Welcome to a drive along one of west Little Rock’s most recognizable thoroughfares — Chenal Parkway, heading westbound from the city’s commercial heart into the quiet foothills near Cantrell Road. Spanning roughly 8 miles, this route transitions from a bustling office corridor to a serene residential gateway, showcasing the dual character of west Little Rock.
We begin our drive at the western terminus of Interstate 630, where the freeway flows seamlessly into Financial Center Parkway near Shackleford Road. This stretch is lined with corporate campuses, banks, and hotels — the economic engine of the area. Westward, the road curves gently past Autumn Road, where the name officially changes to Chenal Parkway. While the signage shifts, the character of the road continues with multiple lanes, landscaped medians, and a steady flow of traffic headed toward suburban neighborhoods and shopping destinations.
Shortly after the Bowman Road and Markham Street intersections, Chenal Parkway undergoes one of its more unique design features: a split alignment, with the eastbound and westbound lanes divided by a long, linear park. This unusual median provides green space in the middle of the city and gives the route a more scenic and relaxed feel. As we approach Kanis Road, the lanes rejoin and the road gradually shifts northwest, signaling a change from commercial to more residential surroundings.
As we continue, we pass Rahling Road, a connector that leads into newer developments, office complexes, and Chenal Valley, one of Little Rock’s most upscale residential areas. Just beyond Rahling, Chenal Parkway narrows from a multi-lane boulevard to a more intimate two-lane road — a subtle cue that we’re leaving the denser traffic zones behind. The terrain also begins to change as we descend a gentle hill into a wooded residential corridor, where large homes are tucked among the trees.
Our final signaled intersection comes at Chenonceau Boulevard, near the entrance to neighborhoods like Lamarche and The Oaks. From here, the parkway continues for about half a mile, gradually descending again before coming to an end at Arkansas Highway 10 (Cantrell Road). This intersection marks the transition to the more rural western stretches of Pulaski County, and for many commuters, it’s the point where city life ends and suburban serenity begins.
Whether you’re commuting from downtown or just out for a weekend drive, westbound Chenal Parkway offers a smooth, scenic ride through the evolving layers of Little Rock — from commercial hubs to leafy neighborhoods. With its wide lanes, landscaped medians, and gentle hills, it’s a great example of how a city can blend business, beauty, and livability into a single corridor.
🗺️ Route Map
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