Arkansas Highway 192: Hot Springs Village to Lake Ouachita State Park

If you’re looking for a short but scenic route in central Arkansas, Arkansas Highway 192 delivers a classic taste of the Ouachita region. This six-mile drive heads west from the peaceful, gated community of Hot Springs Village all the way to the lush entrance of Lake Ouachita State Park, where it meets Highway 227. While it’s not a long journey, it’s a rewarding one—packed with natural beauty and a couple of surprises along the way.

We start our trip at the edge of Hot Springs Village, a well-known retirement and recreation destination tucked into the eastern foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. The community itself is mostly private, but Highway 192 forms a scenic corridor out of the area, bordered by tall pines and thick stands of oak. As soon as you leave the boundaries of Hot Springs Village, you’ll notice the scenery quickly shifts from residential to rural, with pockets of dense forest and glimpses of rolling hills on either side.

Along the route, you’ll pass small creeks and a handful of quiet residential turnoffs, but for the most part, this is a tranquil two-lane that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. The road gently rises and falls as it snakes its way through the woodlands. While there are no major tourist stops directly on Highway 192, if you’re paying attention, you might catch sight of wildlife or even the occasional cyclist enjoying the peaceful surroundings. This stretch is also especially vibrant in the fall, when the forest lights up in color.

Before you know it, you’ll approach the western end of Highway 192 and reach the junction with Highway 227, right at the entrance to Lake Ouachita State Park. This park is one of Arkansas’s most popular outdoor destinations, offering access to one of the cleanest lakes in the country, excellent hiking trails, and a variety of water activities. Even if your drive ends here, it’s worth taking time to explore the park itself—whether that’s for a picnic, a swim, or simply a stroll through the visitor center to learn about the area’s unique geology and wildlife.

Overall, Arkansas Highway 192 is one of those “hidden gem” connectors that might not be on your radar, but is absolutely worth exploring if you find yourself near Hot Springs Village or Lake Ouachita. The mix of forested scenery, rural tranquility, and easy access to one of Arkansas’s top state parks makes this a road trip segment that’s greater than the sum of its miles.