[Revisited] Arkansas Highway 9: Clinton to Mountain View – Arkansas

Traveling Arkansas Highway 9 from Clinton to Mountain View is one of those classic Ozark journeys that combines small-town charm, lush forested hills, and a winding, two-lane ribbon of asphalt that feels like it was built with adventure in mind. This 35-mile stretch of highway cuts a scenic path through north-central Arkansas, offering a tranquil and visually rich drive that perfectly captures the essence of the Natural State. Beginning in Clinton at the junction with U.S. Route 65, this segment of AR-9 heads northeast through the heart of Van Buren and Stone counties, ultimately ending in the folk music capital of Mountain View.

Clinton, the southern anchor of this route, is a city of around 2,500 residents and serves as the seat of Van Buren County. It sits nestled in a valley formed by the Little Red River and is a popular access point for Greers Ferry Lake and the Ozark foothills beyond. From the U.S. 65 junction, AR-9 immediately begins its ascent into the rolling highlands, winding through dense forests and rural farmland. About 8 miles into the journey, the highway arrives in Shirley, a small town founded in the late 19th century. Shirley may be modest in size, but it carries the unmistakable flavor of the Ozarks—its quiet streets, historic homes, and proximity to the Middle Fork Little Red River make it a picturesque and peaceful pit stop.

Just north of Shirley, Arkansas Highway 110 briefly intersects AR-9 before the road continues its northeastern march. Between Shirley and Rushing, the terrain becomes noticeably more rugged, with elevation changes that showcase the region’s topography in full force. You’ll be driving through stretches of forest punctuated by scenic overlooks and roadside vistas—especially stunning in autumn when the hills explode into color. In Rushing, a tiny unincorporated community near the midpoint of the drive, travelers cross Arkansas Highway 263. Rushing is best known for its historic family farmsteads, including the Rushing Family Farm, a testament to the region’s deep agricultural roots and generational land stewardship. While there may not be many shops or gas stations here, the authenticity of the Ozarks is on full display.

As you near Mountain View, the road straightens out slightly but continues to hug the natural contours of the land. Upon entering the town from the south, you’re greeted by Mountain View’s signature mix of traditional architecture, vibrant culture, and musical heritage. AR-9 meets with AR-66 through downtown, guiding you past music stores, antique shops, and local eateries. For about a mile, these two highways run together before Highway 66 and this segment of AR-9 end at the junction with Arkansas Highway 5. Mountain View is well known for its preservation of Ozark music and folk culture, and the courthouse square often comes alive with impromptu jam sessions. The town is also the gateway to outdoor attractions like the Blanchard Springs Caverns, one of the most impressive cave systems in the region, and the Ozark Folk Center State Park, which celebrates the area’s crafts, music, and traditions.

Whether you’re a road enthusiast looking for a quiet, winding route through the hills, or a traveler seeking the soul of the Arkansas highlands, the drive from Clinton to Mountain View delivers. This is more than a connector between two towns—it’s a window into the rural beauty and enduring culture of the Ozarks.

Music: https://interstate411.us/arkansas-highway-9-clinton-to-mountain-view-ark/