[Revisited] U.S. Highway 270: Hot Springs to Crystal Springs

If you’re ready for a drive that blends natural beauty, small-town charm, and some hidden gems along the way, U.S. Highway 270 from Hot Springs to Crystal Springs deserves a spot on your Arkansas road trip list. This 25-mile stretch takes us from the resort city of Hot Springs, famous for its healing waters and art deco downtown, westward through the edge of the Ouachita Mountains and into the heart of timber country. Whether you’re a local exploring your own backyard or a visitor passing through, there’s a lot more to see than just the highway signs.

We kick off our journey in Hot Springs, rolling out from the U.S. Highway 70 junction on the modern Hot Springs Bypass. Almost immediately, the Bypass transitions into U.S. Highway 270, and we begin heading west. The first leg of this route is all about efficiency: a wide, divided expressway that lets you glide past the urban traffic. Not far from the start, we pass intersections with Arkansas Highway 128 and Arkansas Highway 7. If you’ve got time, a short detour north on AR-7 brings you to the heart of downtown Hot Springs, home to Bathhouse Row, the national park, and plenty of classic Southern eateries. But for our drive, we stick with US-270 as it arcs northwest to rejoin U.S. 70 at the west Hot Springs interchange, a spot that marks the transition from cityscape to more rural terrain.

A mile beyond that interchange, the expressway gives way to a more traditional highway as we merge onto Albert Pike Road. This is where US-270 takes on its classic Arkansas flavor—less about speed, more about soaking in the surroundings. The small community of Piney is our next milestone, where the highway crosses AR-227. Piney itself has a handful of classic roadside stops, and if you’re a fan of lake life, Lake Hamilton isn’t far to the south. The highway then crosses the Ouachita River, a scenic moment whether you’re catching the early morning fog or a brilliant afternoon sun bouncing off the water.

West of Piney, we enter the rolling countryside that defines this part of Arkansas. The forest thickens, the terrain gets a little more rugged, and traffic thins out. After about seven miles, we pass through the community of Royal—a quiet spot but a good place to take in the fresh air and maybe spot a deer or two if you’re driving at dusk. This stretch is classic Ouachita foothills: tall pines, winding road, and glimpses of distant ridgelines.

As we reach Crystal Springs, the intersection with AR-227 south signals our arrival in this laid-back rural community. Crystal Springs is tiny but welcoming, known more for its proximity to the forests and lakes of the region than for any big attractions. For those interested in camping or hiking, the area offers quick access to Lake Ouachita State Park and the southern reaches of the Ouachita National Forest—ideal for anyone who wants to get off the beaten path.

Our journey wraps up just outside Crystal Springs at Burl’s Smokehouse. This roadside BBQ joint is an Arkansas classic, popular with locals and travelers alike. Pull in, grab a smoked sandwich or some of Burl’s famous jerky, and you’ve got the perfect reward for a laid-back drive through the Natural State.