Exploring the beauty of America’s diverse landscapes is a dream for any nature enthusiast and animal lover. From majestic mountains to serene coastlines, the United States offers some of the most breathtaking scenic drives perfect for observing wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer, or simply someone who enjoys the serenity of nature, these 22 routes will provide unforgettable experiences and stunning vistas. Buckle up and get ready to discover the best scenic drives for animal and nature observation in the USA.
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and vibrant fall foliage. Visitors can spot black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species along the route. The parkway connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park, making it a perfect drive for nature enthusiasts.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Located in Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel that cuts across the Continental Divide. This scenic drive provides opportunities to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears against the backdrop of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. The road’s high elevation offers breathtaking views of the park’s diverse landscapes.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, runs along California’s stunning coastline. This scenic drive offers dramatic ocean views, opportunities to spot sea otters, elephant seals, and migrating whales. Highlights include Big Sur, Monterey Bay, and numerous state parks with rich marine life and beautiful landscapes.
Denali Park Road, Alaska
Denali Park Road spans 92 miles through Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak. The road provides unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of moose, caribou, and grizzly bears. The remote and rugged terrain of the park offers a true wilderness experience for nature lovers.
Alligator River Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina
This 150,000-acre refuge in North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The scenic drive through Alligator River Wildlife Refuge offers chances to see black bears, red wolves, and a variety of bird species. The mix of wetland, forest, and coastal habitats provides a rich diversity of wildlife.
Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Lamar Valley is often referred to as the Serengeti of North America due to its abundant wildlife. This scenic drive-through Yellowstone National Park offers prime viewing spots for wolf packs, bison, and elk. The valley’s wide open spaces and scenic vistas make it a favorite among wildlife photographers.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive that follows an ancient trail used by Native Americans. The route offers sightings of deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. The parkway’s rich history and scenic beauty, with numerous historical and natural sites along the way, make it a unique drive.
Cades Cove Loop Road, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
This 11-mile loop road offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can see black bears, white-tailed deer, and coyotes amidst the cove’s picturesque fields and woodlands. Historic buildings and stunning mountain views add to the appeal of this scenic drive.
Acadia National Park Loop Road, Maine
The 27-mile Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park offers breathtaking coastal and mountain views. Visitors can observe peregrine falcons, harbor seals, and white-tailed deer. The road provides access to popular park features like Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole, making it a must-drive for nature lovers.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Known for its spectacular fall foliage, the Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile scenic drive through the White Mountains. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot moose, black bears, and beavers along the route. The highway offers numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and access to the Swift River, enhancing the nature experience.
Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina
This 138-mile route along North Carolina’s Outer Banks offers stunning ocean views and wildlife sightings. The drive is known for its wild horses, sea birds, and marine life. The byway passes through charming coastal villages and pristine beaches, providing a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts.
Shenandoah Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The drive offers beautiful mountain views and sightings of black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. Numerous overlooks and hiking trails along the route provide ample opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.
Highway 101, Oregon Coast
Highway 101 stretches along the Oregon coast, offering dramatic ocean views and diverse wildlife. The route provides opportunities to see gray whales, sea lions, and numerous bird species. Highlights include Cannon Beach, Cape Perpetua, and the Oregon Dunes, making it a scenic and wildlife-rich drive.
Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway is a high-altitude, 68-mile drive that traverses the Beartooth Mountains. The route offers stunning views and wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and grizzly bears. The highway’s high elevation and alpine scenery make it one of the most scenic and challenging drives in the USA.
Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
The Hana Highway is a 64-mile tropical drive along Maui’s northeastern coast. The route offers lush landscapes, waterfalls, and opportunities to spot native birds and sea turtles. The winding road passes through rainforests, past black sand beaches, and offers spectacular coastal views, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile scenic byway that offers breathtaking mountain views and wildlife sightings. The drive takes visitors through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, home to black bears and wild turkeys. The route’s high elevations and scenic overlooks provide a memorable nature experience.
Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
The 7.5-mile Red Rock Scenic Byway in Arizona offers stunning views of the state’s famous red rock formations. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot mule deer, javelina, and various bird species. The byway provides access to numerous hiking trails and scenic vistas, making it a popular route for nature observation.
Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the USA, reaching elevations over 12,000 feet. The 48-mile route through Rocky Mountain National Park offers spectacular views and wildlife sightings, including elk, marmots, and bighorn sheep. The high-altitude drive provides a unique perspective on the park’s alpine environment.
Big Bend Scenic Loop, Texas
The Big Bend Scenic Loop in Texas offers a 90-mile drive through the desert landscapes of Big Bend National Park. The route provides opportunities to see roadrunners, javelinas, and raptors. The park’s rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems make it a fascinating destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Sawtooth Scenic Byway, Idaho
The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is a 115-mile drive through Idaho’s stunning Sawtooth Mountains. The route offers chances to spot elk, deer, and various bird species. The byway provides access to pristine lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for nature observation and outdoor activities.
Alaska Highway, Alaska
The Alaska Highway spans over 1,400 miles from British Columbia to Alaska, offering remote and rugged landscapes. The drive provides sightings of moose, caribou, and various bird species. The highway’s vast wilderness and scenic beauty make it an unforgettable journey for wildlife and nature observation.
Great River Road, Mississippi River
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for over 2,000 miles, offering numerous wildlife refuges and scenic views. The route provides chances to see bald eagles, otters, and white-tailed deer. The diverse landscapes and rich wildlife along the river make it a top scenic drive for nature lovers.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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