Join us as we travel America’s Highways, journeying south for 30 miles along Interstate 57 from Newport to Bald Knob, Arkansas. This classic Arkansas stretch delivers not just an efficient corridor through farmland and river country, but also a surprisingly scenic window into the heart of northeast Arkansas. We’ll explore the highlights along this route, offer a few reasons to slow down and take in the surroundings, and cover all the major junctions and towns you’ll encounter along the way.
Starting in Newport: Gateway to the Delta
Our drive begins on the edge of Newport, a small city that serves as a gateway to the Arkansas Delta and a bit of a crossroads for travelers. Newport itself has a rich railroad history—if you’re interested in local heritage, it’s worth a quick detour to see the Jacksonport State Park, located just north of town on the White River. The park features a restored 19th-century courthouse and beautiful river views, offering a taste of the region’s past before you hit the open road.
Jumping onto Interstate 57 (formerly signed as U.S. Route 67 in this area), we head south out of Newport, merging from AR-18. The highway here is straight, flat, and wide-open—typical of the Arkansas Delta. As you drive, you’ll notice vast agricultural fields stretching in every direction, with rows of cotton, soybeans, and rice depending on the season. This is Arkansas farm country at its finest, and you’ll get a real sense of the state’s agricultural roots right from your windshield.
Onward Through Rural Arkansas: Bradford, Russell, and More
Leaving Newport, we cruise south and then sweep southwest at the AR-384 interchange. Just before leaving town, there’s a quick interchange with AR-17—if you’re hungry or need a pit stop, this is a good spot to pull off, as services get a little more sparse down the line.
Soon after, we cross the White River, a major waterway in eastern Arkansas. This crossing provides a rare glimpse of the river from the highway, and on clear days you might catch sight of anglers or boaters below. Immediately after the river, the route approaches Bradford, a small community that’s been a waystation for travelers for generations. Before you reach Bradford, you’ll also pass the interchange with Arkansas Highway 14—a route that heads east towards the wildlife areas along the Cache River and Marked Tree.
Bradford itself offers a classic small-town vibe. If you’ve got time, a quick drive through Main Street reveals old storefronts and a couple of family-owned diners. As you pass through town, you’ll encounter the junction with Highway 87—this route heads north out of Bradford, connecting to a network of rural roads and more hidden Arkansas scenery.
Beyond Bradford, the landscape shifts slightly as you move away from the river bottoms into more rolling farmland and patches of woodland. It’s a subtle change, but it’s one that regulars on this stretch will notice. You’ll continue southwest on I-57 (still signed as US-67 in many locals’ minds) toward the small community of Russell. There’s a final interchange here, mainly serving local farms and residents.
Approaching Bald Knob: End of the Line, and More to Explore
From Russell, it’s a straight shot into Bald Knob. As you roll into town, you’ll notice the scenery start to change again, with more roadside businesses, old grain elevators, and the unmistakable small-city feel that marks Bald Knob as a local hub. This town is famous among Arkansas road fans for its historic railroad junction, and also as the home of the legendary Bulldog Restaurant—a classic drive-in that’s been serving up burgers, shakes, and pie for decades. If you’re hungry at the end of your trip, it’s a must-stop.
We finish this drive by turning east at the busy interchange where U.S. Highway 167 and U.S. Highway 64 cross paths. This junction puts you at the edge of both the Ozarks (to the west) and the Arkansas Delta (to the east), making Bald Knob a true crossroads town for both travelers and locals.
For those wanting to extend the journey, you can branch off toward Searcy, continue south toward Little Rock, or explore more rural highways in any direction. This drive, while straightforward, offers a unique look at the everyday heart of Arkansas, from delta fields to river towns to the welcoming communities along the way.
🗺️ Route Map
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