I've been over that route many times. Yes, there are some grades and some sharp curves, but nothing to be concerned about if you just watch the signs and take the suggested speeds. As you approach the Buffalo River south of Harrison, the road decends quite a bit with some sharp curves. North of Hot Springs, as you go through the Ouachita National Forest, there is a fairly long grade and then a descent with curves.
But it's a nice, scenic drive. I say to heck the the GPS and go for it. Just exercise the usual care when driving in the mountains.
