Embark on a journey off the beaten path with our guide to America’s backroads—hidden gems that promise unforgettable road trip experiences. From breathtaking natural landscapes to quaint small towns, these lesser-known routes offer a unique way to explore the beauty and diversity of the United States. Join us as we discover the roads less traveled, perfect for adventure seekers and scenery lovers alike.
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US-20, Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
Stretching 113 miles through the stunning Florida Keys, this iconic route offers a unique blend of natural beauty and laid-back charm. The Overseas Highway, supported by 42 bridges, showcases a panorama of turquoise waters, swaying palms, and sun-soaked skies, making it a true driver’s delight. The journey provides ample opportunities for diving, fishing, and sampling local seafood. Each key has its personality, from the sporty vibes of Islamorada to the historic and laid-back atmosphere of Key West, making this drive a must-do for those who enjoy oceanic vistas and vibrant local cultures.
Big Sur to Esalen Institute, California
This mesmerizing drive along California’s Highway 1 is famed for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean crashing against rugged cliffs. As you travel south from Carmel to the Esalen Institute, you’re treated to an ever-changing landscape that includes misty redwood forests and expansive coastal vistas. The Esalen Institute itself is known for its workshops and retreats focused on personal growth, making this drive not only a visual but also a spiritual journey. It’s an ideal route for those seeking both natural beauty and a chance to reflect and rejuvenate.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Part of the San Juan Skyway, this route traverses the heart of the Colorado Rockies, with stunning vistas, precarious drop-offs, and a history steeped in mining lore. The drive between Silverton and Ouray is particularly thrilling, with hairpin bends and narrow roads challenging even the most seasoned drivers. The surrounding landscape shifts dramatically with the seasons, offering lush greenery in summer and a snowy wonderland in winter. This highway not only provides eye-popping natural beauty but also access to hiking trails and historic mining towns, making it a road trip rich in both adventure and heritage.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
The Hana Highway, winding along Maui’s lush eastern coast, offers an escape into tropical paradise. This challenging road demands careful navigation through its countless curves and one-lane bridges, but rewards drivers with views of deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and exotic flora. The journey culminates in Hana, a town that feels like a step back in time, where visitors can explore black sand beaches, freshwater caves, and cultural sites. This drive is perfect for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, offering countless opportunities to stop and enjoy the Hawaiian landscape.
Napa Valley to Santa Cruz, California
This scenic route begins in the renowned vineyards of Napa Valley, where rolling hills and rows of grapevines set the stage. As you head towards Santa Cruz, the drive takes you through diverse landscapes, including the tech hubs of Silicon Valley and the coastal redwoods. Reaching Santa Cruz, travelers can enjoy its famous boardwalk, beaches, and surf spots. This route offers a taste of California’s varied offerings, from world-class wines and innovative cuisine to breathtaking natural beauty and laid-back coastal towns.
Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Rising to over 12,000 feet, Trail Ridge Road offers a spectacular alpine journey through Rocky Mountain National Park. It provides a rare opportunity to drive above the tree line with unobstructed views of mountain vistas and alpine tundra. Wildlife sightings, including elk and bighorn sheep, add to the experience. The road is only open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day to late fall, depending on snow conditions. This drive is a highlight for nature lovers and photographers, offering some of the most accessible high-mountain landscape experiences in the USA.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Often referred to as “America’s favorite drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches between the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and biological diversity. Each turn offers picturesque vistas, a peaceful forest canopy, and a wealth of recreational opportunities, including hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking. The parkway is especially popular in the fall when the deciduous trees display a spectacular array of colors, making it a top destination for leaf-peepers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This engineering marvel in Glacier National Park offers one of the most dramatic landscapes accessible by road. The 50-mile journey presents rugged mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and wildflower-laden meadows. The road itself is an attraction, with tight turns and steep grades that make for an exhilarating drive. The Logan Pass visitor center, located at the highest point of the road, is a great stop for hiking and wildlife viewing. The drive is both a challenge and a feast for the eyes, appealing to adventurers and nature lovers.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Stretching over 2,400 miles, this historic highway offers a glimpse into the heart of America, featuring a mix of natural wonders, quirky roadside attractions, and classic American landscapes. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the serene deserts of the Southwest, and all the small towns in between, Route 66 captures the diverse cultures and histories of the United States. It’s a journey through time and a testament to the road’s enduring appeal as a symbol of freedom and discovery.
