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Top Scenic Roads To Drive In The United States

Cameron Eittreim May 8, 2020

37: U.S. Route 199 in Northern California

There is no denying that California has its fair share of natural beauty to observe, and Route 199 is one of these attractions. The long stretch of highway connects the crescent city to Grants Pass Oregon, and if you are driving north you are bound to take this highway. The long road has a lot of natural beauty to stop and see, and there are plenty of twists and turns with no stop in sight. If you have a sports car you’ve been wanting to exercise, this is the stretch of highway to do it on.

The “Redwood Highway” as it’s called is one of the last natural stretches of highway in the county. Few areas are as heavily wooded and beautiful to look at as U.S. Route 199 is, and you’ll see the abundance of beautiful driving conditions. Just be careful to keep your eyes on the road as distractions can be many.

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36: U.S. 83 in Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, even the highways. This particular stretch of highway goes all the way to the Canadian border, and if you’re driving through Texas you are bound to pass U.S. 83. The highway which runs through Starr County is particularly long and deserted on a lot of parts, which is ample space for some fun driving conditions. Even if you don’t have a sports car to open up and let loose, you’ll still enjoy the serene driving experience and the wide-open spaces Texas is famous for.

Few stretches of highway in the United States offer as much of a notable experience as U.S. 83 does. If you want to truly experience a different type of drive then you’d be hard-pressed to find a better stretch of highway. Take the time to stop and enjoy all of the different scenery that Texas has to offer along this stretch.

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35: Highway 160 in Colorado

When it comes to plain beauty, Colorado is one place that doesn’t disappoint. There are few states in the union that have as much natural beauty as Colorado offers, and this is a good thing. The state is chalked full of natural beauty and you can’t go wrong with it, which is why many flock to visit. The stretch of highway known as 160 is perhaps one of the most iconic and beautiful stretches of highway in the world. With the backdrop of the snowy mountains in the distance and the changing colors of the leaves during the Fall.

You might find yourself in Colorado for several reasons and if you do you’ll need to take a trip down highway 160. The stretch of highway is certainly the most notable area that you’ll come across and the drive is most enjoyable, to say the least.

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34: I-19 in Arizona

Arizona is a beautiful natural desert landscape that never fails to excite when it comes to natural beauty. There are many reasons that you might find yourself traveling across highway I-19, and if you do you won’t want to miss the natural beauty. The abundance of natural scenery and sightings are enough to make anyone enjoy the ride. But then you have the long stretch of the open road that makes it tempting to test your car’s abilities.

The highway does a great job of showcasing the natural beauty that Arizona has to offer. Tourist attractions on this stretch of the highway are few and far between, which means you’ll spend more time with your eyes plastered on the road.

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33: I-95 in Miami

Miami has many different reputations when it comes to mind, and the beauty of driving up I-95 is one of these. The elongated stretch of the highway is known for running through the city in a massive array of twists and curves. The highway has a lot of history behind it which is why tourists flock to drive along it. Not to mention the fact that this is the main way to get from one side of Miami to the other if you are serious about visiting. The beauty and the substance that this highway offer makes the trip very much worth it.

The interesting thing about I-95 is that the stretch of highway hasn’t changed all that much in the last few decades. Many notable people have driven over this stretch of highway to enjoy all of the scenery that it has to offer. Miami wouldn’t be the same without I-95 being a symbol of the bustling city.

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32: Route 1 in Maine

Maine is probably one of the most underrated, beautiful places to visit in the country. Route 1 in Maine is notoriously tricky to drive and at the same time addictively entertaining. There are few stretches of road that offer the sheer amount of natural beauty and tourist attractions at Route 1 in Maine. In addition to that, the stretch of road also offers a blend of scenery that most other roads just don’t match up to. It should also be noted that Route 1 plays host to pride festivals throughout the year as well.

If you want to see what Maine has to offer to take a trip down Route 1 can be fun to do experience. Maine is generally not the first place that comes to mind when you think of wide-open roads, but Route 1 might change your mind in a good way.

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31: I-10 in Arizona

Chances are that if you are going to leave California, you’ll have to pass through I-10 at some point in time. The long stretch of highway that goes from Southern California to Phoenix is lightly populated and can be quite a death trap. The long stretch of empty desert road can lead to accidents as well as stranded drivers, and if you are ill-prepared for the voyage you can be stuck out in the desert with no help. Still, for the abundance of natural desert beauty, the allure of I-10 cannot be ignored.

