The Pig Trail, officially designated as Arkansas Scenic Byway 23, earned its distinctive name from two primary reasons: its historical use as a popular route for University of Arkansas Razorback football fans and its incredibly winding, serpentine path that resembles the curly tail of a wild hog.
Understanding the Name: Two Key Explanations
The moniker "Pig Trail" is deeply rooted in both local culture and the unique geography of the road itself. These dual origins contribute to the trail's legendary status among travelers and sports enthusiasts alike.
The Razorback Football Connection
One widely accepted explanation for the name stems from the intense passion for University of Arkansas Razorback football.
- This portion of Arkansas Highway 23 served as a popular back-road route for fans traveling from various parts of the state into Fayetteville, the home of the Razorbacks, on game days.
- The term "Pig" directly refers to the University of Arkansas's mascot, the Razorback hog. Thus, the "Pig Trail" became synonymous with the journey to support the beloved team. For more on the team, you can visit the University of Arkansas Razorbacks official athletics website.
The Winding Road's Resemblance
The other compelling explanation for the name is purely descriptive of the road's physical characteristics.
- The Pig Trail is renowned for its extremely twisty and winding nature, featuring numerous sharp curves, hairpin turns, and elevation changes as it navigates through the Ozark Mountains.
- Travelers often note that the road's contorted path is as curvy and unpredictable as the tail of a wild hog, providing a memorable and challenging drive. This visual analogy vividly captures the essence of the byway's design.
The Dual Origins of the Pig Trail Name
To summarize the two reasons:
| Aspect | Description | Relevance to Name |
|---|---|---|
| Football Fan Route | A traditional, popular back-road used by fans heading to the University of Arkansas's football games in Fayetteville. | "Pig" refers to the Razorbacks, making it the "trail" to see the "pigs" play. |
| Road Characteristics | The road's highly winding, twisting, and serpentine path through the Ozark Mountains, offering a challenging and scenic drive. | Resembles the tightly curled or "piggy" tail of a wild hog, descriptive of the road's physical appearance and challenging nature. |
Whether you're a sports fan heading to a game or a scenic drive enthusiast, the Pig Trail offers a unique experience. Its fame extends beyond its challenging curves, embodying a piece of Arkansas's cultural and natural heritage. To explore other scenic routes in the state, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism provides resources.
