Visit the St. Francis Scenic Byway, part of the Great River Road through the St. Francis National Forest. This 21-mile route winds its way from Marianna to West Helena on Arkansas Highway 44 and Forest Service Road 1900. The route runs through the heart of the St. Francis National Forest, which lies in the Delta region of southeastern Arkansas. The byway will show you some of the more unusual aspects of the region as you travel along the fertile bottomlands along the rivers, such as Crowley's Ridge, with an irregular surface of broad valleys, narrow gullies, and steep slopes and hills.
In addition to enjoying views of the Mississippi and St. Francis River Valleys, byway travelers can participate in the many water recreation opportunities the forest’s lakes and rivers supply. Spend the day fishing on the shores of Storm Creek Lake, which almost always guarantees anglers a bite or two. Bear Creek Lake is the perfect place to bring a group of friends for camping, picnicking, and exploring the plant and animal life of the St. Francis National Forest.
Introduce yourself to early Mississippi River life at the Delta Cultural Center in Helena through its exhibits, crafts, music, and cultural demonstrations. In town, stroll among historic residential districts, four Civil War batteries and a World War I monument. Take a quiet walk through the Helena Confederate Cemetery, and collect charcoal rubbings of the stones or read the names of soldiers who died in the Civil War. For a more musical view of the south, plan your trip to coincide with the International King Biscuit Blues Festival, the biggest free Blues festival around. Share in the tradition of blues music from all around the world.
Explore the many acres of the St. Francis National Forest as you travel the route that shares its name. Providing you with an experience that is rich with cultural history and recreational fun, this route is a worthwhile journey, no matter the season.
