U.S. Route 270: Hot Springs to Malvern – Arkansas

If you’re heading east out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and want a quick but scenic detour from the interstate, U.S. Route 270 makes for a pleasant and surprisingly diverse 13-mile journey to the city of Malvern. This stretch of highway might be short, but it packs in a little bit of everything: forested hills, rural charm, and even a few surprises—courtesy of the area’s unique geology.

We begin our drive on the southeastern edge of Hot Springs, where US-270 splits off from US-70. Hot Springs itself is a historic spa town, known for its natural thermal springs, bathhouses, and the surrounding Hot Springs National Park. While this route doesn’t pass through the park directly, the influence of the area’s geothermal activity is felt even a few miles outside town. Almost immediately after the junction, the highway transitions from suburban sprawl to a more wooded, rural landscape, making it clear we’re leaving city limits behind.

As we travel eastward, we pass through the small community of Price. While there’s not much in the way of services here, it offers a peaceful glimpse into life in Garland County’s countryside. Rolling hills and scattered pine groves flank the highway, providing a scenic backdrop for the ride. Continuing east, the route enters Magnet Cove, a small community known to geologists and rockhounds alike. The region sits atop an extinct volcanic formation rich in rare minerals, and it’s a popular destination for amateur rock collectors. As US-270 turns southeast through town, it meets Arkansas Highway 51. This is the first of two intersections with AR-51, which loops around this area and eventually leads to other small towns nearby.

After winding through Magnet Cove, the highway takes a sharp bend to the southwest. This section follows a more serpentine path as it nears the edge of Rockport, a town that once served as the county seat before Malvern took over that role. Rockport is a quiet residential area today, but it holds historical significance as one of the earlier settlements in the area. We pass AR-51 again on the western side of town before US-270 merges onto a brief expressway section and heads toward our final destination.

The drive concludes at the interchange with Interstate 30, just outside Malvern, known as the “Brick Capital of the World.” Malvern is the seat of Hot Spring County and serves as a hub for both local industry and regional travel. If you’re looking to continue your journey, I-30 provides direct access west towards Arkadelphia and Texarkana, or east toward Little Rock and points beyond.

This short segment of US-270 is a great connector route—not only for its utility but for its varied scenery and local flavor. From volcanic hills to forested backroads, this drive offers a relaxing slice of central Arkansas just off the beaten path.