U.S. Highway 425: Star City to Pine Bluff – Arkansas

Join us as we travel north along U.S. Highway 425 for 21 miles through the timberlands and rural communities of southeast Arkansas, beginning in Star City and ending in Pine Bluff. This route offers a mix of small-town charm, Delta farmland, and subtle transitions into one of the region’s historic river cities. While not a major tourist corridor, this stretch of US-425 plays a crucial role in connecting smaller communities to the broader transportation network centered around Pine Bluff.

We begin our journey at the intersection of Arkansas Highway 11 and US-425, right in the heart of Star City. Star City serves as a regional hub for Lincoln County, and while small, it has a few locally-owned eateries and shops that make for a pleasant stop. From here, we head north into the quiet countryside, where the road gently curves and straightens in rhythmic succession, passing through Nebo and Yorktown. These communities are unincorporated but historically rooted, with old churches, farmland, and scattered homes reflecting the region’s strong agricultural identity.

As we continue north, we encounter a subtle directional shift just before reaching AR-199, where US-425 turns slightly to the northwest. This bend marks our transition into more industrial and suburban outskirts of Pine Bluff, though the scenery remains mostly rural at this point. The highway remains a two-lane route but is well-maintained and lightly trafficked, making for a smooth and relaxed drive. Shortly before entering Pine Bluff proper, we pass AR-980 (Grider Field Road), which leads to Grider Field Airport — a small regional airfield with World War II-era roots. Aviation enthusiasts may recognize it for its historic significance and occasional airshows.

After crossing AR-980, the road curves back north and begins its final approach into Pine Bluff. Here, the landscape starts to take on a more transitional character, blending remaining fields with signs of industry and infrastructure on the city’s outskirts. We wrap up our drive at the intersection of US-425 and US-65. This junction provides a direct link into Pine Bluff’s commercial corridor and beyond — with US-65 continuing toward Little Rock, while local roads lead into the heart of the city and nearby attractions like the Delta Rivers Nature Center.

Though this stretch of US-425 may not have the flashy views of a scenic byway, it plays an important role in connecting the dots across southern Arkansas. From open farmland to regional airfields and entry points to the Delta’s urban edge, it’s a route that quietly carries the rhythms of everyday life.