Arkansas Highway 298: Paron to Benton

Arkansas Highway 298 might not show up on many travel brochures, but it’s a gem of a drive for anyone who appreciates winding backroads, scenic landscapes, and a good dose of solitude. Spanning about 14 miles, this stretch of AR-298 runs from Arkansas Highway 9 near Paron eastward to Arkansas Highway 5 just north of Benton. What starts as a quiet ride through forested hills ends with an easy connection to one of Saline County’s main arteries. It’s the kind of drive that quietly surprises you—and sticks in your memory.We begin the route just outside Paron, a rural community tucked into the eastern Ouachita Mountains. Right away, AR-298 dives into the heart of Saline County’s natural beauty. To the west, Paron marks the last notable dot on the map before the landscape opens up into a mix of pine-covered ridges and patchy farmland. Along the way, you’ll pass the small communities of Bland and Grape, which are more clusters of homes and churches than fully developed towns. That’s part of the charm—this road feels like it belongs to the locals, and for a few miles, it can belong to us too.

Driving east, the road climbs and dips through low hills and broad curves. Unlike more engineered state highways, AR-298 still carries that authentic “backroad” feel. It’s well-paved, but it doesn’t straighten out just for the sake of speed. You’ll navigate a few tight curves and even a hairpin or two—enough to make things interesting, especially for motorcyclists or anyone looking to enjoy a spirited drive. For those with a more relaxed pace, there are countless moments to roll down the windows and take in the sounds of the forest, particularly near the headwaters of small creeks that cut across the hills.

Wildlife sightings aren’t uncommon either—white-tailed deer, hawks, and even the occasional wild turkey can be spotted, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. There aren’t any dedicated parks along this stretch, but outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy nearby trails and forest roads accessible off AR-298 closer to Paron. The area also offers good opportunities for photography during the fall, when the hardwoods light up in orange and gold.

As we near the eastern end of the highway, the landscape begins to shift. Trees thin out, the hills flatten, and we approach a more suburban edge. Before long, we reach the eastern terminus of AR-298 at Arkansas Highway 5, just north of Benton. From here, it’s a short drive into town, with shopping, dining, and access to Interstate 30 just minutes away. It’s a sharp contrast to the quiet route we just traveled, but it makes AR-298 an ideal bypass or scenic alternative for those traveling between Paron and Benton—or for anyone seeking a peaceful drive close to the city.

If you’re the type who appreciates roads less traveled, AR-298 is worth the detour. It’s not about going fast or getting somewhere quickly—it’s about the in-between, the tucked-away views, and the feeling of cruising through Arkansas the way it used to be. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a cruiser, a touring bike, or just out on a weekend drive, this stretch offers just enough road to remind you why we take the long way home.