Spanning more than 16,000 miles, the Arkansas State Highway System is a critical part of the state’s transportation infrastructure, connecting rural towns, bustling cities, and natural landmarks across the Natural State. Established in 1924, the system includes hundreds of numbered routes maintained by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT). From the delta flatlands to the peaks of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, these highways offer travelers a diverse and scenic journey through Arkansas’s unique topography and cultural heritage.
Notable among the system are routes like Highway 7, which winds through the heart of the Ozarks and is designated as one of the most scenic byways in the country. Highway 10 provides access to the Ouachita Mountains and picturesque river valleys, while eastern routes like Highway 1 cut through fertile delta farmland rich in history and tradition. Many Arkansas state highways also serve as connectors to interstates and U.S. routes, forming a vital web of mobility for both commerce and tourism.
With hundreds of individual routes, each numbered state highway tells its own story. Whether you’re exploring charming small towns, navigating forested hills, or tracing historic pathways, Arkansas’s state highways provide more than just a way to get from point A to B—they invite you to discover the state’s natural beauty, rural character, and welcoming communities one mile at a time.