This stretch of highway is easily accessible from most of the United States, and setting out on a trip is not difficult. You’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of supplies such as water and extra fluids for your vehicle. The trip might be more than you expected but the natural beauty of the area is abundant.

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30: I-285 Around Atlanta

The drive through Atlanta is one of the most popular rides around. The area has seen a massive tourism boom as of late. I-285 is one of the main corridors in the area and the main spot where you’ll be making your drive. The interesting thing about the area is that there can be massive spurts of traffic in addition to periods of none at all. You’ll also notice that this is the adjoining interstate that runs into the city.

Atlanta is known as the commodore for the entertainment and music industry in Georgia. If you want to visit anything from Tyler Perry’s studio to the theme parks in the area you’ll need to take this interstate.

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Interstate_17,_Arizona — Photo Credit: Flickr

29: I-17 in Arizona

Back into the desert of Arizona, we take a look at I-17, the stretch between Flagstaff and Phoenix. The interstate is known for being increasingly long to drive, with plenty of open space but little to no tourist attractions. If you like to stop along the way at gas stations or restaurants you won’t find much on this stretch. The area has also been affected by wildfires in the past decade, which have negatively affected the natural beauty of the area.

Nevertheless, if you love cruising along a desert road with plenty of open space, I-17 is the ultimate day trip. You’ll want to take someone along for the ride because this is perhaps one of the most daunting roads in the country.

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28: I-85 in Charlotte

If you’re attempting to get from Virginia to Alabama, then there’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself on I-85. The stretch of interstate also runs through North Carolina so a lot of travelers stop along this road at least once or twice. The area can become very icy during the winter but when you are avoiding the treacherous conditions you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind ride. The I-85 in Charlotte stretch of highway has plenty of stops along the way if you want to see all the area has to offer.

While the drive can seem tedious, over the long haul the result is a pleasant experience. North Carolina is a beautiful place with plenty of stops along the way, and that’s something that makes it a stellar experience to say the least.

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27: U.S. Route 175 in Dallas

We talked about the driving experience that is Houston, but there is another Texas city that also provides a stellar driving experience. U.S. Route 175 in Dallas is known for being the 111-mile route that will take you to Jacksonville. The ride has a lot of open spaces and a lot of roads that you can explore. Roadside attractions are the usual fare of Texas restaurants and gas stations and there are also some historical points. If you find yourself going through the land of milk and honey then you’ll want to ride along Route 175.

Few interstate passages in Texas are as notable as Route 175, the area has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions. Taking a road trip through Texas can seem like a daunting task, but U.S. Route 175 provides enough scenery to make a lasting memory.

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26: U.S. Route 212 in Montana

Montana is a notable destination for wide-open spaces and an abundance of natural beauty. If you want to get to a national park, this is the route you’ll take. But aside from the natural beauty of parks and recreation, Montana also has a lot of driving area to enjoy. The U.S. Route 212 in Montana is a notable route that many drivers take every year. With tall mountain ranges and a lack of traffic Route 212 is a stellar place to visit.

The thing that makes U.S. Route 212 so unique besides the abundance of the roadway to cover, is also how the twists and turns work. You’ll be able to enjoy how the car handles and how you can check out all of the natural beauty up close and personal. Road tripping will never be the same after you drive U.S. Route 212 in Montana.

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25: Highway 1 – Big Sur, California

It should come as no surprise that Big Sur is on this list of the top American roads. If you’re driving anywhere in the Golden State, you need to stop here. Highway 1 is known as the Pacific Coast highway. This highway will take you to many popular destinations such as San Francisco and many more. You’ll see some of the most breathtaking views in California.

In a time when many are feeling constricted, driving on open roads is important. Highway 1 is a major centerfold of the California economy. If you’re going to experience what the state has to offer, this is a must-drive destination. You just can’t beat the beauty and scenic destinations along the way.

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24: Old Frankfort Pike – Kentucky

The state of Kentucky is known for its abundant natural beauty. But the roads of Kentucky are far more than just scenery. When you’re not on the hunt for the next storm, there are open roads galore. The Old Frankfort Pike is one of the most recognizable roads in the state. This 18-mile trail will take you from Lexington to Frankfort.

The general driving area is nothing but lush greens for miles. You’d be hard-pressed to find many other roads with so much natural beauty. Summertime is the best season to take a drive on these beautiful roads.

