Arkansas Highway 16: Fayetteville to Elkins

Travel with us as we drive a pleasant 6-mile stretch of Arkansas Highway 16, connecting the bustling edge of Fayetteville to the quieter town of Elkins in Washington County. This short route offers a nice mix of city outskirts, parkland, and small-town charm, making it a handy connector for locals and a peaceful detour for travelers wanting a quick taste of the Ozarks’ foothills.

We kick off this drive by turning onto Huntsville Road, which is Arkansas Highway 16, from Crossover Road (AR-265) in southeast Fayetteville. This part of the city is a blend of residential neighborhoods and small commercial centers. Within minutes, the traffic light density drops off as we ease out of Fayetteville’s busier lanes. It doesn’t take long before the road gently bends and we pass near Lake Sequoyah Park — a local favorite for fishing, picnicking, and hiking along the scenic lakeshore. Drivers can catch glimpses of the water through the trees if the season’s right, adding a splash of nature to an otherwise straightforward drive.

Continuing southeast, the route winds through lightly forested areas and pockets of open fields. This part of AR-16 feels more rural by the mile, with occasional homesteads and small farms dotting the roadside. It’s an easy-going segment where the road follows the natural lay of the land, offering subtle curves but nothing too challenging. For locals, this corridor is an everyday lifeline connecting Fayetteville’s amenities with the close-knit community of Elkins — but for travelers, it’s a calm break from city congestion and a preview of the deeper hills beyond.

As we roll into Elkins, AR-16 shifts identities and becomes Center Street, the main drag threading through this small town. You’ll notice a few local businesses, a handful of eateries, and gas stations serving both town residents and passing commuters. After about a mile and a half into Elkins proper, our drive wraps up with a stop at a fuel station — just a few blocks shy of the intersection with AR-74, which heads toward more wooded adventures deeper into the Ozark National Forest.