Join us for a scenic 34-mile drive west along Arkansas Highway 22, stretching from Dardanelle to the charming town of Paris, nestled at the base of Mount Magazine. This route offers a classic slice of west-central Arkansas, combining waterfront views, rolling farmland, and historic small towns rich in heritage.
Our journey begins in Dardanelle, a small but historically significant city on the banks of the Arkansas River. Highway 22 officially starts at its junction with Highway 7, just south of downtown. From here, we head west, skirting the southern edge of Lake Dardanelle, one of the major recreational lakes in the state. While the route doesn’t hug the shoreline, there are several side roads that lead to public fishing areas and lakeside pull-offs — well worth a detour if you’re after a peaceful water view or a quick photo opportunity.
Soon after leaving Dardanelle, we pass through the quiet community of Delaware, where Highway 22 makes a crossing just below the lake’s western finger. The road then leads us into New Blaine, a historic coal mining town and the junction with Arkansas Highway 197, which loops around Shoal Bay and provides access to Shoal Bay Recreation Area — a popular Corps of Engineers site ideal for camping, boating, and fishing. This segment of the route marks the transition from lakeside terrain to more traditional Arkansas countryside, with fields, tree stands, and low rolling hills beginning to dominate the scenery.
Continuing westward, we roll past a small unnamed lake south of the highway before entering Midway, where we intersect with Arkansas Highway 109. AR-109 heads north to cross the Arkansas River toward Clarksville. The surrounding area here is classic Arkansas farmland, dotted with silos and grazing cattle. As we leave Midway, the road brings us to one of the highlights of the route — Subiaco.
Subiaco is home to the striking Subiaco Abbey and Academy, a Benedictine monastery and boys’ boarding school founded in the 19th century. The Gothic-style architecture of the abbey rises unexpectedly from the landscape and is visible from the highway, offering a photo-worthy moment and an opportunity to explore if you choose to stop. The surrounding area reflects the town’s German Catholic roots, and the abbey itself welcomes visitors during certain hours.
From Subiaco, we continue west into Paris, where Highway 22 ends at its junction with Arkansas Highway 309. Paris is a quaint and walkable town known for its picturesque downtown square, complete with a replica Eiffel Tower and a small visitor center. It’s also the northern gateway to Mount Magazine, the state’s highest peak, located just south along AR-309. If you’re up for a detour, taking AR-309 south from Paris will lead you up the mountain via the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, with incredible views and access to Mount Magazine State Park.
🗺️ Route Map
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