Our drive begins in the small community of Maysville, one of those tucked-away border towns that feels unchanged by time. As we head north on Arkansas Highway 43, we pass scattered farmsteads and grazing fields that stretch out toward low ridges in the distance. The road gently bends west for a brief moment, bringing us directly to the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line. Here, the highway’s designation overlaps with Oklahoma Highway 20—a reminder that this area’s roads often play double duty, threading through shifting jurisdictions.
Staying on AR-43/OK-20, we hug the state line heading due north. This border-hugging stretch is dotted with rolling pastures, cattle fences, and the occasional cluster of trees, typical of the rural backcountry in this corner of the Ozarks. Keep an eye out for old barns and rusted farm equipment that quietly narrate the area’s agricultural backbone. About four and a half miles in, the route dips fully into Oklahoma for a short final leg. Though we cross into Oklahoma, the road holds onto its Arkansas Highway 43 sign alongside OK-20, leading us to the Missouri state line at a rural tri-state corner just south of Southwest City.
This little run is more than just a border curiosity—it’s a snapshot of how intertwined communities and landscapes are in this tri-state area. Nearby, you can find Southwest City for a quick bite or supplies. If you’re adventurous, detour east into Missouri to discover the old mining and cave regions that dot McDonald County, or swing back south into Arkansas to visit the scenic backroads around Gravette and Decatur.
🗺️ Route Map
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