U.S. Route 79: Fordyce to Eagle Mills – Arkansas

Cruising through southern Arkansas on U.S. Route 79 offers a scenic and historically rich journey, especially along the 21-mile stretch from Fordyce to Eagle Mills. This section of highway cuts through the heart of Dallas and Ouachita Counties, linking small towns and rural communities while giving travelers a sense of the region’s quiet charm and natural beauty.

Our drive begins in the town of Fordyce, where U.S. 79 intersects with U.S. 167. Fordyce, the county seat of Dallas County, is known for its railroad history and historic downtown district, which is worth exploring before you hit the road. As we head west out of town, the highway curves southwest near the junction with Arkansas Highway 8, which leads east toward Warren and the lower Arkansas Delta. Here, U.S. 79 and U.S. 167 share pavement for a few miles, offering a dual-route experience as they bypass the more residential parts of town. At the intersection with Arkansas Highway 273, we officially leave the limits of Fordyce and begin our passage into the Arkansas backcountry.

Just northeast of Thornton, the two U.S. routes split ways. U.S. 167 veers south toward Hampton and El Dorado, while U.S. 79 continues its southwest track into Thornton itself. This small town is a snapshot of classic southern Arkansas life—quiet, local, and nestled among pine trees. Though modest in size, Thornton retains its identity through local churches, the community school, and a few local businesses that serve travelers and locals alike. There are no major attractions here, but the town offers a brief view into the daily pace of rural Arkansas life.

South of Thornton, the road skirts the northern edge of Bearden, a slightly larger community with a bit more to offer. While U.S. 79 bypasses the town, travelers looking for a break might consider exiting onto AR-203 or one of the local connectors into Bearden. Here you’ll find some small diners and a city park that’s perfect for stretching your legs. The area is also steeped in logging and railroad heritage, a legacy that’s still evident in the architecture and layout of the town.

Continuing southwest, U.S. 79 passes the intersection with its old alignment, US-79B, which loops down through Bearden proper before rejoining the main highway. This older stretch, now a business route, serves as a reminder of how highway development has reshaped traffic flow and small-town access over the decades. Shortly after this point, U.S. 79 intersects with the southern terminus of Arkansas Highway 9, marking the end of this drive at Eagle Mills, a small community surrounded by forest and farmland. While Eagle Mills doesn’t offer much in the way of amenities, it serves as a crossroads for travelers continuing deeper into Ouachita County or turning north on AR-9 toward Malvern.

This drive is a peaceful slice of southern Arkansas, offering glimpses of small-town life, stretches of pine forest, and a gently rolling landscape that transitions from upland hills to flatter farmland. There are no grand tourist stops here—just the road, the trees, and a handful of rural communities that reflect the quiet strength of this region.