Take a scenic ride along the southern flank of Hot Springs, Arkansas, as we follow a fast-paced stretch of U.S. Route 70 westbound from the Old Little Rock Highway to the end of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway. This 12-mile journey skims the edges of the city’s core, bypassing historic downtown and busy commercial corridors in favor of a more streamlined, efficient route—one that still manages to brush up against the natural beauty and character Hot Springs is known for.
Our trip begins at the eastern terminus of the Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway, where the old alignment of U.S. 70 transitions onto the modern bypass. Immediately, the road takes on a controlled-access expressway profile, curving westward through southern Hot Springs. This corridor, often referred to simply as “the Bypass” by locals, was developed to alleviate congestion in the older parts of town and connect key areas more fluidly. The scenery here is more suburban than scenic, but tree-covered slopes and cut rock embankments still give the landscape a rugged charm that nods to the Ouachitas just beyond the horizon.
Just past the start of the video, the road gains a new companion—U.S. Route 270 merges in at Exit 9. From here to Exit 2, US-70 and US-270 run concurrently, forming a high-speed artery that sees a steady mix of commuters, tourists, and regional traffic. Overpasses and offramps link to destinations like Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Lake Hamilton, and a number of growing subdivisions on the city’s south and west sides. This stretch also hosts access to Hot Springs Mall and various chain restaurants and services, blending utility with convenience. While it’s not as quaint as downtown or as serene as the parklands to the north, it’s undeniably vital to the city’s daily pulse.
At Exit 2, U.S. 70 departs the expressway, veering southward toward the communities of Piney and Lonsdale on its westward route to Glenwood. We remain on the expressway as U.S. 270 continues solo, carving through low hills and tree-lined ridges toward the edge of the city limits. This final stretch, often less trafficked, marks a subtle return to natural Arkansas beauty. The forest presses closer to the shoulder, and the noise of the city begins to fade. At the expressway’s western terminus, the roadway blends into the rural continuation of US-270, hinting at the quieter terrain that lies ahead.
In many ways, this drive is a study in transitions: from the city’s historic core to its modern bypass, from the overlap of two major routes to their eventual parting ways, and from urban energy to the tranquil promise of open road. Whether you’re bypassing the city or connecting to its vibrant edges, this stretch of U.S. 70 is a testament to how highways evolve with the places they serve—and how even the most utilitarian routes can offer a moment of reflection on the landscape, history, and rhythm of daily life in central Arkansas.
🗺️ Route Map
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