U.S. Route 165

U.S. Route 165 is a north-south U.S. Highway that runs through the heart of the Lower Mississippi Valley, connecting the Gulf Coast of Louisiana with the Arkansas River Valley. The highway begins in Iowa, Louisiana, at a junction with U.S. Route 90 and travels northward through Alexandria and Monroe before crossing into southeastern Arkansas. Its northern terminus is in North Little Rock, where it intersects with U.S. Route 70 and Interstate 30. Spanning approximately 500 miles, US 165 serves as a vital corridor for rural communities and agricultural regions, especially in central Louisiana and the Delta region of Arkansas.

In Louisiana, US 165 parallels major rivers such as the Atchafalaya and Ouachita, making it an important route for commerce and travel between inland cities and the coastal ports. It also provides access to scenic byways, national forests, and state parks, including Kisatchie National Forest and the Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge. Alexandria serves as a central hub along the route, where US 165 intersects with several major east-west highways, enhancing its importance as a regional connector.

Upon entering Arkansas, the highway passes through pine forests and farmland, serving towns like Lake Village and Dumas before reaching the Little Rock metropolitan area. While less traveled than larger interstates, U.S. Route 165 remains crucial for local traffic and freight movement. Its role in linking underserved areas to larger urban centers makes it a backbone of transportation in this part of the South.