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23: Historic Route 7A – Vermont

For a piece of real Vermont history, there’s one road that you need to drive. The Historic Route 7A is as country as you can get. These roads are especially important during this time in our lives. There are an abundance of local shops, bed and breakfasts, and other local scenery along this strip. Historic Route 7A is more than just a highway.

You’ll have firsthand experience of the best roads Vermont has to offer. One notable aspect of these roads is the recent resurgence of local shops and Vermont fare to entice travelers.

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22: White Rim Road – Canyonlands National Park, Utah

For a bit of natural beauty, Utah has some great roads to offer as. It’s no secret that driving through the desert can be romantic. The Canyonlands offer something for everyone. Whether it’s native beauty of the natural wildlife, it’s in abundance here. The White Rim Road is considered moderately difficult, which means you should have some experience riving these roads.

But if you are ready for a blend of natural beauty, the White Rim Road is the way to go. Utah in itself has a lot of unreal places to drive. To start, the White Rim Road is a must-see tourist drive. You’ll see everything Utah’s roads have to offer.

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21: Silverado Trail – California

California was once the gold rush state, so naturally, there are abundant trail roads. The Silverado Trail, which runs through Napa Valley, is one of the most beautiful roads you can drive. Notable for its close proximity to vineyards, there are many stops. If you’ve never experienced wine tasting, there are also several wonderful restaurants along these roads.

There are many wonderful trails to drive up and down California’s roads. The Silverado Trail is one of the most notable. Natural beauty is everywhere on this wonderful ride.

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20: Seven Mile Bridge – Florida Keys

Florida has some great roads to drive as one of the birthplaces of modern racing. The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the U.S. and in the world. The bridge connects the Upper Keys to the Lower Keys along seven miles of road. The feat of impressive engineering isn’t as visible from a picture as it is when you are actually on the bridge.

The beautiful waters are what most tourists come for. You won’t get much in the way of driving excitement on these roads because it is a straight shot. But you get to see some of the scenic beauty that keeps people coming back to the Keys.

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19: State Route 97 – New York

There’s a lot more to New York than just the Big Apple. If you’re willing to brave a bit of adventure, you can find several fun things to do along state roads. State Route 97 will take you along the Delaware River. This scenic drive is unlike anything you’ll see. Thanks to its lush green landscapes and open roads, this is the ideal trek to take your motorcycle on.

Photo Credit: Scenic Wild Del Aware River

Whether by car or bike, you’ll have an enjoyable experience along the roads, riding through an area often overlooked in terms of tourism destinations.

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18: Natchez Trace Parkway – Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee

This is a haunting line of roads for the more adventurous driver. The Natchez Trace Parkway looks like something out of a movie. If you drive over this 444-mile byway during winter, you’ll see an abundance of fog. There is truly nothing else like these roads in the country.

If you want to drive on rather unique roads, this is the way to do it. There are a lot of fun destinations that you can find between these three states. Whether you want to try some new cuisine or see some beautiful scenic nature, these roads are a strange and worthwhile way to do it.

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17: Hana Highway – Hawaii:

Hawaii is another place that has more than a few unreal roads. The Hana Highway is a long stretch of island joy featuring natural greens and a wonderful oceanside view. You’ll have a driving experience you’ve always dreamed of. You almost always have to take this trip in a convertible. There’s so much natural beauty to see, and the weather is amazing.

No matter if you are visiting for the first time or you’ve been here before, the Hana Highway is a must-see destination. You can drive the open roads and experience what real island life is all about.

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16: State Route 12 – Utah

Another notable Utah driving destination is State Route 12. This is more geared toward families as there are many local attractions. First, there’s Bryce Canyon National Park. And if you aren’t into sightseeing during your trip, there’s also the Staircase museum. The abundance of natural desert beauty is breathtaking.

You’ll enjoy rich natural views from the comfort of your car. State Route 12 might not be as amazing as some of the other roads we’ve mentioned. But for rich local heritage and natural beauty, you can’t beat taking a drive on it.

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15: Denali Highway – Alaska

Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary? Check out the Denali Highway. A mostly gravel destination in Alaska, this highway offers a lot. If you love being outdoors, there are no roads as beautiful in Alaska. After all, this is the last frontier. You’ll see a lot of natural wildlife and there are plenty of places to stop and pull over if you want to.

The Denali Highway is a place the modern driver can enjoy. Alaska might seem like a long trip. But if you want to see some of the most beautiful roads, you can’t beat it. You don’t see too many gravel highways anymore.

