Arkansas Highway 23 (AR 23) is a north–south state highway in north Arkansas. The route runs 133.9 mi from U.S. Route 71 (US 71) north of Elm Park north to the Missouri state line through Ozark and Eureka Springs. Between Highway 16 at Brashears and Interstate 40 (I-40) north of Ozark, Highway 23 winds through the Ozark National Forest and is designated as the Pig Trail Scenic Byway due to its steep hills and hairpin turns. The route has a strong connection with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, connecting fans in Central Arkansas with the Northwest Arkansas area.

Route description

Highway 23 begins at US 71 north of Elm Park and runs northeast to Booneville. The route intersects Highway 116 south of Booneville then crosses Highway 10 in Booneville before continuing north into Franklin County. Highway 23 travels through the Ouachita National Forest, winding through mountains and through thick woods. Highway 23 eventually meets Highway 22 in Caulksville and Highway 41 near Chismville after which the route runs north across the Arkansas River to Ozark. Highway 23 meets US 64 in downtown Ozark and I-40 north of town. The route next enters Ozark National Forest. Highway 23 meets Highway 16 north of the forest west St. Paul where the two roads run concurrent. Northeast of St Paul, Highway 23 and Highway 16 split and Highway 23 continues north through Madison County, meeting Highway 74 south of Huntsville and US 412B in Huntsville. North of town, Highway 23 crosses US 412. Highway 23 next passes Withrow Springs State Park, Highway 127 and Highway 12 before intersecting US 62 in Eureka Springs. Highway 23 and US 62 have a short concurrency before 23 turns north, passing Highway 187 near Holiday Island before terminating at the Missouri state line, where it continues as Supplemental Route P.

Major intersections

Mile markers reset at some concurrencies.

Huntsville city route

Arkansas Highway 23C (AR 23C) is an unsigned city route in Huntsville. The route is 0.23 mi beginning at Highway 23. It travels north and turns east, continuing west as US 412B. After briefly traveling to the east, the highway terminates at Highway 23 near the beginning of a concurrency with US 412B.

Highway 23W

Arkansas Highway 23W (AR 23W) is a 2.65 mi long north–south loop west of Highway 23 in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Arkansas. Its southern terminus is at Highway 23 south of Withrow Springs State Park. Its northern terminus is at an intersection with Highway 23 just south of Highway 127 at Forum, 7 mi north of Huntsville. The highway serves as the primary north-south access road to the state park.