Let’s roll eastward through the heart of rural Arkansas as we drive America’s Highways for roughly 25 miles along Arkansas Highway 10, connecting the small town of Ola to the equally quiet community of Perry. This stretch of AR-10 offers a peaceful slice of the Natural State, blending rolling farmland, shaded forests, and quick glimpses of the distant Petit Jean Mountain ridgeline — a constant reminder of the scenic wonders just off this route.
We kick things off at a familiar Y-junction with Arkansas Highway 7, just south of Ola. For locals and repeat travelers, this is a crossroads worth noting: Highway 7 heads south toward Hot Springs and the Ouachita Mountains, while Highway 10 heads due east into the patchwork of farms and woodlots that define this part of Yell County. As we settle into a comfortable eastbound cruise, the road gently rises and dips across low hills and wide pastures dotted with grazing cattle, old barns, and the occasional farm pond catching reflections of the sky.
Not long into the drive, we pass a few roadside churches and family homesteads — a hallmark of Arkansas’s rural backbone. The drive is easy here; traffic is light, and it’s common to share the road with local trucks hauling hay or folks heading into Ola or Perry for supplies. Roughly midway through this leg, we approach the small settlement of Casa. This quiet village is a good spot to stretch your legs if you’ve got the time. If adventure calls, AR-155 branches north from Casa, leading up into the forested highlands of Petit Jean Mountain State Park. For travelers unfamiliar with the park, Petit Jean is a crown jewel in the Arkansas State Parks system — home to sweeping overlooks, waterfalls, and historic CCC-era structures like the iconic Mather Lodge.
Back on AR-10, the landscape remains distinctly rural. Between Casa and Adona, the route cuts through a serene mix of farmland and pockets of dense forest. In late spring and summer, wildflowers and fresh green foliage make this portion especially photogenic. Keep an eye out for deer crossing the road — it’s not unusual to spot a few near dawn or dusk.
As we approach Adona, there’s another opportunity to branch north on AR-324 for a different approach to Petit Jean Mountain, offering a more winding, adventurous climb for those with a bit more time to explore. Adona itself is a tiny community but has its share of charm — classic small-town homes, a local post office, and quiet streets that feel like stepping back a generation or two.
The final stretch east from Adona into Perry is a gentle drive, showcasing more farmland and hints of the Ouachitas far to the south. The route is straightforward, with clear sightlines and the kind of calm surroundings that make you roll down the windows and enjoy the fresh country air.
Arriving in Perry, we reach the intersection with Arkansas Highway 9, where our route officially wraps up. Highway 9 provides access north to Morrilton — a small city with local diners, shopping, and a gateway to more scenic routes in central Arkansas — or south toward Perryville and the Ouachita National Forest beyond. For those interested in continuing the adventure, this junction is a perfect jumping-off point to tackle the scenic drives and hiking trails sprinkled throughout Perry County.
Arkansas Highway 10 between Ola and Perry may not be on every tourist map, but it’s a reminder of what makes driving the backroads worthwhile: rolling hills, farmland horizons, and easy detours to some of the state’s best natural treasures. For road trip lovers and local explorers alike, it’s a peaceful ribbon of pavement that makes the journey feel as rewarding as the destination.
🗺️ Route Map
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