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14: Skyline Drive – Virginia

Virginia is one of the most beautiful regions in our country. Once prominent for mining, the region still has a lot of great roads to offer. If you’ve never driven through Virginia, you are missing out. The 105-mile skyline drive is unlike anything that you’ve seen. There are lots of mountains and pine trees to make the trip unique.

Whether you’re new to Virginia or this is a regular trip, you need to visit Skyline Drive. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll have a great time. Be prepared for some breathtaking views.

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13: State Route 179 – Arizona

Known as the Red Rock Scenic byway, this is how you see the amazing mountains of Sedona. The overall feeling here is unlike anything else you’ll ever see. The desert is a beautiful place, and State Route 179 showcases that beauty. The noteworthy rocks of Sedona are what make up the natural landscape.

If you’ve never experienced it, you’re missing out. There is the famous Chapel of the Holy Rock and several awe-inspiring views. Whether you are just hitting the open roads or cruising, State Route 179 is something unique to see.

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12: Beartooth Highway – Montana and Wyoming

When you think of interesting destinations, Montana and Wyoming are full of them. The Beartooth Highway is one of the most traveled. The 68-mile stretch will take you through Red Lodge, Montana, and into Wyoming. There are plenty of tourist attractions and abundant natural resources along this route.

The entire trip will make up a fun day’s experience. If you’re just getting out, there has never been a better time to explore this stretch of roads. The Beartooth Highway offers a lot of interesting things to do that other destination simply do not.

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11: Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina and Virginia

Appalachia is a truly stunning place to visit, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic series of roads right through it. The Blue Ridge Parkway has some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll see. With abundant twists and turns up the side of the mountain, you’ve never driven anything like this before.

And there’s a little learning curve for a new driver. Just hit the road and enjoy the views. When it comes to interesting roads to drive, Blue Ridge Parkway is at the top. The sheer level of depth to the turns makes these roads great.

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10: Going-to-the-Sun-Road – Glacier National Park, Montana

Here’s another must-drive road. The Going-to-the-Sun-Road is one of the best destinations of Glacier National Park. Montana is known for its abundance of natural beauty, just like Alaska. That means you’ll want to drive this entire stretch to see all of its most interesting things. There are quite a few animals local to this region.

If you enjoy outdoor exploration, these roads will give it to you. Montana has a natural beauty that’s unlike anything else you’ll see. The natural cedar and the twists and turns will make any car shine. You’ll leave these roads with a smile on your face.

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9: Highway 78 – Alabama

When it comes to interesting roads, Highway 78 has a lot to offer. The long stretch of highway will take you from Dixieland right through to Arkansas. You’ll see a lot of interesting stuff along the way, which is why so many people travel this stretch of highway. There are plenty of unique travel stops and interesting tidbits of history.

You’ll also have an abundance of natural beauty. If you’re going to be visiting Atlanta or any of the neighboring tourist spots soon, take a trip through Highway 78 – you won’t be sorry.

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8: U.S. Route 550 ‘The Million Dollar Highway’ – Colorado

Colorado is known for an assortment of beautiful travel destinations. But what you probably don’t know is Colorado is also home to the ‘Million-Dollar Highway.’ This 12-mile stretch of highway will take you through Silverton. Not only do you get to see the abundant natural beauty, but there are also a lot of tourist destinations.

If you’ve been wanting to see what Colorado has to offer. You should take a trip down the Million Dollar Highway. This is a must-see stretch of beautiful Colorado roadways that many have yet to discover. You’ll create one-of-a-kind memories and experience the best that Colorado has to offer.

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7: Haines Highway – Alaska

If there’s any place in the world as beautiful as Alaska, let us know. The Haines Highway is one of the most feature-rich destinations on the road. You might see a bald eagle, o other natural wildlife. The Haines Highway will take you through what’s known as the Valley of the Eagles. This is perhaps one of the most prominent destinations in the world.

If you love bird watching and driving, this is the perfect combination. Alaska is known for abundant wildlife and resources, but not so often do you hear about the driving. Either way, if you want to hit the beautiful open road, there’s no place better to do it.

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Talimena National Byway — Photo Credit: Arkansas

6: Talimena National Scenic Byway – Arkansas

Arkansas usually gets a bad rep, but the state is actually quite beautiful. In fact, the state is known as the “natural state.” The Talimena National Scenic Byway is 18 miles of beautiful roadways. The natural colors of maple trees line the stretch of the highway. The perfect time to drive on this road is during the fall into the wintertime.

