Travel with us as we explore a quiet yet scenic stretch of northern Arkansas along Arkansas Highway 69, covering about 21 miles from the small town of Moorefield to Jacksonport, where the White and Black Rivers converge. This two-lane highway runs through rural landscapes and historic communities, offering a relaxing ride through one of the state’s more underappreciated corridors.
Our journey begins in Moorefield, a small community nestled just outside of Batesville. At the junction with AR-233, we head east on Highway 69, quickly trading the outskirts of town for open countryside. The route rolls gently through fields and forested patches before reaching Sulphur Rock, a quiet town known historically for its mineral springs. As we enter Sulphur Rock, the highway shifts direction, turning south near the town center. Though small, Sulphur Rock offers glimpses of old architecture and a sense of rural Arkansas life that’s hard to find along more trafficked routes.
Continuing south, we approach Magness, where AR-394 briefly intersects before the highway angles slightly eastward again. Magness marks the halfway point on this drive and serves as a transition from the foothills to the more level terrain near the delta. A few miles down the road, we approach Newark, a larger community that the highway bypasses via a southward loop. We swing east just before intersecting with AR-122, which provides access to Newark proper for those interested in exploring the town.
Beyond Newark, Highway 69 resumes its generally southern trajectory and skirts around the Entergy Independence Power Plant, a massive coal-fired facility that stands in contrast to the otherwise pastoral scenery. The plant is one of the larger landmarks on this route, and even from the highway you can spot its towering stacks above the treeline. After passing the plant, we veer east again for the final leg of our journey.
The last six miles are flat and straight as we glide through low-lying farmland and approach the Black River. A bridge crossing offers a glimpse of the river’s dark waters before we officially enter Jacksonport, a historic river town once central to steamboat traffic in northeast Arkansas. Rather than continuing through on the main highway, we follow AR-69 Spur south for a short final stretch into Jacksonport State Park.
This park is a gem of local history. Situated on the banks of the White River, it preserves the site of the once-thriving Jacksonport river port and includes a restored 19th-century courthouse, historic cemetery, and interpretive center. We end our drive at the Visitors Center Parking Lot, where travelers can stretch their legs and explore the cultural roots of the area.
This segment of AR-69 may not be a major travel corridor, but it offers a peaceful drive through classic Arkansas scenery, with just enough history and roadside interest to make it a worthwhile detour.
🗺️ Route Map
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