If you’re looking for a classic Arkansas drive that blends small-town charm with the natural beauty of the Ouachita foothills, Arkansas Highway 10 from Ola to Danville is a route worth exploring. Stretching just over 11 miles, this drive is short enough for an afternoon outing, but it’s packed with scenic moments and a few unexpected highlights along the way.
We begin our journey in Ola, a quiet community where AR-10 runs concurrently with AR-7 for a few blocks. Rolling through Ola’s main street, you’ll notice the town’s classic downtown grid, a couple of old-school storefronts, and a vibe that feels unchanged for decades. As we turn left at Pennington Street, AR-10 splits off, leading us northwest and away from the gentle bustle of Ola. This first segment quickly transitions from small-town to rural, with open fields and stands of trees hinting at the forested land ahead.
Leaving Ola, the road gently curves northwest for a couple of miles, bringing us to the doorstep of the Ouachita National Forest. This stretch is particularly scenic, especially in the spring and fall when the woods on either side burst with color. You’ll catch glimpses of the Petit Jean River as the highway follows its meandering path, sometimes coming quite close to the water’s edge. The landscape here is a patchwork of farmland, river bottoms, and forest—a reminder of why this part of Arkansas is so appealing for road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Don’t be surprised to spot the occasional deer or wild turkey along this segment, and keep your eyes peeled for side roads that lead deeper into the National Forest, which are popular with locals for hiking, fishing, and camping.
About halfway between Ola and Danville, the road enters and exits the northern edge of the Ouachita National Forest several times. Even if you’re just passing through, these stretches offer a noticeable change in scenery: denser woods, rolling hills, and a feeling of being far from the nearest city. This section of AR-10 doesn’t have any major tourist stops, but it’s a pleasant, lightly traveled highway that invites you to slow down and enjoy the journey. In the spring, you’ll spot wildflowers blooming in the ditches, while autumn brings a riot of color to the treetops.
As we approach Danville, the landscape opens up again, and you’ll see more farmland and small clusters of homes on the outskirts of town. Entering Danville from the east, Highway 10 keeps a straight course for another couple of miles before intersecting with Arkansas Highway 27. Danville itself is a friendly Yell County seat, and it’s worth a brief stop to check out the historic courthouse square or grab a bite at one of the local diners. From here, Highway 10 continues west toward Belleville and Booneville, while AR-27 will take you north to Dardanelle and further, the Ozark Mountains.
🗺️ Route Map
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