Designated a National Scenic Byway by the America's Byway Program in 2005, the road travels within the
Ouachita National Forest along the highest peaks of the
Winding Stair Mountains, part of the
Ouachita Mountain chain, including the second tallest peak in Arkansas, Rich Mountain, in elevation. Many of the forests along these ridges, stunted and of little commercial value, were never logged and are
old growth. The two-lane road features hiking trails beginning at various points along its stretch and 22 scenic vista pull-outs. ==History==