Travelers heading north from Morrilton to Choctaw along Arkansas Highway 9 are in for a scenic, 34-mile journey through the heart of the Arkansas River Valley and into the edge of the Ozarks. We begin our drive just off Interstate 40 in the city of Morrilton, a community known for its proximity to Petit Jean State Park and its role as a gateway to outdoor recreation in central Arkansas. Highway 9 departs the interstate and quickly enters a more rural landscape, trading the hum of traffic for rolling farmland and wooded ridges.
As we head north, we pass through the community of Solgohachia where Arkansas Highway 287 branches off to the west. This stretch features gentle curves and sweeping views of Conway County’s hilly countryside. Continuing northward, the road intersects with AR-92 near Birdtown, briefly sharing a concurrency before reaching Center Ridge. Here, we cross Arkansas Highway 124, curving northeast as we approach Van Buren County. Though small, Center Ridge is a central waypoint in this rural corridor, offering basic services and a quick stretch of flat terrain before the road begins to undulate again.
Beyond Center Ridge, Highway 9 continues its winding path through the tiny community of Formosa. With tree-lined roads and occasional glimpses of farmland, this section is particularly beautiful during the spring and fall. We then reach the junction with Arkansas Highway 336, marking the approach to the final stretch of our drive. Just a few miles later, Highway 9 intersects with U.S. Route 65 at Choctaw, a small but vital junction town that serves travelers headed toward Greers Ferry Lake or Clinton. This intersection also marks the end of this leg of Arkansas Highway 9 — but for those continuing north, the Ozarks are just getting started.
This segment of Highway 9 is officially designated as a Scenic Route, and for good reason. While it doesn’t have the dramatic cliffs or switchbacks of northern Arkansas, the gently rolling terrain, pastoral views, and tree-covered hills make for a peaceful and beautiful drive. Points of interest along the way include the historic community of Solgohachia, which once served as a stagecoach stop, and the agricultural heritage of the region, still visible in the barns, silos, and old general stores that dot the roadside.
🔖 Chapters:
00:00 – 04:21 Morrilton to Solgohachia
04:21 – 07:15 Solgohachia to Birdtown
07:15 – 10:45 Birdtown to Center Ridge
10:45 – 14:45 Center Ridge to Formosa
14:45 – 18:26 Formosa to Choctaw
Note: This version also has some ‘ghost’ ad breaks — where there should have been one but we messed up and didn’t add enough space for them in the 1080p version. Apologies.
🗺️ Route Map
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