Rest Areas: Interstate 40 West – Big Piney Rest Area – Mile 74 – Arkansas 🅿️ 🚻 🚮

Take a quick break from the steady pace of Interstate 40 westbound as we pull into the Big Piney Tourist Center and Rest Area, located at Mile Marker 74, just west of Russellville, Arkansas. This stop is one of the newer jewels in Arkansas’ rest area system, fully remodeled in 2017, blending function with a hint of natural beauty. As we exit the highway, we’re immediately greeted by wide parking bays and open grassy areas—perfect for stretching our legs or giving a pet a much-needed break from the backseat.

Nestled within the rolling landscape of the Arkansas River Valley, this rest area sits not far from the namesake Big Piney Creek, a scenic tributary of the Arkansas River known for its clear waters and recreational opportunities. Though the creek itself stays out of view from the rest area, the gently wooded surroundings serve as a quiet reminder that we’re in the foothills of the Ozarks. The nearby ridges occasionally peek through the trees, and on clear days, you might even catch sight of Mount Nebo or the distant outline of Petit Jean Mountain—both famous destinations in this region of Arkansas.

Inside the rest area, the modern amenities make a short stop feel much more pleasant. Clean restrooms, vending machines for quick snacks, and a tourist information area offer both comfort and insight into what lies beyond the highway. There are even pet exercise areas, a thoughtful addition for those traveling with four-legged companions. The Arkansas Department of Transportation clearly paid attention to the needs of modern road trippers during the 2017 renovation, with accessible walkways and shaded picnic spots inviting travelers to linger a little longer than a typical stop-and-go.

As we pull back onto Interstate 40, we leave behind the calm of the Big Piney Rest Area and head westward toward the natural beauty of the Ozark National Forest and the river town of Ozark. This short stop reminds us that even along the busiest of interstates, Arkansas offers plenty of spaces where travelers can reconnect with nature, rest their minds, and enjoy a quick slice of hospitality before continuing their journey.