Stretching just about three miles, Arkansas Highway 290 is a short but useful connector that carries us from the quiet community of Red Oak eastward into Diamondhead — right at the southern fringe of Hot Springs. While this isn’t a route you’d call a grand tour, it’s a handy little drive that stitches together a few local arteries and gives travelers a quick look at the wooded charm of this part of Garland County.
We begin our ride at the junction with AR-128 in Red Oak. From here, Highway 290 heads east, dipping gently through a landscape that shifts between pine groves and the occasional rural home tucked back from the shoulder. It’s a two-lane affair all the way, with light traffic most days. For folks heading to Lake Catherine State Park or the nearby Hot Springs attractions, this short highway is often part of the puzzle that gets you there without backtracking too much.
As we continue east, the road maintains its peaceful vibe with few intersections or side roads to slow us down. It’s mostly a rolling straightaway, framed by trees and the occasional glimpse of a pond or pasture behind a fence line. For visitors who appreciate the quieter corners of central Arkansas, this brief segment can be a gentle warm-up before diving into the busier roads around Hot Springs.
Eventually, we arrive at the outskirts of Diamondhead — a gated resort-style community popular with retirees, weekenders, and folks who want quick lake access. Here, Highway 290 meets Arkansas Highway 171. If we swing north at this junction, we’re just minutes from Lake Catherine State Park, which is a favorite local spot for camping, fishing, and lakeside hiking. For a short drive, Highway 290 sure does a neat job connecting the dots between local byways, residential enclaves, and some of the region’s natural escapes.
🗺️ Route Map
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