[bus man]

Hello everyone, I'm starting to plan out a road trip for later this fall, and one segment will be from NWA to Texarkana. The first part is easy: just follow I-49 south. I know that I-49 ends at Fort Smith, and Google Maps offers three options from there on down:

1. U.S. 59 (dipping into Texas) and U.S. 71 (estimated travel time about 3.5 hours from Fort Smith to Texarkana).

2. U.S. 71 the whole way (estimated travel time about 4 hours).

3. I-40 to Little Rock and then I-30 to Texarkana (estimated travel time, a bit over 4 hours).

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Fort...d33.425125!3e0

I know what to expect on the interstates, but what about these other routes? Are they easy, moderate, or difficult to drive? Flat, hilly, or mountainous? Straight or curvy? Scenic or boring? Is food and gas readily available? If you were doing this drive, what route would you follow? Thanking you all in advance.

[sub]

I’d just take 71. It’s fairly scenic and a decent road, not being annoyingly curvy. The Ouachitas are generally easy to navigate.

[latunafish]

I would skip the I-40 to I-30 route through Little Rock. Two big construction projects on that path at present. ( in the Little Rock area)

[btoverdrive]

I would take the simple route of Hwy 71 all the way, it is not a difficult drive and very scenic. Probably find some neat places to stop along he way.

[Sarahsez]

Definitely take Hwy 71. It's scenic in places and a slice of life you don't see much anymore... or at least I don't. The drive isn't bad.

[grampaTom]

I will jump on the 71 bandwagon. Have driven it several times (when I lived in Fayetteville) and always found it to be interesting and pleasant.

[bus man]

I just came back from my road trip. I followed Hwy. 71 as suggested, and it worked out just fine. It was a scenic and generally undemanding drive, and I enjoyed it. Thank you all for your feedback.

If anyone dredges up this thread in the future because they're thinking of doing this drive, it should be noted that services between Fort Smith and Texarkana are limited. By far the best spot for food and gas availability is Mena. Other, lesser availability may be found in Mansfield, De Queen, and Ashdown. Other than those places, services are extremely limited or nonexistent, so one should plan accordingly.

[Dopo]

Thanks for the information