Congo Road: Benton to Salem – Arkansas

Starting in the heart of Benton, Arkansas, our journey along Congo Road kicks off at the intersection with Military Road, just a short hop from downtown. As we head north, Congo Road quickly transitions from a local connector into a key corridor through one of Saline County’s more residential stretches. After crossing over Interstate 30—a major east-west artery in the state—the route begins to shift character. We pass neighborhoods on both sides, the type with modest homes, front porches, and a steady rhythm of local traffic. While not as fast-paced as nearby highways, Congo Road serves as a well-traveled commuter route linking Benton with outlying areas like Salem and Ferndale.

As we continue north, we reach a traffic circle that serves as a bit of a transition point. Beyond it, the road begins to feel a little more rural. Though still paved and well-maintained, Congo Road narrows slightly and we begin to trade housing developments for patches of woods and open farmland. The mix here is classic central Arkansas—small pastures bordered by pine, oaks lining the road, and the occasional glimpse of a chicken coop or weathered barn. This segment of the drive reflects the outer edge of Benton’s suburban reach, where development gives way to country life.

Eventually, we enter the unincorporated community of Salem, marked more by landscape than signage. At the junction with Salem Road, we make a short jog westward before continuing north—now on Old Congo Road. This section represents a subtle but important change. The name may shift, but the road retains its character as a rural throughway. Winding past small plots of farmland and stretches of quiet woods, Old Congo Road has a sense of place that locals recognize, even if it’s overlooked by most maps. The video ends at the intersection with Steel Bridge Road, where Old Congo becomes Congo-Ferndale Road—marking the beginning of yet another scenic stretch north toward Ferndale.

For anyone traveling between Benton and the communities to the north, Congo Road offers more than just a shortcut. It provides a snapshot of Saline County’s transition zones—where the suburban edge meets the pastoral charm of rural Arkansas. Along the way, travelers can enjoy glimpses of undeveloped land, older farmsteads, and the natural beauty that makes this area a quiet favorite for locals looking to escape the busier pace of town without going far.