If you’re looking for a peaceful slice of the Arkansas countryside, the 13-mile drive along Arkansas Highway 36 from Center Hill to Rose Bud offers just that — a calm, scenic ride through the heart of White County. This stretch of road embodies rural charm, rolling hills, and small-town character, all wrapped in a laid-back two-lane highway that invites you to slow down and enjoy the view.
We begin our journey in Center Hill at the intersection with Arkansas Highway 305. This is a lightly traveled part of the state, and that’s exactly what makes it special. As we head west, Highway 36 gently winds its way across the landscape, weaving through a patchwork of farmland, wooded stretches, and occasional open meadows. The road itself is in good condition, offering a smooth ride with soft curves and mild hills that make for an enjoyable, low-stress drive. On clear days, you’ll spot wide views of the surrounding countryside, dotted with silos, pastures, and homesteads — classic Arkansas.
One of the quiet highlights along the route is the tiny community of Joy. This unincorporated area may not appear on every map, but it’s a great representation of rural Arkansas living. A few homes, a small church, and an unmistakable sense of stillness define Joy. There are no tourist attractions here — just an honest look at everyday life in the Arkansas hills. For those who like to explore off the beaten path, side roads like Happy Valley Lane or Gravel Hill Road offer even more rural scenery and a taste of how locals move through these parts.
From Joy, we continue westward, gradually climbing and descending through a series of gentle hills. The landscape becomes a little more wooded as we approach Rose Bud, though you’ll still find farm fields breaking up the trees. Entering Rose Bud, we cross the town limits just before the intersection with Arkansas Highway 5, where our journey ends. With a population of just over 700, Rose Bud is small but active. The town offers a few restaurants, convenience stores, and even a family-run hardware shop — ideal for a pit stop or a quick stroll through a less-traveled corner of Arkansas.
Rose Bud also features a small but well-maintained park and a public library that occasionally hosts community events. Just off the highway, you’ll find remnants of the town’s earlier days, including a few older storefronts and a scattering of heritage homes that give the place a timeless feel. Whether you’re passing through or turning off for a local adventure, Rose Bud serves as a nice conclusion to this relaxed rural drive.
Altogether, the drive from Center Hill to Rose Bud is more than just a connector between two points — it’s a short but sweet reminder of why Arkansas is known as the Natural State. With no fast-paced traffic, no urban chaos, and no pressure to rush, this road encourages us to take it slow and savor the view.
🗺️ Route Map
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