Arkansas Highway 171: Diamondhead to Lake Catherine State Park

If you’re looking for a short yet rewarding drive in the heart of Arkansas’ natural beauty, Arkansas Highway 171 from Diamondhead up to Lake Catherine State Park makes for a great little adventure. We begin this peaceful jaunt right in the lakeside community of Diamondhead, just off Highway 290. As we roll out of Diamondhead, the neighborhood feel gives way to a more rural vibe almost immediately. This stretch of AR-171 is relatively short at just about three miles, but it sets the stage perfectly for an afternoon of hiking, swimming, or picnicking once we arrive at the state park.

About a mile into the drive, we gently curve eastward, hugging the edge of forested hills that are typical of the Ouachita Mountain foothills. The scenery here is a blend of pine and hardwood forest, with wildflowers adding seasonal pops of color. Keep an eye out for deer crossing the road, especially in the mornings and evenings when they tend to be most active near the park boundary. For anyone new to this area, it’s worth noting that Diamondhead itself is a quiet residential community developed as a lakeside retreat. It has a handful of local amenities like a marina and golf course, but the real star is the easy access it provides to Lake Catherine’s recreational offerings.

Once we enter Lake Catherine State Park, we’re greeted by one of Arkansas’ classic state park landscapes — rolling wooded hills, clear lake water, and plenty of shaded picnic spots. This park is known for its cozy cabins, well-maintained campsites, and a small marina where visitors can rent boats or launch their own. Hiking trails such as the Falls Branch Trail, which leads to a scenic waterfall, are among the highlights for visitors wanting to stretch their legs after the drive. There’s also a sandy swim beach that’s a favorite with families during the warmer months. Even though our route on Highway 171 officially ends just inside the park entrance, we always recommend spending extra time exploring deeper into the park. Whether you’re camping overnight or just stopping for an afternoon, Lake Catherine State Park delivers that classic Arkansas outdoors experience without requiring a long detour off the main highways.