Crowley's Ridge Parkway

Byway Details

Designation

National Scenic Byway

Length

196 mi in Arkansas

About Crowley's Ridge Parkway

Crowley's Ridge Parkway is a 195.5-mile National Scenic Byway in Arkansas, following Crowley's Ridge through a long chain of towns from St. Francis and Piggott in the north to Helena-West Helena in the south. Along the way it passes through Paragould, Jonesboro, Harrisburg, Forrest City and Marianna, with smaller stops such as Pollard, McDougal, Lafe, Oak Grove Heights, Walcott and Haynes in between. At nearly 200 miles, the drive works well split into sections, with the larger towns along the route as natural places to break it up. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for the trip. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show highs around 71°F in April and 74°F in October, while summer highs typically climb past 90°F. The byway also gives access to outdoor stops a short way off the road. Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area, with pier fishing, sits about 0.3 miles from the route. The hike at La Purchase Baseline is about 0.6 miles away, and Big Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 0.7 miles off. The Craighead Forest Main Loop, also about 0.7 miles away, adds another walking option.