Best Autumn Drives #3 - Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas

Ozark Mountains of Arkansas

Continuing our look (not in any particular order) of some of the best autumn drives in the South, this post focuses on the famed Pig Trail Scenic Byway in Arkansas.
So named because it is used as a short cut by many fans on their way to University of Arkansas Razorbacks football games on weekends in the fall, the Pig Trail passes through some of the prettiest scenery in the Ozarks.

The Pig Trail actually originated as a winding trail that provided foot access for ancient Indian hunters as they made their way into the mountains of the Ozarks from the Arkansas River Valley. When French hunters and trappers arrived in Arkansas during the 1600s, they discovered this path and used it as well. In fact, they gave the name Aux Arcs (which has been corrupted in English to "Ozarks") to the wide bend of the river at the point it is intersected by the trail. This is now the site of the town of Ozark.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway

In later years, the trail was used by early settlers of the mountains and later by Union and Confederate soldiers, as well as the riders of the vicious guerrilla bands that infested the region, during the Civil War.

The mountains surrounding the Pig Trail became part of the Ozark National Forest when it was established in the early 1900s and over the years the road became a favorite way to access the mountains and the beautiful Mulberry River area. The National Forest Service designated it as a scenic byway and today it provides a way for visitors to explore a stunning area of mountains, valleys, wild rivers and waterfalls.

To learn more about the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, please follow this link: http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/pigtrail.html.

Claybank Church - Ozark, Alabama

One of the most unique historic sites in the South is located just off U.S. Highway 231 in Ozark, Alabama.

Built in 1852, historic Claybank Church is one of the last standing antebellum log churches in Alabama. Its hand hewn log walls remain remarkably preserved and the interior of the structure has been restored to give visitors a chance to walk into the past and see the environment in which our ancestors worshipped.

Although it was not originally affiliated with a denomination, the Claybank Church eventually became a Methodist congregation. It survived the destruction of the guerrilla war that took place in South Alabama from 1863-1865 during the final years of the Civil War and remained in use until a new sanctuary was built for the congregation during the 20th century.

In addition to the church itself, this remarkable historic site includes the old Claybank Cemetery, where the resting places of many of South Alabama's early pioneers can be seen. Both Confederate and Union soldiers from the Civil War are buried there.

To learn more about Claybank Church, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/claybankchurch.