Hop in with us as we journey south for 105 scenic miles along U.S. Highway 65, stretching from the Ozark foothills of Harrison to the college town of Conway in central Arkansas. This north-to-south corridor serves as a vital route through the heart of the state, weaving together historic towns, rolling hills, national treasures, and a taste of Arkansas’s rugged charm. While portions of the highway have been modernized for smoother travel, much of this drive still hugs its traditional path, delivering a scenic and authentic experience through rural America.
We begin just north of downtown Harrison, turning onto US-65 and following the eastern bypass around town. Harrison is a major regional center for northern Arkansas, and if you’re not in a hurry, the historic square and Boone County Heritage Museum make for worthwhile detours. From here, we begin our southbound trek, immediately diving into the rugged beauty of the Ozark Mountains. We skirt around the small communities of Valley Springs and Western Grove before crossing one of the crown jewels of the region—the Buffalo National River. This federally protected river corridor offers canoeing, hiking, and cliffside views, with access points just a short detour off US-65. Keep an eye out for elk in the Boxley Valley if you’re traveling early in the day.
Soon after, we reach Marshall, a small mountain town nestled among ridgelines. Just south of town, the route climbs sharply onto the Devil’s Backbone, a striking spine of rock that offers sweeping views and dramatic drop-offs. This section isn’t one of the more technical and curvy segments of the route, but it’s one of the most scenic. Past the ridgeline, the terrain begins to settle as we descend into Leslie, a quaint town with a reputation for arts, antiques, and locally owned cafés. Continuing south, we cruise through Dennard and Botkinburg, surrounded by thick forests and the occasional pasture. It’s not flashy terrain, but it’s peaceful and quietly beautiful.
Approaching Clinton, US-65 meets Arkansas Highways 9 and 16. Clinton serves as a regional hub with services, restaurants, and a small-town downtown that’s worth a quick look. From there, the highway rolls south through Choctaw, where AR-9 splits off toward the west, and then into Bee Branch, a crossroads community with farm stands and country stores dotting the roadside. Next up is Damascus, famously dubbed a speed trap in recent legal battles (a reputation that has stuck, so keep your cruise control honest). Just past Damascus, we reach Twin Groves, a small community nestled between ridges.
The final leg of our trip begins as we descend out of the hills and into the flatter terrain approaching Greenbrier, one of the larger towns before Conway. Here, US-65 becomes more developed, with multiple stoplights, shopping centers, and local traffic. Once through Greenbrier, we pick up speed again as we pass through Springhill and the oddly named Pickles Gap, a local curiosity known mostly for its quirky gift shops and flea markets. Soon enough, we roll into Conway, a bustling college town and growing suburb of Little Rock. Our drive concludes at the interchange with Interstate 40, marking the end of our southbound run down US-65.
Whether you’re after natural beauty, charming towns, or just a peaceful stretch of highway, this route delivers on all counts. It’s a great blend of scenery and utility—a reminder that even the most functional highways can still offer a few surprises along the way.
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments