Take a scenic drive with us through north-central Arkansas as we travel 18 miles along Arkansas Highway 25, starting just outside Heber Springs and ending in the rural community of Drasco. This stretch of AR-25 offers a little bit of everything—mountain views, a major dam crossing, small communities, and glimpses of the ever-popular Greers Ferry Lake.
We begin our journey at the intersection of Arkansas Highways 5, 16, and 25, just southwest of Heber Springs. At this point, AR-25 is concurrent with AR-16, heading east briefly before splitting off to continue north. As we veer left to stay on AR-25, we skirt the southwestern edge of Heber Springs along its modern bypass. This area sees a bit more traffic, especially in the warmer months when Greers Ferry Lake tourism kicks into high gear. The town itself is a destination worth circling back to—home to a charming downtown, Spring Park with its natural mineral springs, and a gateway to outdoor recreation.
Soon after bypassing central Heber Springs, we reach the intersection with AR-337, which provides access to the Little Red River and eventually Pangburn. At this point, AR-25 shifts direction, taking us northbound as we start a gentle climb into the foothills of the Ozarks. The transition from town to forested terrain is quick and dramatic. A few miles up, we pass the intersection with AR-110—another useful connector for those heading toward the lake’s northern shores or the Sugarloaf Mountain trailhead.
Not long after, we reach one of the drive’s most iconic landmarks: Greers Ferry Dam. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1962, the dam spans the Little Red River and forms the massive reservoir known as Greers Ferry Lake. The crossing atop the dam offers stunning panoramic views of both the lake to the west and the steep bluffs that hug the river valley to the east. It’s one of the most scenic man-made vistas in the state, especially at sunrise or during fall foliage season.
After crossing the dam, Highway 25 snakes north through the community of Tumbling Shoals, where lakeside neighborhoods and small businesses line the route. This area is known for its fishing, camping, and boating opportunities. As we continue northward, the terrain begins to level out, transitioning from wooded ridges to rolling farmland near the small town of Ida. Keep an eye out here for roadside produce stands and local crafts, especially during the summer and early fall.
Our journey concludes in Drasco, a tiny crossroads community anchored by a couple of general stores and local shops like the Drasco Trading Post, where we wrap up the video. Though small in size, Drasco is a common hub for folks heading toward the northern arms of Greers Ferry Lake or deeper into the Ozarks via Highway 92.
Whether you’re heading to the lake, exploring state parks, or just enjoying a laid-back drive through rural Arkansas, AR-25 between Heber Springs and Drasco delivers a relaxing and rewarding travel experience.
🗺️ Route Map
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