U.S. Highway 425: Monticello to Star City – Arkansas

Travel with us along a key north-south corridor in southeast Arkansas as we drive 22 miles north on U.S. Highway 425 from Monticello to Star City. This segment offers a snapshot of small-town life and Delta flatlands, where commercial hubs, rural communities, and dense pine forests coexist along a lightly traveled but regionally important route.

Our journey begins in Monticello, turning north onto US-425 at its junction with US-278. This section of highway passes through the busiest part of town—a mix of chain restaurants, big-box stores, and service stations that form Monticello’s commercial spine. Monticello itself serves as a local anchor for Drew County, with attractions like the University of Arkansas at Monticello and a historic downtown district just to the south of our starting point. As we leave the developed edges of town, the landscape opens into long stretches of straight roadway flanked by tall pines, open farmland, and occasional homes tucked back from the highway.

Continuing north, we pass through the small communities of Montongo and Relfs Bluff. These are quiet settlements, often missed if you blink, but they reflect the deeply rooted, agricultural culture of the region. You won’t find many gas stations or stores here—just narrow side roads, a few old barns, and signs pointing toward backroads and rural churches. This part of US-425 is all about motion—rolling steadily through unchanging scenery that’s peaceful in its repetition. It’s a perfect stretch for travelers looking to avoid the bustle of larger highways and soak in the rhythm of the Arkansas countryside.

As we approach Lincoln County, the highway meets the southern junctions with Arkansas Highway 11 and Arkansas Highway 54. These intersections mark the outskirts of Star City, a town known for its role in the local timber and agricultural industries. Entering Star City proper, US-425 becomes more urbanized again, with more traffic and community fixtures such as schools, churches, and parks visible from the road. We pass key junctions with AR-11 eastbound and AR-293 before coming to a stop at the intersection with AR-114, where this segment concludes. Star City has a walkable downtown and is a great place to grab a bite or explore local shops before continuing your journey north toward Pine Bluff or south back to Monticello.