Hop in as we explore a short but classic stretch of Arkansas Highway 45, traveling about 6 scenic miles south from Clifty to the outskirts of Hindsville. This portion of AR-45 threads its way through the gently rolling hills and wooded parcels that define the northern edge of the Ozarks — making it a quick but satisfying glimpse into rural northwest Arkansas life.
We kick off our drive near Clifty, at the crossroads where AR-12 meets AR-45. Clifty itself is a tiny community, but it’s a good jumping-off point if you’re exploring the backroads east of Springdale or heading out to Beaver Lake. As soon as we point south onto AR-45, the route begins a steady, mild descent toward Hindsville, weaving through a mix of open clearings and leafy stretches of second-growth forest typical of Madison County.
Along this short drive, you’ll spot a handful of family farms tucked back from the road, with weathered barns and wide fields hinting at the area’s agricultural roots. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too — deer and wild turkeys are regular roadside sights, especially around dawn or dusk. The roadway itself is generally gentle, with gradual curves and a few low ridges offering peekaboo views of the surrounding hills when the trees thin out.
As we close in on Hindsville, AR-45 approaches a busier junction: the intersection with U.S. Highway 412. This is where we wrap up our run for the day. From here, you can hop west toward Springdale or east toward Huntsville and Kingston. If you’ve got extra time, a quick detour into Hindsville might surprise you — it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town but there’s a well-known local café and it’s close to the War Eagle Creek area, which is worth a pit stop for a bit of fishing or paddling when the weather’s nice.
🗺️ Route Map
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