Baker Wills Parkway – Round Mtn Rd – Mill Pond Rd: Conway – Arkansas

If you’re looking to explore some of the quieter, more scenic backroads just outside Conway, Arkansas, this drive along Baker Wills Parkway, Round Mountain Road, Mill Pond Road, and Empty Trail makes for a relaxing journey through the heart of Faulkner County’s rural landscape. This 6-mile route offers a nice blend of convenience (being close to I-40) and that unmistakable Arkansas countryside charm, making it a great option for anyone wanting a quick escape from the city or just a leisurely afternoon drive.

We kick things off at Exit 132 off Interstate 40 in Mayflower, immediately turning west onto Baker Wills Parkway. This stretch is short but efficient, quickly leading us away from the interstate hustle. After about a mile, Baker Wills Parkway brings us to the intersection with Sturgis Road. Instead of turning, we stay straight as the road transitions into Round Mountain Road—a perfect start to the rural section of the drive.

As we make our way along Round Mountain Road, you’ll notice the scenery opens up to a classic Arkansas mix of open farmland and wooded patches. Depending on the season, you might see crops coming up, cattle grazing, or simply wide-open green fields. The road itself is gently winding and offers occasional glimpses of Round Mountain rising in the background, giving a taste of the area’s subtle elevation changes. This area is pretty popular with local cyclists and runners, so keep an eye out for folks enjoying the quiet country setting.

When Round Mountain Road becomes Wesson Road, we turn left onto Mill Pond Road and continue heading west. This is where the drive gets even more scenic—Mill Pond Road traces along the northwest side of Round Mountain and offers some great vantage points of both the wooded hillsides and open ponds that dot the area. If you’re a fan of local wildlife, keep your eyes peeled: deer, birds, and even the occasional wild turkey are a common sight here. Several spots along Mill Pond Road have pull-offs or widened shoulders, which make for excellent photo ops or just a moment to roll the windows down and soak up the peace and quiet.

Eventually, we reach the intersection with Empty Trail. We stay straight here, following Empty Trail as it descends the west side of Round Mountain. This last stretch has a slightly different feel—there are more wooded areas and the road winds down in elevation, making for a fun and scenic finish. The drive wraps up at the intersection with Old Military Road, just on the edge of Conway proper. If you want to continue your adventure, Old Military Road offers routes both back toward downtown Conway or further out into the rural outskirts.

Sights & Highlights Along the Route:

• Round Mountain: Visible throughout much of the drive, offering a nice backdrop and some subtle elevation changes.

• Farmland & Forests: The route is a showcase of Faulkner County’s agricultural and timber heritage, with plenty of rural Arkansas charm.

• Wildlife Viewing: Especially in the early morning or evening, the open fields and woods are prime territory for spotting deer, birds, and other local critters.

• Scenic Pull-Offs: Mill Pond Road, in particular, has a few safe spots to stop and enjoy the view.