If you’re looking for an old-school east-west road trip that really captures the feel of Arkansas’ prairie heartland, U.S. Highway 70 from Lonoke to Brinkley is a classic. Stretching about 44 miles, this route is a reminder of the days before Interstate 40 stole the show, and it’s still a useful and scenic alternative for folks who want to experience the real flavor of small-town Arkansas, rural farmlands, and old alignments of cross-country highways.
We kick things off right in the heart of Lonoke at the junction with Arkansas Highway 31. Heading east out of Lonoke, the landscape quickly transitions from the small city grid to open prairie, dotted with fields that stretch for miles. You’ll notice the traffic fades as you leave town—a sure sign you’re trading urban bustle for the wide-open countryside. After a brief southeast bend, U.S. 70 turns due east, skirting the edge of Bayou Meto country before meeting Arkansas Highway 381.
A few more miles and you’ll roll into Carlisle, a classic Arkansas prairie town with railroad roots and a slice of Main Street Americana. It’s a good place to stop for local eats or a quick photo of the old storefronts. The intersection with Arkansas Highway 13 marks the heart of town, and after passing Carlisle High School, the open fields return. Between Carlisle and Hazen, you’ll drive about 8 miles with little but endless sky and rich farmland to keep you company—prime territory for spotting rice fields, irrigation pivots, and plenty of waterfowl in the right season.
Hazen is your next town, with its historic depot and connections to U.S. Highway 63. The dual crossings of US-63 here are a quirk of the highway network—first with the northbound split, then the southbound a mile later. Hazen itself is a good spot to refuel, grab snacks, or stretch your legs before you push further east.
The drive continues through Prairie County, and soon you’ll approach De Valls Bluff. Just west of town, U.S. 70 hugs the line between fields and forest, and if you’re hungry for a true Arkansas food experience, De Valls Bluff is home to legendary pie shops and barbecue joints (be sure to check if they’re open—hours can be quirky!). The intersection with Arkansas Highway 33 marks the start of the next leg.
From here, the route turns north and then northeast, winding its way out of De Valls Bluff and toward the White River crossing. This is a classic Arkansas bridge—don’t miss the views from the top as you look out over the river and nearby wetlands. On the far side, you’ll enter the small town of Biscoe, sometimes called Fredonia, where the road intersects AR-33 again.
Continuing northeast, U.S. 70 runs out of town and straight into the bottomlands that hug the Cache River. This stretch is notorious for rough pavement and potholes—a real “wake-up call” to anyone who’s gotten too relaxed by the prairie scenery. If you’re a road enthusiast, you’ll notice the warping and buckling is a sign of the area’s flood-prone soils and hard Arkansas summers. Take it easy here! Once you cross the Cache River, the pavement improves a bit, and the highway runs straight as an arrow toward the junction with Arkansas Highway 17 southwest of Brinkley.
The final leg of the trip sees the landscape shift as you approach Brinkley, where U.S. 70 joins with U.S. 49 for the home stretch into town. Brinkley is one of those crossroads towns, with railroad history, old motels, and local diners that give you a real feel for mid-century Americana. The main drag brings you past Sycamore Street, then turns north for the last mile to the junction with U.S. 49 north—officially marking the end of your U.S. 70 run and the beginning of new adventures, whether you’re headed up to Memphis or backtracking for pie.
Things to See and Do Along U.S. 70 (Lonoke to Brinkley)
Lonoke: Grab a quick tour around the historic Lonoke County Courthouse and some old downtown architecture.
Carlisle: Old railroad depot and classic small-town vibes. Try the local cafes.
Between Carlisle & Hazen: Watch for rice paddies and migrating birds; this is waterfowl country in winter.
Hazen: Check out the historic train depot and enjoy some old-school small-town Arkansas eats.
De Valls Bluff: Famed for barbecue and pies—Craig’s Bar-B-Q and Ms. Lena’s Pies are regional legends.
White River & Cache River Crossings: Bring your camera; these are classic Arkansas river scenes and prime fishing/wildlife viewing spots.
Brinkley: Visit the Central Delta Depot Museum or hunt for remnants of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in local refuges.
📑 Chapters
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0:00 Part 1: Lonoke to Carlisle
7:48 Part 2: Carlisle to Hazen
16:00 Part 3: Hazen to De Valls Bluff
21:40 Part 4: De Valls Bluff to Biscoe
25:28 Part 5: Biscoe to Brinkley
35:30 Part 6: Brinkley
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