Running predominantly southwest to northeast, its southern terminus was at the Louisiana state line approximately 18 miles (29 km) south of Magnolia, Arkansas.

Its northern terminus was at U.S. Highway 64 approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Lehi.

In late 1936, Highway 3 had a third segment added between McNeil and Waldo.

In 1939, the segment between Magnolia and the Louisiana state line was transferred to Highway 19.

[2] Media related to Arkansas Highway 3 at Wikimedia Commons