Travel with us for 8 scenic miles through the heart of west-central Arkansas as we drive north along Arkansas Highway 27 from Rover to Danville. While this stretch may be short, it packs a surprising amount of elevation change, forested beauty, and small-town charm into just a few minutes on the road.
We begin the journey just north of the small community of Rover, turning onto AR-27 at its junction with Arkansas Highway 28. Rover is a quiet, unincorporated area nestled among rolling hills and farmland—largely residential, with a few rural churches and homes scattered along the edge of the highway. It doesn’t take long before the surroundings shift dramatically. Less than a mile in, the road curves north and we enter the Ouachita National Forest, one of Arkansas’s crown jewels for outdoor recreation.
Once inside the forest boundary, Highway 27 begins to climb in elevation, winding its way up one of the many ridges that make up the Ouachita Mountains. The forest here is thick with pine and hardwoods, offering bursts of green that stretch for miles in every direction. Forest Service roads branch off along this segment, granting access to remote campsites, trailheads, and some backcountry fishing spots—particularly for those looking to experience the solitude and natural beauty the Ouachitas are known for. Wildlife sightings are not uncommon, so keep your eyes peeled for deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional black bear.
As we crest the mountain, the road begins a relatively steep descent into the Petit Jean River Valley. The winding descent gives way to a more relaxed drive as the route approaches its intersection with Arkansas Highway 80, a lightly-traveled east-west connector that provides access to both the Fourche La Fave River area and the town of Waldron to the west. This junction marks the exit from the more mountainous portion of the drive and the entrance into the river valley, where the terrain flattens slightly and the forest opens up to more pastureland.
From here, it’s a straight shot north into Danville, a small but vibrant county seat nestled between the Petit Jean River and the surrounding foothills. As we pass through the southern edge of town, signs of civilization return quickly: homes, local businesses, and small commercial buildings line the road. We conclude our drive at the junction with Arkansas Highway 10, also known locally as E. 8th Street, which serves as Danville’s main east-west corridor. From this point, travelers can continue east toward Ola or west toward Booneville, linking up with other segments of Arkansas Highway 10.
This short but scenic drive is perfect for travelers heading toward Mount Magazine State Park from the south or for those exploring the less-traveled corridors of the Ouachita Mountains. With its mix of mountain climbs, forest views, and rural town charm, this stretch of AR-27 serves up a classic Arkansas backroads experience in under 10 miles.
🗺️ Route Map
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