Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

How to Visit East AR Max Unit, AR (AR)

If you're headed to East AR Max Unit, planning the drive matters. The last stretch includes a gravel road, and you'll want to confirm current visitation rules directly with the facility before you go.

• 2 min read Based on general AR policies
How to Visit East AR Max Unit, AR (AR)

East AR Max Unit is in Lee County, about 17 miles southeast of Forrest City. Expect a rural approach near the end of the drive: after you get onto Highway 131, you’ll turn onto a gravel road to reach the unit.

Coming from Pine Bluff? The state-provided route starts with Highway 79 East. You'll travel about 78 miles to Marianna, then turn left at the first red light as you enter the city. Stay on Highway 79 for another 12 miles, then turn right onto Highway 131.

Note: The final turn to the unit is onto a gravel road off Highway 131. In bad weather, give yourself extra time and check road conditions before you leave.

How to Visit East AR Max Unit, AR (AR)
  1. Drive Highway 79 East to Marianna. From Pine Bluff, travel approximately 78 miles east on Highway 79 East to Marianna.
  2. Make the first in-town turn. When you enter Marianna, turn left at the first red light.
  3. Stay on Highway 79, then switch to Highway 131. After that left turn, continue on Highway 79 for 12 miles, then turn right onto Highway 131.
  4. Take the gravel-road turnoff to the unit. Travel 1/2 mile on Highway 131, then turn left onto the gravel road to reach the facility (located about 17 miles southeast of Forrest City in Lee County).
  • ✓ Plan for a gravel-road turnoff after you get onto Highway 131
  • ✓ Allow extra time for the final rural stretch
  • ✓ Pay close attention around the 1/2-mile mark on Highway 131 so you don’t miss the left turn

Before you travel, double-check the route with current maps or GPS. Pay special attention to the turns in Marianna and the exact spot where you leave Highway 131 for the gravel road. This is a rural area with limited signage, so missing a turn can cost you real time. Construction or local rerouting can also shift things, so don't rely solely on older directions.

  • ✓ Current condition of the gravel road (especially after storms)
  • ✓ Whether there are any access restrictions affecting the gravel-road approach
  • ✓ Whether the facility has updated on-site directions or preferred GPS guidance for the final turnoff

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More from East AR Max Unit, AR

Driving Directions & First-Time Visitor Checklist — East Arkansas Regional Unit (Marianna, AR)

Driving out to the East Arkansas Regional Unit for a visit? Having the route mapped and a simple prep list ready makes the whole day easier. Below you'll find directions from the Arkansas Division of Correction, facility contact details, and a first-time checklist so you can confirm rules and avoid surprises before you leave home.

Driving to East Arkansas Regional Unit: Step‑by‑Step Directions from Pine Bluff

From Pine Bluff, you’ll drive about 78 miles east on Highway 79 East to Marianna. That main stretch is the backbone of the trip; once you reach Marianna, the last part of the drive is a set of specific turns that can be easy to miss if you’re not expecting them.

Phone & Messaging

How to Contact an Inmate at East AR Max Unit, AR (AR)

If you need to reach someone at East AR Max Unit, start with the unit's main phone line and the correct mailing address. Those two basics cover most of what you'll need for sending letters, asking about rules, and getting current instructions from staff.