Arkansas Highway 60: Fourche Junction to Plainview

Traveling the stretch of Arkansas Highway 60 from Fourche Junction to Plainview gives us a laid-back but rewarding nine-mile ride through west-central Arkansas, showcasing a blend of natural beauty and quiet rural charm. This route begins just west of the intersection with Scenic Arkansas Highway 7, a well-known north–south corridor through the state’s interior. We head west from there, tracing the upper edges of Nimrod Lake — a peaceful reservoir framed by dense pine forests and low-lying hills that feel almost untouched. Especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours, this part of the drive offers glimpses of shimmering water through the trees and occasional turnout spots that give access to fishing areas and public use lands.

As we continue westbound, the highway gently curves around the small, unincorporated community of Carter. While modest in size, Carter adds to the road’s downhome appeal. You’ll pass a scattering of farmhouses and cattle pastures here, reminders that you’re deep in Yell County where the Ouachita foothills begin to smooth out into fertile agricultural zones. This stretch is pleasantly quiet and largely uninterrupted, with the road itself in decent shape and only a few gentle hills and curves to break up the drive.

Coming into Plainview, Arkansas Highway 60 ends at its junction with Arkansas Highway 28 — but not before we pass through the heart of a town with surprising character for its size. Plainview serves as a local hub and gateway to some of the area’s historic and natural attractions. You’ll find nods to its past with a small cluster of vintage-style buildings and community spaces. This is also where the Civil War Trail segment of AR-28 begins, tying the route into the Arkansas Heritage Trail system. If you have a little time, it’s worth stopping in town to visit one of the local diners or take a brief side trip north to Nimrod Dam, a New Deal-era structure still in use today for flood control and recreation.

Overall, this drive is a great choice for anyone looking to explore the quieter side of Arkansas — far from the bustle of interstates or large towns. The road is well-maintained, traffic is light, and the scenery is consistently relaxing. Whether you’re passing through or intentionally choosing the backroads, the Nimrod to Plainview leg of Highway 60 offers a peaceful and pleasant way to experience a slice of Arkansas countryside.