Saint Francis scenic byway is in east-central Arkansas nearly 60 miles southwest of Memphis, Tennessee. It begins in Marianna and travels south to the intersection with AR 242, north of Helena. The byway is 23 miles long and follows AR 44 and FSR 1900. It travels over a combination of paved and gravel roads that are suitable for all vehicles. The route is generally passable year-round; heavy rain can cause the gravel portion to become slippery.
Saint Francis scenic byway rides atop Crowley’s Ridge through the hardwood forests of oak and hickory of the Saint Francis National Forest. Crowley’s Ridge runs north and south for 200 miles from southern Missouri down to the Mississippi River at Helena. The ridge rises more than 200 feet above the surrounding delta farm lands.
Legend has it that a tribe of Indians known as the “Mound Builders” lived in this area long before the American Indian. The “Mound Builders” were the ancestors of the Indians found by white men moving into this area. The tribal name comes from their custom of burying the dead with tools considered necessary for existence in another world. Some of the mounds can still be found in the area.
There are two developed recreation areas found along the byway. Bear Creek Lake is located near the byway’s northern end. This 625-acre lake offers boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked with bass, crappie, and bluegill. Two campgrounds are located on the lake offering a total of 41 campsites that can accommodate tents or recreational vehicles, however no hookups are provided. The developed picnic area, Beaver Point, offers 17 picnic tables.
The other developed camping area is located near the southern end of the byway. The 420-acre Storm Creek Lake offers boating and fishing for bass, crappie, or bluegill. A swimming beach is also found here with shower facilities. The campground here has 12 sites for tents and recreational vehicles; no hookups are provided.