Highway 163 runs in
Northeast Arkansas, a region mostly characterized by the
Arkansas Delta, a sparsely populated rural area with farms and small settlements. However, Highway 163 runs its entire length along
Crowley's Ridge, a small
loess ridge rising above the flat Delta. The route passes several cultural and historical points in the region, including a historic
cotton gin and an
American Civil War trail. State maintenance begins at Wittsburg near the
Wittsburg Store and Gas Station, with the roadway continuing south as a county road. Highway 163 runs north to a junction with
US 64 and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway (CRP). The routes briefly overlap to the east, with Highway 163/CRP turning north and passing the
John H. Johnston Cotton Gin Historic District and the
Capt. Isaac N. Deadrick House, both listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. Highway 163/CRP run north, serving as the eastern terminus for
Highway 364 and meeting
Highway 42 near
Birdeye. After crossing into
Poinsett County, the routes serve as the southern terminus of
Highway 373 before passing
Lake Poinsett State Park. Highway 163/CRP intersect
Highway 14 east of
Harrisburg, including a brief overlap. Continuing north, Highway 163/CRP intersect
Highway 214,
Highway 158, and
Highway 69 before entering Craighead County. Highway 163 has a junction with Highway 158 in southern Craighead County before turning northwest toward Jonesboro. Shortly after entering the city,
Highway 163 Spur begins at the parent route, running north as Apt Drive through a residential subdivision. Highway 163 continues west, intersecting with Highway 1, where it terminates, with the roadway continuing north as Highway 1B. ==History==