The majority of the route is in Arkansas, and the parkway begins in Phillips County, Arkansas, in Helena-West Helena very near the Helena Bridge over the Mississippi River. Beginning at US Route 49 (US 49) and running north with US 49 Business (US 49B), the route passes historic properties including the Delta Cultural Center, the Jerome Bonaparte Pillow House, the Perry Street Historic District and the site of the Battle of Helena, an American Civil War battle fought in 1863. Upon entering the center of Helena, the byway splits from US 49B and winds along city streets before again following US 49B to West Helena. The parkway turns onto Highway 242 (AR 242) headed north out of town into the St. Francis National Forest, where it turns onto Storm Creek Road (County Route 217, CR 217). Winding through the forest as a narrow two-lane road, the parkway passes Storm Creek Lake and enters Lee County (now following CR 217).