Ready for a laid-back drive through the scenic heart of west-central Arkansas? Let’s hop on Arkansas Highway 10 and roll from the small town of Perry westward to Ola—a classic 25-mile route that serves up rural charm, glimpses of natural beauty, and a slice of small-town Arkansas life, all in one trip.
We begin our journey in Perry, where Highway 10 splits from its concurrency with AR-9. As we turn west onto Highway 10, the world quickly opens up into stretches of quiet countryside, with the foothills of the Ouachitas setting the tone in the distance. Perry itself is a tiny but welcoming town, a common gateway for anyone making their way toward Petit Jean Mountain or simply passing through central Arkansas on a less-traveled route.
A few miles out, we pass into the even smaller community of Adona. While Adona is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, it’s got that rural charm and marks the first notable intersection—Arkansas Highway 324. This stretch is all about farmland, patches of forest, and a general sense of calm that’s a world away from city life. If you’re into old barns, quiet fields, and the occasional roadside produce stand, keep your eyes peeled as you roll through.
Continuing west, the road takes us straight into Casa—a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town that nonetheless has its own unique character. The intersection with Arkansas Highway 155 here is worth noting: if you’re up for an adventure, Highway 155 is the steep and winding route up to Petit Jean State Park, one of the most popular natural destinations in the state. Even if you’re not detouring, it’s a fun landmark to pass, and you might catch glimpses of Petit Jean Mountain in the distance on a clear day.
Leaving Casa, Highway 10 meanders through more farmland and rolling terrain, alternating between open pastures and tree-lined stretches. This section is all about the journey—enjoy the low traffic, the occasional glimpse of the Fourche La Fave River to the north, and the sense that you’re on a true Arkansas backroad. It’s a great spot to slow down and take in the scenery, especially in spring and fall when the countryside really comes alive.
As we approach Ola, you’ll start to notice the scenery shifting a bit. The town of Ola sits just south of the Petit Jean River, and while it’s not a big place, it’s a local hub for the surrounding farms and small communities. Our drive wraps up at the junction with Highway 7, just south of the main part of town. If you want to explore further, Ola is a jumping-off point for more adventures—Highway 7 will take you south toward the Ouachita Mountains or north to the Arkansas River Valley and Russellville.
Points of interest along this route:
Petit Jean State Park (via AR-155 at Casa): One of Arkansas’s premier state parks, with hiking, waterfalls, and the iconic Petit Jean Mountain overlook. Even if you don’t detour, it’s worth knowing how close you are to one of the state’s gems.
Scenic Farmland: The entire stretch is dotted with classic Arkansas farm scenes, from cattle grazing to fields of hay.
Fourche La Fave River: Though the river doesn’t cross the highway, it runs parallel not far to the south and can occasionally be spotted between the trees.
Small Town Vibes: Perry, Adona, Casa, and Ola all offer that quiet, tight-knit feel. Stop in for a cold drink or just take in the rhythm of rural Arkansas.
Whether you’re passing through, heading for a hike at Petit Jean, or just out for a relaxing drive, this section of Highway 10 is pure Arkansas—unpretentious, scenic, and welcoming.
🗺️ Route Map
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