St. Francis County Loop-Great River Road

This route is an official loop off the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.  The side trip through St. Francis County to the towns of Madison and Forrest City is well worth the time. Madison, once a thriving river town, was the county seat for years until it was moved to Forrest City in 1874. Madison was the home of Scott Bond, the first African American millionaire in Arkansas. Bond had numerous agricultural and business enterprises, including several farms, a general store, several gins, and a laboratory that made his patented embalming fluid. The St. Francis County Museum in Forrest City presents the county's rich history.

Directions (Click on "Visit Website" for Map):

Depart the Great River Road main route at the junction of SH 38 and US 79, continue west on SH 38, then west on SH 50 to Widener and Madison.

Travel west on US 70 from Madison to Forrest City.

Depart Forrest City via US 70 east and SH 50 east through Widener. Remain on SH 50 east to Greasy Corner. Take SH 149 south to rejoin The Great River Road.