Colonel Glenn Road: Ferndale to Little Rock – Arkansas

Colonel Glenn Road offers a scenic and practical route as it stretches roughly 11 miles from the rural edges of Ferndale to the bustling suburbs of west Little Rock. This drive is a blend of peaceful countryside charm and the gradual transition into urban life—making it a unique journey across Pulaski County.

We begin our drive just south of Ferndale, turning east onto Colonel Glenn Road from Ferndale Cut-Off. The area here is lightly populated, with tree-lined stretches and occasional homes tucked behind wooded driveways. The setting is serene—classic rural Arkansas—with rolling terrain and few distractions. It’s a nice drive for those wanting a slower-paced entry into Little Rock without immediately jumping into freeway traffic.

As we continue eastward, Colonel Glenn Road takes a gentle turn southeast just past Burlingame Road. Here, the surroundings start to shift. While trees still dominate the roadside, we begin to notice more signs of commercial life—small businesses, light industrial buildings, and a handful of churches and community landmarks. This area is still relatively undeveloped compared to other parts of Little Rock, which makes it feel like a quiet backdoor into the city. However, development is creeping in, and this stretch could look very different in a few years.

Approaching the Little Rock city limits, Colonel Glenn Road straightens out again and picks up the pace. We pass Bowman Road, which marks a more suburban feel with expanded retail options, apartment complexes, and increased traffic. This part of the route serves as an important connector for commuters heading to Interstate 430, which is where this journey ends. The interchange at I-430 offers access north toward downtown Little Rock and south toward I-30 and Benton, making it a key junction for drivers in the area.

This segment of Colonel Glenn Road is ideal for travelers who prefer surface routes to interstates or are looking for a more scenic, transitional entry into the city. While it’s not a formally designated scenic byway, the shift in landscape—from wooded rural roads to the edge of city sprawl—makes for a compelling and varied ride. Whether you’re exploring central Arkansas or commuting into town, this is a road worth knowing.