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Top Scenic Roads To Drive In The United States

Cameron Eittreim May 8, 2020

Photo Credit: Borders Of Adventure

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.

Photo Credit: Cheetah Motorsport

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.

I-10 in Arizona
Photo Credit: Flickr

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.

I-10 in Arizona
Photo Credit: Flickr

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.

Atlanta
Photo Credit: Flickr

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.

Photo Credit: Interstate Guide

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.

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.

Photo Credit: Mapquest

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.

Photo Credit: Fox 46

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.

Photo Credit: AA Roads

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.

Highway 175
Photo Credit: Flickr

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.

Photo Credit: Journey Ranger

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.

Montana
Photo Credit: Flickr

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.

Montana
Photo Credit: Flickr

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.

Highway 1 Big Sur
Photo Credit: Driven Autos

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.

Highway 1 Big Sur
Photo Credit: Driven Autos

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.

Photo Credit: Kentucky Tourism

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.

Photo Credit: Marrillia

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.

Photo Credit: Touring Roads

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.

Historic Route 7A
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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.

Photo Credit: Greg Willis

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.

Photo Credit: NPS

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.

Silverado Trail
Photo Credit: Amazon

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.

Williams Hill
Photo Credit: Williams Hill

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.

Seven Mile Bridge
Photo Credit: Visit Florida

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.

Seven Mile Bridge
Photo Credit: Visit Florida

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.

Photo Credit: Exploring Up State

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.

Photo Credit: Roots Rated

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.

Natchez Trace Parkway
Photo Credit: Travel

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.

Photo Credit: Traveler Marriott

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.

Hana Highway
Photo Credit: Maui Weddings

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.

Photo Credit: Bryce Cany On Country

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.

Photo Credit: The Dyrt

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.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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.

Photo Credit: The Mile Post

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.

Photo Credit: Road Trippers

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.

Photo Credit: National Geographic

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.

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

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.

Photo Credit: Youtube

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.

The Beartooth Highway
Photo Credit: Trib

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.

Beartooth Highway
Photo Credit: Blogspot

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.

Photo Credit: Blue Ridge Outdoors

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.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Photo Credit: Tripsavvy

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.

Photo Credit: NPS

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.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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.

Highway 78
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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.

Highway 78
Photo Credit: Patch

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.

Photo Credit: Beautiful View Rides

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.

Photo Credit: Foot Loose Travel Guides

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.

Photo Credit: ADN

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.

Photo Credit: RV Alaska Campgrounds

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.

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.

Photo Credit: AA Roads

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.

Photo Credit: Visit Connecticut

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.

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.

Photo Credit: Travel Yukon

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.

Photo Credit: Delaware Greenways

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.

Photo Credit: Gribble Nation

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.

Photo Credit: Gribble Nation

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.

Photo Credit: Drive The Nation

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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