Drives Arkansas The Ozarks: Arkansas and Missouri
Highway 21: Clarksville to Ponca
AR 21, AR 43, AR 16 · Clarksville → Ponca
The drive
Highway 21 runs north from US 64 at Clarksville toward the Missouri line, and this drive follows it for 48.6 miles into the Buffalo River country. It is rated Sweeping: mostly gentle curves, with one twisty stretch near the end. It passes Ozone, then Fallsville, where Highway 21 shares pavement with Highway 16.
The road is part of the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, which Arkansas designated in 2005 and which runs from Clarksville to near Boxley. The drive finishes where Highway 21 meets the south end of Highway 43 at Boxley, then follows Highway 43 to Ponca.
The reward is Boxley Valley. The National Park Service calls the six miles of Highway 43 and Highway 21 through the valley the easiest place to see Buffalo River elk. They are usually in the fields at dawn and dusk, and your odds are best in October and November, when the bulls are in rut.
Along the way
- Clarksville (Highway 21 north of town)
- Ozone
- Fallsville (Highway 16 junction)
- Ponca (Highway 43)
Good to know
- The Park Service says Highway 43 and 21 in Boxley Valley is a through highway: if you stop for elk, pull completely off the road so you don't block traffic.
- Keep your distance from the elk. If an animal changes its behavior because of you, you are too close.
- Elk are easiest to find before sunrise and after sunset; in summer they rest in the shade near the river.
- Highway 21 shares pavement with Highway 16 around Fallsville, so watch the signs for the turns.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check IDrive Arkansas (ARDOT road conditions).
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 21 from Clarksville to Ponca take?
Highway 21 from Clarksville to Ponca is 48.6 miles and takes about 1 hr 10 min without stops.
Where can you see elk near Ponca, Arkansas?
The National Park Service says the easiest place is along the six miles of Highway 43 and Highway 21 through Boxley Valley, most often around dawn and dusk.
Is Highway 21 a scenic byway?
Yes. The Clarksville to Boxley section of Highway 21 is the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, designated by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department in 2005.
When is the best time to see elk in Boxley Valley?
The Park Service says autumn, especially October and November, is the better season, when bulls show off in the fields during the rut.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.