State Highways

Explore America's diverse network of state highways—regional routes managed by individual states that connect towns, cities, parks, and scenic landscapes.

State highways form the backbone of regional travel across the United States, offering essential connections between cities, rural communities, and major national routes. Managed by individual state departments of transportation, these highways vary widely in scale—from narrow rural byways to multi-lane expressways rivaling interstates in traffic and speed. While numbering systems and signage conventions differ from state to state, each network plays a critical role in local mobility and economic development.

Unlike the federally designated Interstate and U.S. Highway systems, state highways are developed and maintained at the state level, giving them a unique character and flexibility. Some follow historic paths and scenic corridors, while others serve as modern commuter routes or urban spurs. Many are vital links to state parks, natural attractions, and lesser-known destinations that don't fall within the national systems.

On this site, we highlight a growing collection of notable state highways, organized by region and state. Whether you're tracing a scenic loop through the mountains, navigating a fast-moving corridor through a metro area, or exploring forgotten rural routes, our guides offer detailed overviews, and video journeys to help you plan your next adventure.

State Highway vs Route vs Road...

State Departments of Transportation use different terminology for their designated road systems, with some states using "state highway," others "state road," and still others "state route." These distinctions, though seemingly minor, often reflect historical and legislative traditions within each state. The choice of a particular term can be tied to the legal language used when the road network was first established or expanded. For example, a state might have initially defined its network as a "system of highways" for commerce and travel, while another may have focused on creating a "system of roads" for local and inter-city connections. The term "state route" is often a more modern designation that emphasizes a specific numbered path for navigation rather than the physical characteristics or purpose of the road itself. While the exact reasoning for each state's choice is complex and rooted in its unique history, the map on the right provides a visual guide to which term is used where.

Explore State Routes

Arkansas Highway 213 through Hattieville

Arkansas Highway 213 through Hattieville

Cruise north along Arkansas Highway 213 for a relaxed 4-mile drive through Hattieville, Arkansas. Enjoy rural scenery, local farms, and the quiet charm of small-town life as you connect from AR-95 to AR-247. Perfect for those who appreciate a peaceful backroad experience in Conway County.

Arkansas Highway 7: Hot Springs to Bismarck (DeGray Lake State Park)

Arkansas Highway 7: Hot Springs to Bismarck (DeGray Lake State Park)

Take a scenic drive down Arkansas Highway 7 from Hot Springs to Bismarck and DeGray Lake State Park. Discover lakeside views, mountain curves, and classic Ouachita forest scenery as you travel this 22-mile route—perfect for a road trip, weekend getaway, or a day of adventure in Arkansas.

Arkansas Highway 95: Morrilton to Hattieville

Arkansas Highway 95: Morrilton to Hattieville

Cruise Arkansas Highway 95 from Morrilton to Hattieville and discover a peaceful, 7-mile drive through classic farmland, gentle hills, and rural communities. This lightly traveled state route offers scenic countryside views, easy connections to other highways, and a true taste of small-town Arkansas. Perfect for road trip lovers and those seeking a relaxing drive away from the interstate.

Arkansas Highway 227: Lake Ouachita State Park to Piney

Arkansas Highway 227: Lake Ouachita State Park to Piney

Cruise south along Arkansas Highway 227 from Lake Ouachita State Park to Piney, winding through forested mountains, the historic town of Mountain Pine, and past local highlights like Mid-America Science Museum. Perfect for travelers seeking a scenic, laid-back drive with easy access to outdoor fun and Hot Springs attractions.

Arkansas Highway 5: Crows to Fountain Lake

Arkansas Highway 5: Crows to Fountain Lake

Cruise 14 miles along Arkansas Highway 5 from Crows to Fountain Lake for a relaxing drive through forested hills, rural towns, and the edges of Hot Springs Village. Discover scenic views and the gateway to Central Arkansas’s best lakes and parks on this peaceful stretch of highway.

Arkansas Highway 9: Williams Junction to Crows

Arkansas Highway 9: Williams Junction to Crows

Cruise 22 miles down Arkansas Highway 9 from Williams Junction to Crows for a classic Ouachita drive. Experience the dense Ouachita National Forest, pass through rural communities like Paron and Unity, and enjoy scenic views, peaceful backroads, and true Arkansas hospitality. Perfect for nature lovers and road trippers seeking an authentic Natural State adventure.

Arkansas Highway 16: Albion to Pangburn

Arkansas Highway 16: Albion to Pangburn

Explore a charming six-mile drive along Arkansas Highway 16 from Albion to Pangburn, featuring rolling farmland, quiet rural communities, and a scenic crossing of Big Creek. This relaxed backroad journey offers classic Arkansas views and ends in the inviting town of Pangburn near the Little Red River.

Arkansas Highway 310: Sidon to Albion

Arkansas Highway 310: Sidon to Albion

Experience a relaxed and scenic drive on Arkansas Highway 310 from Sidon to Albion. This 13-mile route weaves through small towns, farmland, and rolling hills, showcasing the best of rural White County, Arkansas. Ideal for road trippers and anyone looking for an authentic backroads journey.

Arkansas Highway 36: 8-mile to Rose Bud

Arkansas Highway 36: 8-mile to Rose Bud

Cruise 27 miles of Arkansas Highway 36 from 8-Mile to Rose Bud, winding through farmland, small towns, and classic Arkansas scenery. Discover rural communities, local intersections, and great countryside views on this relaxed central Arkansas drive.

Arkansas Highway 38: Des Arc to Cabot

Arkansas Highway 38: Des Arc to Cabot

If you’re looking for a genuine slice of central Arkansas, a drive westbound on Arkansas Highway 38 from Des Arc to Cabot is a perfect way to see the region’s small towns, sprawling farmland, and classic heartland scenery. This 29-mile route...

Arkansas Highway 38: Cotton Plant to Des Arc

Arkansas Highway 38: Cotton Plant to Des Arc

Experience a peaceful 15-mile drive along Arkansas Highway 38 from Cotton Plant to Des Arc, crossing the Cache and White Rivers through farmland, small Delta communities, and historic river landscapes. A classic eastern Arkansas route.