Arkansas Highway 5: Hot Springs to Fountain Lake

The newly extended Arkansas Highway 5 delivers a smooth and scenic journey from Hot Springs to Fountain Lake, offering travelers a fresh perspective on rural Garland County. Opened to traffic on September 18, 2023, this modern 5.8-mile bypass now serves as a vital connector between U.S. Highways 70 and 270 in Hot Springs and Arkansas Highways 7 and 5 in Fountain Lake. Not only does it provide improved traffic flow and access, but it also winds its way through the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, giving drivers a blend of efficient travel and Arkansas beauty.

Our trip begins in Hot Springs at the southern end of the bypass, where a full interchange with U.S. 70/70B launches us northward onto the new alignment of Highway 5. This section of highway is designed for speed and safety, with wide shoulders, modern signage, and gently banked curves. Just after the on-ramp, we pass by Mill Creek Road, which provides access to residential and recreational areas tucked into the forested hillsides. The drive continues through a mix of cut rock bluffs and forest-lined slopes, with scenic views that hint at the more rugged terrain of the Ouachitas further west.

Despite its relatively short length, this segment of AR-5 feels like a gateway to adventure. As we approach Fountain Lake, the terrain begins to open up slightly, transitioning from densely wooded hills to more developed spaces near the roundabout with Arkansas Highway 7. This roundabout serves as the northern terminus of the extension and is a key junction: Highway 7 heads south back into Hot Springs or north toward Jessieville and the Ouachita National Forest, while the older alignment of Highway 5 continues eastward toward Crows and eventually Benton.

Travelers taking this route not only enjoy the benefits of a faster connection between Hot Springs and Fountain Lake, but also the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Nearby attractions include Lake Hamilton, Garvan Woodland Gardens, and Downtown Hot Springs, all within a short drive of the southern end of the bypass. At the northern end, the community of Fountain Lake offers convenient amenities, and those continuing on AR-5 can enjoy the quiet countryside of eastern Garland County.

This stretch of AR-5 isn’t just a new road — it’s part of a larger investment in regional infrastructure that makes travel safer, more scenic, and more direct for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re heading to Hot Springs for the weekend or just enjoying the landscape, this drive is a great way to experience modern Arkansas roadbuilding with a view.