Tucked away in the rolling terrain of southwest Arkansas, Arkansas Highway 84 offers a peaceful 22-mile journey from Amity to Bismarck. Though not one of the state’s major highways, this eastbound route brings travelers through scenic foothills, small towns, and the tranquil beauty of the Ouachita region. Whether you’re exploring the area for the first time or revisiting a familiar stretch of road, this drive blends natural scenery with quiet rural character.
Our trip begins in the heart of downtown Amity, where AR-84 kicks off at the traffic circle junction with Arkansas Highway 8. Amity is a small but welcoming community that traces its roots back to the mid-1800s, and it’s worth taking a moment to admire the local architecture or grab a snack before heading out. As we leave the town center, Highway 84 briefly heads north before veering northeast at the intersection with Arkansas Highway 182. Here, we quickly transition from small-town streets to a more open, rural landscape.
Just beyond the edge of Amity, Highway 84 straightens out to head east and crosses the Caddo River. This crossing is one of the route’s highlights — the river, a clear and scenic waterway popular with kayakers and anglers, meanders gently beneath the highway bridge. If you’re traveling with time to spare, the Caddo River access points near Amity provide a great opportunity for paddling or even a quick swim in the summer months. After crossing the river, the road makes a sharp curve northwest to begin wrapping around the Ouachita Mountains’ outer ridges.
This section of the route provides some of the most enjoyable driving. As AR-84 bends through the countryside, you’ll pass through low hills, mixed forests, and farmland typical of this part of Arkansas. The terrain here isn’t rugged, but it has enough elevation changes and curves to keep the drive interesting. The air often smells faintly of pine and earth — a subtle reminder that you’re on the edge of the Ouachita National Forest.
Continuing east near the junction with Amity Road, the highway straightens again and rolls through a few quiet stretches of countryside before arriving at an intersection with Arkansas Highway 347. At this point, AR-84 starts to dip southeast, gradually shifting direction as it approaches the unincorporated community of Lambert. Though Lambert is small and easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, it represents the kind of rural community that defines the area — peaceful, rooted in agriculture, and often home to families who’ve lived there for generations.
From Lambert, the route pivots northeast again for the final stretch into Bismarck. As the highway gently curves through the last few miles, travelers are treated to more wooded views, open fields, and the occasional glimpse of a distant ridgeline. Upon entering Bismarck, the road meets its eastern terminus at Scenic Arkansas Highway 7 — a notable north-south corridor that leads either to Hot Springs to the north or DeGray Lake and Arkadelphia to the south.
Bismarck itself sits near the western edge of DeGray Lake Resort State Park, one of Arkansas’s top destinations for camping, fishing, and boating. If your journey continues past this point, you might consider a detour to explore the lake or even stay overnight. With its blend of scenic byways and outdoor recreation, this whole region is tailor-made for a low-key road trip.
Note: The “We’re Driving” Graphics in this video are obviously incorrect.
🗺️ Route Map
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