Arkansas National Byway — Photo Credit: Arkansas.com

The weather is usually beautiful and the golden colors create a warm look. There aren’t a lot of long stretches of roads like this in Arkansas. But if you want to drive on one of the best, give the National Scenic Byway a try.

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5: State Route 197 – Connecticut

Connecticut has some of the most beautiful driving locations around. While there aren’t a lot of highways in the state, there is one worth visiting. State Route 197 is a pristine scenic road that allows you to see a ton of natural beauty.

The roads take you through a bunch of wonderful tourist destinations from quaint little bed and baths to restaurants. The entire route is one of the most beautiful to visit in the country. If you’ve never had a chance to drive on State Route 197, you need to.

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Yukon Gold Circle — Photo Credit: Go to Travel

4: Yukon Golden Circle

We already know that the Yukon is one of the most beautiful places in the world. But the best part is that it’s right here in our backyard. If you’ve ever been on the Yukon trail, give the Yukon Golden Circle a try. This beautiful mountain stretch of road has so much natural beauty that you’ll be astounded. Nice curves and long stretches will let you see what your car can do.

Hint: you probably want to be driving a nice convertible on these roads. This 379-mile trek through natural beauty will take you by rivers and more. The Yukon Circle is a must-drive if you want to see America. There’s so much natural beauty here and the roads are a very satisfying driving experience.

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3: Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway – Delaware

Another beautiful place to visit for its road waits in Delaware. The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway is a beautiful portrait of natural beauty. The long stretch of highway will take you through lush woodwork. If you’ve never driven in Delaware, this is a treat. There are unique little shops and restaurants along the way.

Brandywine Scenic Byway — Photo Credit: Blogspot

There’s also affordable lodging if you want to take a break. Delaware is perhaps one of the most beautiful states in the union. There are a number of reasons for that and the Brandywine stretch of highway and its pure bliss is a big one.

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2: State Route 197 – Georgia

As you start driving further into the South, you’ll start to see more interesting destinations. State Route 197 in Georgia will take you through a state park and a number of other resources. The unique driving conditions make for a wonderful travel experience. You’ll be close to Atlanta and several other well-known parts of the city. The unique driving experience is something you won’t forget.

Georgia is known for its natural beauty, so it’s no wonder that this route is a must-travel. If you’re looking for a new type of adventure down South, then State Route 197 is it.

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1: Western Heritage Historic Byway – Idaho

Idaho is famous for more than just potatoes. This scenic byway is known for the lush scenery that makes it a wonderful stomping ground. If you’re out in the area and want to experience what Idaho is all about, this historic stretch of highway will take you through some wonderful twists and turns.

Golden Eagle — Photo Credit: Visit Idaho

Your journey won’t stop there, as you’ll be close to tourist destinations such as Boise. If you’ve been wanting to visit Idaho and you love the open road, the West Heritage Byway is a wonderful trip for you to experience.

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Top Scenic Roads To Drive In The United States

37: U.S. Route 199 in Northern California

36: U.S. 83 in Texas

35: Highway 160 in Colorado

34: I-19 in Arizona

33: I-95 in Miami

32: Route 1 in Maine

31: I-10 in Arizona

30: I-285 Around Atlanta

29: I-17 in Arizona

28: I-85 in Charlotte

27: U.S. Route 175 in Dallas

26: U.S. Route 212 in Montana

25: Highway 1 – Big Sur, California

24: Old Frankfort Pike – Kentucky

23: Historic Route 7A – Vermont

22: White Rim Road – Canyonlands National Park, Utah

21: Silverado Trail – California

20: Seven Mile Bridge – Florida Keys

19: State Route 97 – New York

18: Natchez Trace Parkway – Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee

17: Hana Highway – Hawaii:

16: State Route 12 – Utah

15: Denali Highway – Alaska

14: Skyline Drive – Virginia

13: State Route 179 – Arizona

12: Beartooth Highway – Montana and Wyoming

11: Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina and Virginia

10: Going-to-the-Sun-Road – Glacier National Park, Montana

9: Highway 78 – Alabama

8: U.S. Route 550 ‘The Million Dollar Highway’ – Colorado

7: Haines Highway – Alaska

6: Talimena National Scenic Byway – Arkansas

5: State Route 197 – Connecticut

4: Yukon Golden Circle

3: Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway – Delaware

2: State Route 197 – Georgia

1: Western Heritage Historic Byway – Idaho

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