Kanis Rd: Paron to Ferndale – Arkansas

Let’s take a drive together along one of central Arkansas’s most scenic backroads—Kanis Road, as it stretches from the small community of Paron eastward to Ferndale. This 13-mile journey is the kind of ride that reminds us why sometimes, the best way to experience Arkansas is off the interstate and out on the two-lane highways and county roads that wind through the Ouachita foothills.

We begin our trip in Paron, a rural community tucked into the western edge of Saline County. Kanis Road picks up here as a classic Arkansas backroad: forested, rolling, and a bit unpredictable. The scenery is lush, with dense stands of pine and hardwood trees flanking both sides of the roadway. This route is especially beautiful in spring and fall, when wildflowers or turning leaves blanket the hillsides. As we head east, the road undulates through the hills—expect a few sharp curves and a handful of narrow bridges that give Kanis Road its character.

Along the way, we pass through nearly uninterrupted forest, with only the occasional mailbox or homestead breaking the tree line. This segment of Kanis Road doesn’t have big towns or commercial stops, but that’s part of the charm—it’s pure country, with tranquil views and the sounds of nature filling in the quiet. For those interested in a quick detour, several small gravel roads branch off Kanis, offering access to fishing spots, hidden creeks, and hiking trailheads in the Ouachita National Forest region. It’s a favorite area for locals out for a Sunday drive, cyclists looking for a challenge, or anyone needing a break from city life.

As we near Ferndale, the forest begins to thin out a bit and you’ll spot signs for local churches, fire stations, and the community center—a signal you’re getting close to civilization again. Ferndale itself is a quiet, close-knit rural community with ties to both Little Rock and the broader Pulaski County area. While there’s not much in the way of roadside attractions, the journey along Kanis Road is about the experience: winding turns, scenic forest, and the peaceful solitude of the Arkansas backcountry. If you’re up for more exploration, Ferndale sits near the intersection of several other scenic routes, making it a great jumping-off point for further drives toward Pinnacle Mountain State Park or the shores of Lake Maumelle.

This drive on Kanis Road from Paron to Ferndale captures a slice of real, rural Arkansas—no big cities, no billboards, just the road, the woods, and whatever you bring along for the ride. Whether you’re passing through or seeking out a quiet day trip, it’s a stretch of highway that invites you to slow down, roll the windows down, and enjoy a bit of natural Arkansas beauty.