Arkansas--The Great River Road
Date: 2004-11-14
Most agree the Ozark area is a great area to drive in Arkansas, but sometimes taking a new route will find you even better driving. This route is fun and interesting. Murals are major attractions at each end of this drive in Paragould (Court and Emerson Streets) and Helena (Cherry Street). They become bookends for a drive through history and nature.
Beginning in Paragould near the northeast corner of Arkansas, take U.S. 412 west for ten miles to Rte. 141 south. Pass by Crowley's Ridge and Lake Frierson State Parks (or stop to fish awhile) as you make your way to Jonesboro, the region's "big" city. Jonesboro is famous for its gladiolus and Arkansas State University. Continuing, take Rte. 18 through Manila. A short stop in Manila to see the Herman Davis, a monument to an amazing WWI hero, is in order. On to Blytheville, you get your first good view of the mighty Mississippi, eight miles east on Rte. 18. The Great River Road begins on U.S. 61. All along U.S. 61, you will see the great river sparkling in the morning sun. The drive through St. Francis National Forest is beautiful year round.
On to Osceola's beautiful town square, then to Wilson and then Turrell. Stop at Wilson's Hampson Museum to learn about the Native Americans in the area. South from Turrell, take Rte. 77 to West Memphis where you pick up U.S. 70 and drive west to U.S. 79 to Marianna. Here you pick up Rte. 14 south for your final leg of this drive to the city of Helena. Helena is loaded with great things to see--historic homes, a confederate cemetery with a view, Blues Corner, and a cool marketplace along Cherry Street. Don't forget to stop and see the murals on Cherry Street, they are great.
Starting Point:
Paragould, AR
Distance of Drive:
223 miles
Must Eat:
Guy's Buffet
403 West Kings Highway, Paragould, AR 72450
Phone:870-236-2299
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:Catfish
Best Time of Year for Drive:
The gladiolas bloom in Jonesboro from July through September, but the rest of the area is beautiful during all seasons.
Points of Interest on Drive:
St. Francis National Forest
Herman Davis Monument
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