[2] 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.

[5] Highway 23 travels through the Ouachita National Forest, winding through mountains and through thick woods.

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. Mile markers reset at some concurrencies.

Its southern terminus is at Highway 23 south of Withrow Springs State Park.

The highway serves as the primary north-south access road to the state park.