Pacific Coast Highway, Oregon
Extending from the dramatic cliffs and forests of northern California through the entire Oregon coastline, this route is famed for its rugged beauty and quaint coastal towns. The journey offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, dense forests, and accessible beaches. Key stops include Cannon Beach for its iconic rock formations and the historic towns of Astoria and Newport. This drive is perfect for those who enjoy coastal drives with plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring small-town charm.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
This 105-mile drive through Shenandoah National Park is the only public road through the park, offering easy access to its deep woods, spectacular waterfalls, and broad vistas. The drive is designed for slow traveling, allowing visitors to soak in the natural beauty and take advantage of numerous pull-offs and hiking trails. The region’s rich history is highlighted in various visitor centers along the drive, making Skyline Drive a fulfilling experience for those who appreciate both natural beauty and historical context.
Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
Often described as one of the most beautiful drives in America, the Beartooth Highway traverses a series of steep zigzags and switchbacks along the Montana and Wyoming border. This high-altitude road reaches nearly 11,000 feet, providing stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and expansive plateaus. The drive serves as a dramatic entrance to Yellowstone National Park and is a favorite for motorists and motorcyclists alike, offering some of the most breathtaking and challenging driving experiences in the country.
Route 12, Utah
Officially known as “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” this exceptional road traverses some of Utah’s most stunning landscapes. It connects Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks, passing through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The road features geological marvels such as red rock cliffs, arches, and canyons, and offers numerous opportunities for hiking, photography, and immersive historical exploration at various Anasazi cultural sites. Each segment of the road reveals new layers of geological history, providing a vivid sense of the natural forces that shaped this striking landscape.
Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina and Tennessee
This 43-mile road stretches from Tellico Plains in Tennessee to Robbinsville in North Carolina, crossing through the remote and unspoiled Cherokee and Nantahala national forests. The skyway, often less traveled than nearby roads, offers motorists and motorcyclists alike a serene journey with spectacular views of thick forests, rugged mountains, and pristine waters. Autumn brings a fiery display of foliage, making it a particularly magical time to drive. The skyway also offers numerous overlooks, picnic areas, and trailheads, making it ideal for those who want to explore the outdoors with minimal crowds.
Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma and Arkansas
This picturesque drive runs 54 miles along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains, offering panoramic views that are especially stunning in the fall when the forest turns into a vibrant tapestry of golds, oranges, and reds. The byway is known for its exceptional vistas, accessible hiking trails, and rich history. Along the way, several state parks and forest lands provide opportunities for camping, hiking, and learning about the area’s Native American heritage. This drive is a peaceful retreat into nature, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Highway 101, Washington Coast
This scenic route along Washington’s rugged coast offers a mix of dramatic ocean views, dense rainforests, and a rich assortment of wildlife. It runs past Olympic National Park, one of the most diverse ecosystems in America, where you can explore alpine mountains, temperate rainforests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Quaint fishing villages along the way, such as Forks and Port Angeles, provide insights into the local culture and history, including their ties to the logging industry and Native American tribes. This road is perfect for adventurers looking to explore pristine natural environments and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and bird-watching.
Seward Highway, Alaska
Stretching 125 miles from Seward to Anchorage, this highway is renowned for its stunning vistas of fjords, mountains, and ocean, alongside opportunities to see wildlife such as eagles, whales, and bears. The road passes through the Chugach State and National Forests, offering access to numerous trails, ski areas, and campgrounds. Travelers can also explore the historic town of Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers and marine wildlife captivate visitors. The Seward Highway embodies the wild, untamed beauty of Alaska, making it a must-drive for those who want to experience nature at its most profound.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
This 34-mile route through the White Mountains is one of the premier locations in New England for viewing fall foliage. Known locally as “The Kanc,” the highway offers a stunning drive with numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and swift-flowing rivers. It’s also steeped in history, with many areas along the route historically used by Native American tribes and early settlers. The Kancamagus Highway provides a tranquil escape into New England’s wilderness, offering a peaceful yet invigorating experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Scenic Byway 12, Colorado
This lesser-known route offers an intimate glimpse into the remote areas of southeastern Colorado. It stretches over 188 miles from Trinidad to Springfield, passing through the Comanche National Grassland where visitors can see ancient Native American rock art, dinosaur tracks, and dramatic canyons. The byway is perfect for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures, providing a quiet journey through some of Colorado’s most diverse and historic landscapes.
Highway 50, Nevada
Known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” Highway 50 stretches across the Nevada desert with vast, open landscapes that offer a profound sense of isolation and tranquility. The route follows the historic Pony Express trail, and small towns along the way, like Eureka and Fallon, provide glimpses into the state’s mining and ranching history. The stark beauty of the Nevada desert, combined with the expansive skies and occasional wildlife sightings, makes this drive a meditative experience, perfect for those seeking solitude and a break from the busy world.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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