U.S. Route 412 is a major east–west corridor that stretches across the southern and central United States, covering approximately 1,130 miles from Springer, New Mexico to Columbia, Tennessee. This highway plays a significant role in connecting small towns and rural regions with larger metropolitan areas. It cuts across five states—New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee—offering a mix of scenic countryside and urban access points.

Beginning in the arid landscapes of northeastern New Mexico, US 412 travels through the Oklahoma Panhandle and intersects with major routes like I-35 and I-44, making it a key connector in the state’s highway network. In Arkansas, it passes through the Ozark Mountains, including popular towns like Springdale and Mountain Home, offering travelers a picturesque route filled with forested hills and winding roads. As it enters Missouri and Tennessee, US 412 becomes more developed, especially near cities like Jackson, TN, where it links with I-40 and other regional arteries.

US Route 412 is often used as an alternative to more congested interstates and provides vital economic and logistical support for the regions it traverses. Its combination of rural charm and critical infrastructure makes it an essential piece of the U.S. highway system, especially for those seeking direct east–west travel through the heartland.