Burlingame Road: Little Rock – Arkansas

Burlingame Road may not show up on every traveler’s radar, but for those exploring the backroads west of Little Rock, it’s a short and scenic connector that offers a unique glimpse into the transition from urban sprawl to rural calm. In this drive, we follow Burlingame Road westbound for about 4 miles, starting at Colonel Glenn Road and ending at Kanis Road, not far from the Pulaski–Saline County line.

We begin our ride at the intersection with Colonel Glenn Road, a major east-west corridor that brings traffic out of Little Rock and into the hilly outskirts. Almost immediately, Burlingame sets the tone with a gently rolling landscape. The area is semi-rural, with wooded patches that alternate with scattered homes and the occasional pasture. While development is creeping in from the east, this stretch of road still feels quiet and a bit tucked away—like it hasn’t quite decided if it wants to be suburban or country.

As we continue westward, the road narrows slightly and becomes a bit more curvy, following the natural contours of the land. This section is popular with cyclists and Sunday drivers alike, thanks to its low traffic volume and scenic qualities. Along the way, we pass a few driveways that disappear into thick woods, signs of small homesteads or hidden properties beyond view. This is the kind of road where it’s easy to imagine taking the long way home, just to enjoy the peace and the view.

Eventually, Burlingame Road winds its way up a slight grade before meeting Kanis Road, another major east-west route that parallels Colonel Glenn to the north. At this point, we’ve left the outskirts of Little Rock and entered a space that feels distinctly more rural—though the city is still just a few miles behind us. From here, drivers can head west toward Ferndale and Lake Maumelle, or back east into the heart of West Little Rock.

For those familiar with the area, Burlingame is more than a shortcut—it’s a local gem that offers a relaxing detour away from the traffic and hustle of the main arteries. It’s also a popular alternative when navigating between neighborhoods like Ferndale, Chenal Valley, and the southern edges of the Wildwood Park for the Arts area. While there are no major attractions along the road itself, the journey is the attraction: wooded hills, quiet turns, and the kind of unhurried pace that makes for a great afternoon drive.