If you’re craving a short but scenic drive through the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas Highway 27 between Mt. Ida and Story is a perfect route to consider. This 13-mile stretch of highway cuts through some of the most serene and wooded parts of western Arkansas, offering a relaxing journey that feels like a retreat into nature. Starting in the town of Mt. Ida—known as the “Quartz Crystal Capital of the World”—the route quickly leaves the small-town bustle behind and climbs into the peaceful terrain of the Ouachita National Forest.
We begin at the junction with U.S. Route 270 in Mt. Ida, heading northeast before the highway swings north into the heart of the Ouachitas. Early in the drive, we pass through the community of Sweet Home, where AR-27 crosses Hovel Creek and begins to show off the kind of gentle curves and wooded vistas that make mountain driving in Arkansas so enjoyable. This isn’t a high-speed run—it’s a road that invites you to roll down your windows, breathe in the pine-scented air, and let the surroundings do the talking. Not far past Sweet Home, we come to an intersection with Arkansas Highway 188, another quiet connector route deeper into the hills.
From here, the route continues to hug the contours of the forested landscape as it makes its way north. One of the more scenic moments of the drive occurs just south of Washita, where AR-27 crosses the Ouachita River. This crossing, framed by tree-covered hills, is a lovely spot to pause if you’re looking for a quick photo op or just want to take in the sound of the water below. Shortly after, we arrive in the town of Washita, a small but charming stop with local flavor and access to the first of several disconnected sections of Arkansas Highway 88. As we leave Washita behind, the road starts to feel even more secluded, winding deeper into the Ouachita National Forest with only scattered residences and the occasional clearing to break the canopy.
The final leg of this route is perhaps the most immersive. We travel through miles of thick pine and hardwood forest, occasionally catching glimpses of the mountains through breaks in the trees. Wildlife is common here—don’t be surprised to see deer, wild turkey, or the occasional fox crossing the road. Eventually, the road brings us into the tiny town of Story, where AR-27 meets Arkansas Highway 298. From here, travelers can head east toward Lake Ouachita and the popular recreation areas around the lake, or continue exploring deeper into the national forest.
For those who enjoy backroad journeys and peaceful woodland scenery, the drive from Mt. Ida to Story offers a rewarding detour from the main highways. Whether you’re en route to a campsite, out for a scenic cruise, or just exploring the lesser-traveled routes of Arkansas, this section of AR-27 is a worthy path to travel.
🎵 Music: Track List
7.10.24/238/+3
0 Comments