Although the Dunbar–Hunter and Freeman–Custis expeditions followed separate paths through the Louisiana Purchase borderlands, modern travelers can connect these corridors through a network of scenic highways, river valleys, forests, and historic communities. These routes highlight the landscapes that shaped travel, trade, settlement, and exploration across the early Southwest, and they are practical ways to connect the endpoints of these expeditions.
↙ New Boston (Great Raft & Great Bend) | ↗ Hot Springs & Upper Ouachita
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Timber, Rivers, and Diamonds
Far from freeway traffic, this route through the timberlands of Arkansas takes travelers near two iconic experiences: the Caddo River and Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Several outfitters in the Glenwood area service the Caddo River. It generally provides an easy float perfect for beginners. It flows into the Ouachita River, and Dunbar and Hunter noted its mouth in their journals.
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers visitors the opportunity to search for diamonds for a small fee. Rental diamond hunting equipment is available from the state park; alternatively, equipment may be rented or purchased from several local businesses. Approximately 500 to 700 diamonds are found by park guests each year.
Along or near the route:
- Millwood State Park
- Caddo River
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Daisy State Park
Ashdown | Nashville | Murfreesboro | Glenwood
Bankhead /Scenic 7 Hwy
The Bankhead Highway, proposed in 1916, was one of the original “auto trails” and connected San Diego, CA, with Washington, DC. Sections of pre-1951 Bankhead Highway can be seen east of Texarkana following US 67 from south of New Boston, TX, to Caddo Valley, AR.
The alignment of the Bankhead route overlaps at Caddo Valley with Scenic 7 Highway, an iconic Arkansas drive stretching nearly across the state north to south, passing through Hot Springs.
President Bill Clinton was born at Hope and later moved to Hot Springs as a child. The route between the cities is signed “The Highway of Hope” to commemorate the future president’s frequent trips along it during his childhood.
Along or near the route:
- President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site
- Historic Washington State Park
- DeGray Lake Resort State Park
Hope | Prescott | Arkadelphia
↙ New Boston (Great Raft & Great Bend) | ↗ Hot Springs & Upper Ouachita