elevation changes. A road trip through the Ozarks is an immersive experience, a chance to connect with a landscape that feels both wild and welcoming.

Arkansas: The Natural State's Scenic Byways

The Arkansas Ozarks are particularly famous for their stunning beauty and well-maintained scenic drives. This is the perfect place to begin your winding road adventure.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 23)

This is arguably the most famous motorcycle and sports car road in the state. The Pig Trail Scenic Byway is a 19-mile stretch of Arkansas Highway 23 that corkscrews its way through the Boston Mountains. The road is a riot of tight curves and hairpin turns, shaded by a dense canopy of trees that forms a tunnel of green in the summer and a kaleidoscope of color in the fall.

Along the way, you'll find pull-offs for a quick photo and access to trailheads. The byway passes through the Ozark National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking and camping. For a refreshing stop, visit the Turner Bend store, a classic roadside stop where you can grab a snack and learn about floating the nearby Mulberry River.

Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway (Highway 21)

For a longer, more serene journey, the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway offers 35 miles of quintessential Ozark scenery. Running from the town of Clarksville north towards the Buffalo National River, this route showcases the region's rural character. You'll pass rolling pastures, old barns, and dense forests.

A must-see stop along this route is the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. A very short, easy walk from the parking area leads you to a beautiful waterfall cascading over a wide ledge into a clear pool. It's the perfect spot for a picnic or a quick, refreshing dip on a hot day.

Missouri: The Show-Me State's Hidden Gems

The Missouri Ozarks offer a different but equally captivating experience, with a focus on springs, rivers, and unique geological formations.

Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway

Located in the Mark Twain National Forest, the Glade Top Trail is unique. This 23-mile byway is a gravel road that runs along a series of narrow ridge tops, offering incredible panoramic views of the surrounding hills. It's a drive that makes you feel like you're on top of the world.

The landscape here is made up of "glades," which are open, rocky areas with desert-like plants such as prickly pear cactus and yucca, surrounded by oak and hickory forests. There are several overlooks along the trail, providing perfect spots to stop and soak in the 360-degree views. The best times to visit are spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom, and fall, for the spectacular foliage.

Highway 19

Often called one of the most beautiful drives in the state, Missouri Highway 19 winds its way through the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This road follows the path of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, two of the most pristine river systems in the country.

Your journey on Highway 19 should include stops at some of Missouri’s famous springs. Alley Spring, with its iconic red mill, is one of the most photographed spots in the state. Further south, Big Spring is one of the largest springs in the world, gushing out an average of 286 million gallons of water per day. The sheer volume of water bubbling up from the earth is an awesome sight to behold.

Beyond the Drive: Ozark Adventures and Eats

The winding roads are just the beginning. They are your pathway to the countless adventures that the Ozarks hold.

Hit the Hiking Trails

The Ozarks are a hiker's paradise, with trails for every skill level.

  • Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag): Located in Arkansas, this 3-mile roundtrip hike is one of the most famous in the Ozarks. It leads to a dramatic rock outcropping that resembles a hawk's beak, offering a breathtaking view of the Upper Buffalo Wilderness.
  • Glory Hole Falls Trail: This unique 1.8-mile trail in Arkansas leads to a waterfall that has drilled a hole through an overhanging bluff. After a good rain, water pours through the "glory hole" in a spectacular display.
  • Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: Hike to the highest point in Missouri and then continue on to Mina Sauk Falls, the state's tallest waterfall. The 3-mile loop trail is rugged and rocky but incredibly rewarding.

Savor the Local Flavors

Exploring the Ozarks also means tasting its comforting, down-to-earth food. The region's small towns are full of charming diners, cafes, and family-owned restaurants.

  • Look for Catfish: Fried catfish is a staple. Many local restaurants serve it up with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries.
  • Try a Plate Lunch: In many small-town diners, you'll find a "plate lunch" special, offering a hearty, home-cooked meal of meat and vegetables for a great price.
  • Don't Skip the Pie: Homemade pie is a point of pride in the Ozarks. Whether it's classic apple, pecan, or a regional specialty like buttermilk pie, be sure to save room for dessert. The Oark General Store, one of the oldest continuously operating stores in Arkansas, is a legendary spot for a burger and a slice of pie.

Tips for Your Ozark Road Trip

  • Timing is Everything: Spring brings wildflowers and flowing waterfalls. Summer is perfect for swimming and floating the rivers. Fall offers some of the most spectacular autumn foliage in the country, typically peaking in late October to early November.
  • Fuel Up: Gas stations can be few and far between on the more remote scenic byways. It's a good practice to top off your tank whenever you pass through a town.
  • Embrace No Service: Cell service is spotty to non-existent in many parts of the Ozark National Forest. Download your maps for offline use before you go, and enjoy the opportunity to disconnect.
  • Watch for Wildlife: The roads are shared with deer, turkey, and other wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously and be prepared to stop.

A trip through the Ozarks is a journey back to a simpler time. It’s about the thrill of a curvy road, the peace of a quiet forest, and the charm of a friendly small town. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best destinations are found not by taking the fastest route, but by choosing the one that winds.