Ozark Highlands is in northwest Arkansas about 60 miles east of Fort Smith. Southern access is east of Clarksville off US 64. The byway heads north for 45 miles and officially ends at the Ozark National Forest boundary, north of Mossville. Ozark Highlands follows AR 21, a two-lane paved road safe for travel by all types of vehicles. The highway usually remains open year-round.
The Ozark Highlands scenic drive cuts across the Boston Mountains as it winds through Ozark National Forest. Blanketing the byway are large stands of hardwood forest, primarily oak and hickory, with scattered areas of native shortleaf pine. Scenic vistas along the route provide outstanding views of the tree-covered mountains.
Lying near the byway’s northern end is the 10,500-acre Upper Buffalo Wilderness with the headwaters of the Buffalo River running through the heart of the area. This wilderness area provides solitude and excellent back country hiking and camping opportunities.
For those interested in a more “civilized” setting, the national forest has developed several campgrounds within the forest. Ozone recreation area is located just off the byway and has eight camping units suitable for tents or recreational vehicles. The park also has drinking water, chemical toilets, and picnic tables. This area was originally the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the late 1930s and early 1940s. There are several other developed camping areas throughout the forest that are shown on the map.
Ozark Highlands Trail may be accessed from the Ozark recreation area. This 160-mile trail cuts across the national forest from west to east. Wildlife is abundant in this area. Keep your eyes on the lookout for mule deer and wild turkey. Black bear also inhabit the region. Occasionally bald eagles and golden eagles are also seen.