The first section begins at AR 242 and ends at US Highway 49 Business (US 49B) in Helena-West Helena.

The route heads north for about one mile (1.6 km), before reaching an intersection near Thompson-Robbins Airport.

The route heads almost directly east for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) until it reaches its northern terminus at AR 242 just north of Helena-West Helena.

[5] The southern terminus for AR 185 in Lee County is at CR 215 in the St. Francis National Forest.

The route heads almost directly north for about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) before reaching its northern terminus at AR 44 just east of Marianna.