Arkansas Highway 190 may not be the longest stretch of road in the Natural State, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in charm and scenery. This short 5-mile drive connects the small community of Tull to Shaw in rural Arkansas, offering a peaceful ride through woodlands, open farmland, and a ribbon of road that roughly follows the Saline River. Whether you’re a local commuter or just exploring the backroads, this route is a gentle reminder of why Arkansas is called the Natural State.
We begin our journey in the town of Tull, located in southern Grant County near the border with Saline County. Tull is a quiet community, with only a few hundred residents and a laid-back pace of life. The route starts at the intersection with Arkansas Highway 291, just insdie the main cluster of homes and churches that make up the heart of Tull. As we pull onto AR-190 heading north, we immediately find ourselves enveloped in rural landscapes that mix dense forest patches with open glades and the occasional pasture.
As we head out of Tull, the road gently curves and dips, following the contour of the nearby Saline River. Though the river is often hidden behind a wall of trees, its presence is unmistakable. The road stays relatively close to the water’s path, creating a winding but comfortable rhythm for drivers. This part of the drive feels almost secluded, with limited development and virtually no traffic — making it a welcome escape for those seeking solitude or a more scenic alternative to the busier highways nearby.
Midway along the route, we cross into Saline County, one of the fastest-growing areas in the state thanks to its proximity to the Little Rock metro. Despite that growth, this particular stretch remains rural and largely untouched. Occasionally, a mailbox or a gravel driveway will break the tree line, but for the most part, the area remains pleasantly undeveloped. The quiet beauty of the road — especially during early spring or late fall — makes it a hidden gem for motorcyclists, weekend roadtrippers, or anyone who appreciates a drive without distractions.
As we approach the end of the highway in the unincorporated community of Shaw, traffic picks up slightly, especially near the junction with Arkansas Highway 35. Shaw sits just southwest of Benton and serves as a pass-through for drivers heading toward more populated areas. At the northern terminus of AR-190, we turn onto AR-35 — a more heavily traveled highway that leads directly into Benton or southeast toward Sheridan. From here, travelers have plenty of options for extending their journey, whether they’re heading into town for supplies or continuing to explore more of central Arkansas’s rural highways.
Though it’s just five miles long, Arkansas Highway 190 offers a scenic, low-stress drive that highlights the wooded terrain and quiet backroads of central Arkansas. Whether you’re a local taking the back way home or a traveler piecing together a longer scenic route, this segment adds a nice flavor of the state’s tranquil side — complete with river bends, forest shadows, and that unmistakable feel of a road less traveled.
🗺️ Route Map
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