7 Most Scenic Drives in The Ozarks

The Ozark Mountains are a beautiful sight to behold. Located in the South Central US, the mountains extend from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Arkansas River. With an area of about 50,000 square miles, the Ozark Mountains are characterized by a heavily forested and rugged topography. The highest peaks are located in the area of the Boston Mountains in Arkansas. In Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain has the tallest peak at 1,772 feet. The region is known for its many underground streams and springs. Rivers such as the White, Black, Osage, and Gasconade traverse the landscape, making the Ozark Mountains an ideal location to see the sights and beauty of the changing seasons.

Boston Mountain Scenic Loop

The Boston Mountain Scenic Loop, US-71 and I-49, consists of 38 miles on I-49 and 42 miles on US-71. Typical of a mountain drive, the loop has many twists and turns. A drive along US-71 greets you with a two-lane road that winds past several towns and is lined with small houses that are visible from the road. Majestic towering trees change color during the fall season and add to the beauty of the drive. The ideal route for a slow-paced drive is on US-71. A faster route along I-49 presents drivers with towering trees beside the interstate highway and rising bluffs. Along I-49, a drive through Bobby Hopper Tunnel is a delight. Shopping along the loop is plentiful, and hiking opportunities are available at the north end of the loop at Kessler Mountain Regional Park. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville is one stop along the route you do not want to miss. Nature enthusiasts will also enjoy Devil’s Den State Park, which has hiking, backpacking, and biking trails.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway/Arkansas 23

This 19-mile scenic drive is an excellent way to see spring, summer, and fall foliage at its finest. During the spring, wildflowers are vibrant and abundant. In the fall, a vibrant array of colors adorns the landscape. Regardless of the season, the route is mostly a two-lane blacktop with plenty of natural beauty. Brilliant trees line both sides of the road, creating a natural tunnel in some areas. The Mulberry River is visible from the road to the south as it twists and turns through the landscape. Road warriors who need to rest can stop at Pig Trail Lodging and RV Park along the route or at Turner Bend in Ozark, Arkansas. Be sure to stop at the Ozark Scenic Overlook along the route, where drivers can pull off the road and take in the region's stunning mountainous beauty. The overlook features tree-covered mountain ridges with a valley below. Nearby, in the wet seasons, you can also make a pit stop at Pig Trail Falls.

Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway/Arkansas 21

This scenic byway is located in the forested Boston Mountains. The White, Buffalo, and Mulberry Rivers are some of the beautiful natural features you'll pass by along the route. The byway stretches 35 miles from Arkansas 21 north of Clarksville and continues until Arkansas 43, where it exits the forested area by the Buffalo National River. Along the way, drivers will see houses, farms, and hay bales on the mostly flat terrain. Near Clarksville, the two-lane road runs alongside a pedestrian bridge over Dicks Branch waterway, off Lake Ludwig.

From the road, drivers can see Lake Ludwig nestled among tall oaks and sycamore trees. Outdoor recreation activities, including swimming, fishing, and picnicking, are available around the lake. Travelers will enjoy a stop at Red Lick Country Store, where you can purchase gas and a delicious pulled pork sandwich. For those who want to venture off-road, Clarksville is the place. A stop at the Shabby Pig boutique is a great place to purchase unique clothing, accessories, and jewelry.

Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway

The Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway is a 290-mile byway that stretches through the state of Arkansas from the Louisiana state line to the Missouri state line. Travelers can begin the route on the south end near El Dorado. The scenery features rolling hills along a two-lane road that curves with the terrain. The route enters the Ouachita Mountains and crosses the Ouachita River. As you cross over the Central Avenue bridge near Lake Hamilton, the view from all angles is breathtaking. Houses and condos dot the shoreline, and the river gleams a vibrant blue.

Around this time, hungry travellers can stop at Fisherman's Wharf Steak & Seafood for a bite. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood, steaks, and cocktails and boasts an amazing view. There is plenty to do along the route, including shopping, dining, and lodging. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and horseback riding, in the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark National Forest. During the fall, the colorful landscape is an excellent backdrop for enjoying the beauty of the Ozarks.

Mount Magazine Scenic Byway/Arkansas 309

Who wouldn’t enjoy 45 miles of nature’s beauty on display? The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway is an excellent opportunity for travel enthusiasts to enjoy the tranquility and abundance of nature from the comfort of their car. The byway twists and turns over hilly and flat terrain, displaying an abundance of trees. Along the way, shopping, lodging, and dining are available in Paris. Heading southeast from Paris along the route leads to the Scenic ViewPoint-Cove Lake Recreation Area. The stop provides an opportunity for drivers to pull safely off the road and take photos of the scenery and Cove Lake.

Further south, Mount Magazine State Park is another excellent stop along the route. The park is home to the highest peak in Arkansas, Mount Magazine, which soars 2,753 feet. It is also known as a place for relaxation and exploration. Located within the park is the Skycrest Restaurant, an excellent stop for comfort food in a rustic setting. For those who prefer to stay in their car, the tree-lined roads through Mount Magazine offer a stunning display of colors and impressive tree-lined streets.

Ozark Mountain Highroad

This short and sweet route is only seven miles long and starts or ends with easy access to Branson attractions. Travelers will enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, featuring rivers and majestic forests. Along the route, you may also spot wildlife like a turkey or deer. The byway runs along State Highway 465 between Highway 76 and U.S. Route 65. The roadway is full of hills, and numerous varieties of trees can be seen from the road, including oak, pine, sycamore, and cottonwood.

Watch out, as the route is also a popular destination for cyclists and runners who enjoy the magnificent views along the climb. Road warriors interested in a stop in Branson will find plenty to do, including the Titanic Museum and the Branson Dinosaur Museum. The Dinosaur Museum is ideal for the young and young at heart, with many dinosaur displays and habitat exhibits. The Titanic Museum is an interactive attraction retelling the stories of those who experienced the famous voyage.

Ozark Run Scenic Byway

Fondly known as Missouri’s newest official scenic byway, Ozark Run is 78 miles long and passes through the towns of Caledonia, Pilot Knob, Ironton, and Arcadia. The byway begins at the Big River near Washington State Park and runs along State Highway 21. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, bicycling, swimming, fishing, and camping. Near Caledonia, the road is mostly flat and offers a distant view of the mountains. A stop in Caledonia is great for history lovers as the village offers a walking tour of the Historic District that includes 33 homes and buildings. Driving through the towns of Pilot Knob, Ironton, and Arcadia is also a delight. The area encompasses pristine rivers, creeks, and forests in the Arcadia Valley. There are plenty of places to eat, including Checos, featuring authentic Tex-Mex, and The Iron Mule, which has pizza, sandwiches, gumbo, and po'boys.

Any time of year is ideal to visit the Ozark Mountains. For road warriors, history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers, the Ozark Mountains offer a plethora of activities and attractions. These scenic byways are a great way to enjoy the region's natural beauty from the comfort of your car while exploring the many towns it has to offer. So hop in the car, buckle up, and prepare for a drive you won't regret.