If you’re looking for a scenic drive that packs in some classic Arkansas beauty, Arkansas Highway 154 from Petit Jean State Park to Centerville absolutely delivers. This 15-mile route takes us from the rugged heights of Petit Jean Mountain, down winding roads, and out into the rolling farmland of the Arkansas River Valley. It’s a short trip, but there’s a surprising amount to see—so let’s break it down.
We kick things off right at Mather Lodge in the heart of Petit Jean State Park, which is hands-down one of Arkansas’s must-see spots. Before we even get rolling, you’ll want to take a few minutes at the Petit Jean Viewpoint for those sweeping mountain vistas. This overlook is one of the best places to snap a photo or just take in the layers of green and blue stretching out across the river valley below. As we pull away from the lodge, Highway 154 immediately throws us into a series of classic mountain switchbacks—plenty of semi-tight turns and a few places where you’ll want to take it slow and enjoy the ride. Especially in the spring or fall, these curves wind through thick hardwood forest, and if you’re lucky, you might spot deer or even wild turkeys darting across the road.
Once we descend the mountain and the road straightens out, the route heads west toward the small community of Pontoon. Along this stretch, you’ll notice the scenery shift from rocky highland to peaceful valley farmland. After passing through Pontoon, AR-154 crosses the Petit Jean River—a spot that sometimes offers nice river views depending on the season and water level. In summer, you might see anglers along the banks, and the old steel truss bridge here adds a bit of local character. Continuing on, we glide past the rural community of New Neely, where open fields and grazing cattle start to dominate the landscape. This section feels like true backroads Arkansas: quiet, relaxed, and a perfect place to roll the windows down.
For the last leg, we push on west through gentle curves and pockets of forest until we reach Centerville. The trip wraps up at the intersection with Scenic Arkansas Highway 7—another iconic north-south route known for its gorgeous views and historic significance as one of the state’s most scenic byways. If you’re up for more adventure, you could head south on Highway 7 to the Ouachita Mountains or north toward the Arkansas Wine Country and Russellville. Or just pull over for a bite at one of the local diners and soak up the small-town vibe.
Along this stretch of AR-154, there aren’t any huge tourist attractions (outside Petit Jean itself), but that’s honestly part of the charm. You get a slice of Arkansas that’s authentic—mountain overlooks, winding descent, peaceful farmlands, and a real sense of place.
🗺️ Route Map
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