Join us as we roll west along a charming 10-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 62, from Prairie Grove to Summers, Arkansas. This corridor is one of northwest Arkansas’s underrated connectors, blending a bit of small-town life with rolling farmlands and pockets of shady forest that remind us why the Ozarks are such a gem to explore.
Our journey kicks off just southwest of the historic heart of Prairie Grove, turning west onto U.S. Highway 62 from its business loop, US-62B. Prairie Grove itself is worth a pause if time allows — the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park preserves one of the most intact Civil War battlefields in the nation, and the park’s trails, cannons, and visitor center give the whole town an extra layer of significance. Once we merge onto the main highway, we slip away from Prairie Grove’s quaint neighborhood blocks and immediately sense the countryside opening up ahead.
About three miles out, we intersect Arkansas Highway 45 just as we glide into Lincoln. Lincoln is a small but lively town with a strong agricultural identity — this part of Washington County is apple country, and each September Lincoln hosts the Arkansas Apple Festival, a beloved local event celebrating the harvest with live music, crafts, and plenty of apple pie. As we pass through town along Pridemore Drive, Lincoln’s main drag, keep an eye out for classic storefronts and a handful of local eateries where a quick bite won’t disappoint.
Leaving Lincoln, Highway 62 points northwest for a moment before gently bending west again near the intersection with County Road 78. Here the scenery truly shifts into rural Arkansas mode: expect neat pastures, the occasional farmhouse, and long views of tree-lined ridges in the distance. If you’re driving this stretch during spring or fall, the surrounding hills come alive with fresh green or brilliant shades of orange and red, making this short leg a pretty slice of seasonal color.
A few miles later, we reach the junction with Arkansas Highway 59 south — a familiar crossroad for those navigating this part of the state. Staying the course on US-62, we continue into Summers, a quiet unincorporated community nestled near the Oklahoma border. Summers itself doesn’t boast a bustling downtown, but it’s a common jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding countryside and backroads that weave into Oklahoma’s foothills. We wrap up this short but pleasant drive where US-62 meets AR-59 north, marking a neat transition for travelers heading deeper into the northwest corner of Arkansas or over to neighboring states.
For anyone passing through, this route is more than a connector; it’s a quick but vivid snapshot of life in rural Washington County — small towns, honest farmland, and that laid-back, pastoral charm that makes this corner of Arkansas a place worth slowing down for.
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments