Join us for a scenic six-mile jaunt along Arkansas Highway 12, as we explore the rolling hills and wooded nooks that connect West Liberty to the small community of Clifty in the heart of northwest Arkansas. Our drive kicks off just south of West Liberty, where we merge westbound onto Highway 12 from the intersection with AR-23—a crossroads known among locals for its quick access into the Ozark Highlands.
Heading west, the route winds gently through classic Ozark terrain: a patchwork of hardwood forests, roadside clearings, and occasional glimpses of small farms tucked just beyond the tree line. After a couple of miles, we reach a slight dog-leg at the junction with Arkansas Highway 127. Here, Highway 12 bends south briefly, hugging the natural contours of the ridge. It’s the sort of subtle jog in the road that reminds us just how well these rural highways adapt to the lay of the land, rather than carving straight lines through it.
Continuing south for about a mile past the AR-127 intersection, the highway sweeps southwest, carrying us into the unincorporated community of Clifty. Clifty itself is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of spot, but it’s worth easing off the gas for a moment to appreciate its rustic charm. Locals know this stretch for its quiet scenery—think weathered barns, old country homesteads, and the occasional dog lazing near a mailbox. If you’re up for a quick detour, Clifty offers convenient access to nearby backroads that snake deeper into the hills, perfect for an afternoon of peaceful exploration or a gravel-road adventure.
As we press west through Clifty, Arkansas Highway 12 stays true to its rural character: low traffic, gentle curves, and a canopy of trees that’s particularly striking when fall colors peak. In this last three-mile leg before reaching Highway 45, keep an eye out for small clearings that open up unexpected Ozark vistas—rolling ridges fading into the distance, dotted with the occasional farm pond or meadow.
Our ride concludes where Highway 12 meets Arkansas Highway 45. From here, travelers can turn south toward Hindsville or continue exploring the network of highways threading through this rugged corner of Madison and Benton counties. Whichever way you go next, Highway 12 serves as a classic slice of northwest Arkansas driving: quiet, scenic, and refreshingly unhurried.
🗺️ Route Map
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