Let’s hit the road together for a scenic stretch through the heart of north-central Arkansas. This drive takes us 34 miles northeast along Arkansas Highway 9, weaving through the foothills of the Ozarks from the charming town of Clinton to the folk music capital of Mountain View. It’s the kind of route that reminds us why Arkansas is called The Natural State — rich green hills, winding creek crossings, and small-town slices of Americana greet us at nearly every mile marker.
We begin our journey turning onto Arkansas Highway 9 from U.S. Highway 65 in Clinton. Clinton itself is a small hub for the region, so it’s worth a quick pit stop to grab a snack or stretch your legs before setting off. Heading out of town, Highway 9 eases us east, then sweeps northeast as we begin to leave the valley behind. About ten miles in, we roll into Shirley — a tiny town hugging the Middle Fork of the Little Red River. Here, we pass the intersection with AR-110 and shortly after, Arkansas Highway 16. Shirley has a classic small-town feel, and if you have time, a short side trip to the nearby Greers Ferry Lake access points isn’t a bad idea on a warm day.
Climbing out of Shirley, Highway 9 offers some delightful curves and modest elevation changes typical of the Ozark foothills. This next segment — about eight miles — takes us through a pleasant mix of wooded hillsides and rural farmland until we arrive in Rushing, an unincorporated community with plenty of quiet charm. At Rushing, we meet Arkansas Highway 263 and make a right to keep tracking northeast toward Mountain View. Along the way, the road twists near Turkey Creek and dips in and out of hollows lined with hardwood forest. Wildlife sightings here aren’t uncommon; keep an eye out for deer crossing and watch the shoulders for signs pointing to hidden fishing holes or hiking trailheads.
As we approach Mountain View, the landscape broadens just enough to hint at the community ahead. Known far and wide as a hub for traditional Ozark folk music, Mountain View’s town square is a magnet for weekend pickers and impromptu jam sessions, especially in spring and summer. Our journey wraps up right at this iconic square, where Arkansas Highway 66 intersects Highway 9. From here, we’re just steps away from music, local crafts, and cafes serving up good southern cooking.
Whether you’re out for a laid-back country drive, chasing beautiful backroads, or planning to catch a festival in Mountain View, this stretch of Arkansas Highway 9 is pure pleasure behind the wheel. Take your time, watch the curves, and soak in a route that stays true to the Ozark spirit.
🗺️ Route Map
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