Take a winding drive through the Ozark foothills of north-central Arkansas as we follow U.S. Route 65 from the bustling college town of Conway to the scenic gateway city of Harrison. This 104-mile journey takes us through small towns rich in local flavor, rolling countryside, and the dramatic terrain of the Boston Mountains, offering a quintessential Arkansas driving experience.
We begin our drive on the northeast side of Conway, having just exited Interstate 40 and turning north onto U.S. Highway 65. Quickly, we leave behind the suburban sprawl of Conway and are greeted by the more relaxed, small-town atmosphere of Greenbrier after about fifteen minutes. The pace here slows down, with local businesses lining the highway and a connection with Arkansas Highway 25 leading eastward towards Heber Springs and the tranquil waters of Greers Ferry Lake. Continuing north, we encounter Damascus, a town infamous across Arkansas for its controversial speed traps—so much so that lawsuits have been filed and won against the city for its ticketing practices. We make a mental note to ease up on the accelerator here and continue along.
North of Damascus, the terrain begins to subtly shift. Rolling hills grow steeper and curves tighten as we enter Van Buren County and reach the town of Clinton. Nestled in a natural bowl surrounded by Ozark ridges, Clinton serves as a regional hub for the area and is known for its annual Chuckwagon Races that draw visitors from around the country. As we press northward from Clinton, U.S. 65 follows a more rugged path, climbing and descending through the lush greenery of the Boston Mountains. The air feels fresher, and the road more intimate, with sharp curves and occasional steep grades testing our brakes as we wind our way through the forested landscape.
Approaching the small town of Marshall, we find ourselves deep within the eastern reaches of the Ozark National Forest and on the edge of the Buffalo National River, America’s first designated national river. The stretch between Marshall and St. Joe is particularly scenic, with glimpses of limestone bluffs and signs for outdoor outfitters hinting at the area’s reputation for canoeing, hiking, and back-to-nature adventures. Just south of St. Joe, we cross the Buffalo River, a moment that feels like a passage into another era—one where rustic charm and natural beauty dominate the scene. At St. Joe, the route bends westward, offering brief views of open pastureland before returning to wooded hillsides.
Our journey continues through the sleepy communities of Pindall, Western Grove, and Bellefonte, where roadside relics from earlier eras of highway travel still peek through the foliage—old motels, fading signs, and quirky general stores that remind us of the days before interstate highways carved new paths through the state. The final leg of the trip is punctuated by distant views of the rolling Ozark highlands as we approach Harrison, a town perched on a plateau and serving as a crossroads for travelers heading toward Branson, Eureka Springs, and the deeper Ozarks. We end our drive on the south side of Harrison at the intersection with U.S. 65 Business, feeling a sense of satisfaction from a journey that has spanned the cultural heart of north-central Arkansas.
As we reflect on the drive, it’s clear that U.S. Route 65 offers more than just a way to get from Conway to Harrison—it’s a living corridor of Arkansas culture, from quirky speed trap towns to historic river crossings, from sweeping mountain views to small-town Americana. Every mile brings a change in scenery and a deepening appreciation for the natural beauty and local character that define this region of the state.
🗺️ Route Map
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