Fairplay Road: Glen Rose to Lonsdale – Arkansas

Traveling through the heart of central Arkansas, this short but scenic drive along Fairplay Road offers a peaceful detour through the wooded hills between Glen Rose and Lonsdale. Stretching just over 5 miles, the route connects Military Road near Glen Rose with U.S. Route 70 east of Lonsdale. Though not a state highway, Fairplay Road provides a useful local connector and a quiet alternative to more heavily trafficked routes in the area.

We begin our journey on Fairplay Road just northeast of Glen Rose, turning off Military Road near the junction with Interstate 30. Glen Rose itself is a small, unincorporated community in Hot Spring County, known for its schools and its proximity to the Ouachita Mountains. The area marks a transition from the flatter river plains of the Ouachita to the more rugged hills further north, and that topography becomes apparent almost immediately after setting out.

The road gently winds northward through a densely wooded landscape, flanked by pine and hardwood forests that form a natural canopy over much of the route. There’s not much in the way of development along this stretch—just a few homes tucked back from the road, occasional gravel driveways, and the rare glimpse of a pasture or clearing. But what Fairplay Road lacks in attractions, it makes up for in serenity. It’s the kind of road that feels like a shortcut through another time, where the biggest distraction might be a deer darting across the pavement or a flock of turkeys pecking along the roadside.

As we approach Lonsdale, the terrain begins to level out slightly. Lonsdale itself is a small incorporated town in Garland County, with a population hovering around 100 people. The town sits near the border of Hot Spring and Garland counties and serves as a quiet waypoint for travelers heading between Malvern and Hot Springs via U.S. Route 70. The road ends at a T-intersection with US-70, where travelers can head west toward the city of Hot Springs or east toward Interstate 30 and the larger town of Malvern.

While Fairplay Road doesn’t boast any major landmarks or tourist stops, it offers a local flavor that’s quintessentially Arkansas: wooded backroads, simple living, and a peaceful drive that gives you space to breathe. If you’re looking to take the scenic route—or just want to bypass busier thoroughfares—this little segment between Glen Rose and Lonsdale is worth a detour.