Arkansas Highway 392: Harrison

If you’re looking for a laid-back yet surprisingly scenic drive through the heart of the Ozarks, Arkansas Highway 392 around Harrison is one of those routes that deserves a spot on your road trip shortlist. This 11-mile stretch offers a snapshot of small-town Arkansas, open farmland, rolling hills, and a few local gems you might otherwise miss if you stuck to the main highways. Whether you’re passing through Boone County for the first time or just want to take the scenic way into Harrison, let’s roll through what makes this route worth a spin.

We begin our eastbound journey at the junction of AR-392 and U.S. Highway 62, just on the northern edge of Harrison. Heading south, the landscape quickly shifts from commercial clusters to a more rural backdrop. The town of Batavia is the first community we encounter—a classic example of the quiet, tight-knit spots that dot northern Arkansas. While Batavia itself is small, you’ll spot a few classic barns, pastureland, and, depending on the season, maybe even a field of sunflowers or two. This stretch is perfect for a relaxed cruise, especially if you appreciate those moments where life just seems to slow down a bit.

Before reaching Capps, the highway bends east, tracing the natural contours of the land. This area has a sort of gentle beauty: old homesteads, sweeping views of the Ozark foothills, and some great roadside photo ops if you’re into capturing rural Americana. Just before you enter the community of Capps, keep an eye out for local farm stands or small produce markets, especially in the spring and summer. If you’re the type who enjoys a roadside snack or likes to chat with locals, these pit stops can be a highlight. In Capps, you’ll cross Arkansas Highway 397—a quick nod to another little connector route in the area, but for this trip, we’re sticking with 392.

As we leave Capps, the road leads us east and then gradually back towards Harrison along Capps Road. This return stretch isn’t just a means to an end; you’re actually skirting the outer edges of Harrison’s neighborhoods, which gives you a look at how rural life meets small-town comfort. You’ll pass a few local businesses, churches, and maybe even catch sight of community events or roadside BBQ stands if you time your drive right. It’s the kind of area where folks wave as you drive by—a reminder that hospitality is alive and well in Arkansas.

Rolling into Harrison, Highway 392 becomes Capps Road, which quickly transitions to a more urban setting. Downtown Harrison is just a couple blocks away, and as you merge onto Stephenson Avenue, you’ll be able to spot some of the town’s historic buildings and local shops. Harrison has a surprisingly vibrant downtown, with places like the Boone County Heritage Museum and a handful of great local diners and bakeries. Even if your drive ends at the junction with Arkansas Highway 7 on Pine Street, it’s worth parking the car and taking a stroll downtown. The Courthouse Square often hosts seasonal events and markets, especially during the warmer months.

For road enthusiasts, AR-392 is one of those classic “connector” routes: not a major thoroughfare, but an essential part of the local network that ties together the communities of Boone County. If you’re planning a longer trip through northern Arkansas, this route works nicely as a scenic shortcut between U.S. 62 and AR-7, with easy access to both the Buffalo National River and some excellent Ozark backroads. Along the way, you’ll experience that signature Arkansas blend of rolling pastures, wooded hillsides, and genuinely friendly locals. It’s not about getting there fast—it’s about enjoying the ride.

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