U.S. Route 70 offers a scenic, relaxing drive through west-central Arkansas, and the 31-mile stretch between Hot Springs and Glenwood is no exception. Beginning in the historic spa city of Hot Springs, this drive heads west-southwest through the Ouachita Mountains, weaving together rural landscapes, small towns, and stretches of forested hills. Whether you’re traveling to enjoy Hot Springs National Park or heading west toward the Caddo River, this portion of US-70 is both a practical connector and a route worth slowing down for.
Our journey begins at the intersection of U.S. Route 270 and US-70B in Hot Springs. This area is known for its rich history and vibrant downtown, where natural hot springs still feed the historic bathhouses that give the city its name. As we head southwest, we cross the Ouachita River, where the surrounding landscape quickly shifts from urban development to pine-covered hills. Just a few miles out, we reach the community of Rockwell, a small but growing residential area with nearby access to Lake Hamilton and several recreational boat ramps. Here, US-70 intersects with AR-192 before continuing its course.
As we leave Rockwell behind, the highway continues through Pleasant Hill and nears AR-227, which provides a route north to US-270. Staying on US-70, we arrive in Pearcy, a small town that marks a slight shift southwestward on our journey. Pearcy is primarily residential and rural but has a few roadside services and local eateries worth a stop if you need a break. From here, the route becomes even more scenic as it gently winds through forested terrain toward Bonnerdale.
Bonnerdale offers glimpses of traditional Arkansas farmland, framed by ridges of the Ouachitas in the distance. It’s a quiet drive with minimal traffic and great views year-round, especially in fall when the leaves begin to turn. A few miles beyond Bonnerdale, we intersect AR-192 again near the community of Welsh—this time further west. Welsh is barely a dot on the map, but it signals that Glenwood is just ahead.
As we approach Glenwood, the highway splits: one segment becomes a business route through the center of town, while the mainline continues along the southern edge. Glenwood sits along the Caddo River and serves as a gateway to both the Ouachita National Forest and the Quartz Crystal capital of the world in nearby Mount Ida. For those with extra time, Glenwood is a great base for float trips, rockhounding, and visiting the historic Glenwood Iron Mountain Depot. This stretch of U.S. 70 concludes at its junction with Arkansas Highway 8 on the southwest side of town, offering continued access west toward Norman or south toward Amity and Arkadelphia.
Whether you’re heading west to explore the natural beauty of the Ouachitas or simply traveling between towns, this segment of U.S. 70 delivers a peaceful ride and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Arkansas’s central countryside.
🗺️ Route Map
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