U.S. Route 167: Ash Flat to Batesville – Arkansas

Travel 38 scenic miles with us along U.S. Route 167 from Ash Flat to Batesville, Arkansas—a drive that gently winds its way through the picturesque foothills of the Ozarks. Starting at the intersection with U.S. Route 62 in Ash Flat, this two-lane highway offers a laid-back journey through some of north-central Arkansas’ most charming rural landscapes. With tree-lined curves, rolling hills, and small towns dotting the route, this drive showcases a quieter side of the Natural State.

Heading south out of Ash Flat, U.S. 167 enters a serene stretch of highway surrounded by hardwood forests and open farmland. This section of road doesn’t rush—it invites you to take in the views and enjoy the drive. One of the first notable stops along the route is Evening Shade, a quaint town whose name alone draws curiosity. In town, you’ll find the junction with Arkansas Highway 56. Though small, Evening Shade has a bit of fame thanks to the 1990s Burt Reynolds TV show that borrowed its name. It also offers a glimpse into small-town Arkansas life, with local shops and a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Leaving Evening Shade, the highway swings southeast as it begins a descent toward the town of Cave City. Just north of town, U.S. 167 intersects Arkansas Highway 58, and as you roll into Cave City, you’re entering the self-proclaimed “Home of the World’s Sweetest Watermelons.” If you’re visiting during the summer, the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is a must-see, drawing crowds from all over Arkansas and beyond. U.S. 167 intersects AR-230 in town before continuing southward, moving into increasingly developed areas as it nears Batesville.

After passing through more wooded hills and the occasional homestead, the road curves southwest near Pfeiffer, an unincorporated community just outside Batesville. The highway then enters the Batesville city limits near AR-394, shifting from a rural to more urban feel. Batesville is one of the oldest cities in Arkansas and serves as a regional hub for Independence County. Along this stretch, you’ll find retail centers, local restaurants, and several points of interest, including Lyon College, a private liberal arts school nestled in the northern part of town.

Continuing into the heart of Batesville, U.S. 167 crosses intersections with Arkansas Highway 25 and AR-69, where travelers can divert to explore additional scenic routes or head toward nearby towns like Sulphur Rock. As the highway becomes St. Louis Street, it threads through downtown Batesville, offering access to historic buildings, riverfront parks, and local businesses. Just before the route crosses the White River, it intersects AR-233, marking a major node in the city’s road network. The video ends just before the river at Meyers Avenue, but U.S. 167 continues southward, eventually linking up with U.S. Route 167’s future freeway segments and Interstate connections farther downstate.

Whether you’re following the route for its scenic rural charm or heading into Batesville for business or leisure, U.S. 167 delivers a satisfying mix of forested hills, small-town character, and growing cityscapes.