The United States is a vast and diverse country, home to a wide range of landscapes and cultures. One of the best ways to experience this diversity is by taking a road trip. From the rolling hills of the Appalachians to the rugged beauty of the West, there are countless roads to choose from. Whether you’re looking for scenic views, historic sites, or small-town charm, there’s a road trip out there for everyone. Here are ten of the best roads for road trips in the US, each offering its own unique experience.
Route 66
This historic road, also known as the “Mother Road,” stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and takes you through small towns and natural landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest. It’s a nostalgic journey through Americana, taking you through a landscape of diners, motels, and gas stations that have been left behind by the modern interstate system.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
This road runs along the California coast and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged California coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming coastal towns, such as Monterey and Santa Barbara, and you’ll be able to stop at iconic landmarks like Big Sur and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Blue Ridge Parkway
This road runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina, offering stunning views of the Appalachians and the opportunity to explore small towns and historic sites. The road winds through rolling hills and dense forests, taking you past picturesque waterfalls, charming farmhouses, and historic sites.
The Great River Road
This road follows the Mississippi River and passes through 10 states, offering a unique view of the American heartland and the opportunity to explore small towns and historic sites. Along the way, you’ll be able to visit historic river towns, such as Natchez and Vicksburg, as well as take in natural wonders like the Mississippi River itself.
The Overseas Highway
This road runs through the Florida Keys, connecting the mainland with Key West, offering beautiful views of the ocean, and the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystem of the Keys. Along the way, you can stop at popular destinations like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Dry Tortugas National Park, and the Southernmost Point in the continental US.
The Beartooth Highway
This road is known for its spectacular views, winding roads, and alpine setting, as it takes you through Montana and Wyoming, linking Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City, Montana, passing by the Beartooth Pass at an elevation of 10,947 ft. The road offers views of the rugged peaks of the Beartooth Mountains, and the opportunity to stop at scenic overlooks and take in the natural beauty of the area.
The Million Dollar Highway
This road is a 25-mile stretch of US 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado, known for its stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, and its narrow and winding roads. The road offers views of the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains, and the opportunity to stop at scenic overlooks and take in the natural beauty of the area.
The Natchez Trace Parkway
This scenic byway stretches 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, passing through small towns, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you’ll be able to stop at historic sites like the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center and the Meriwether Lewis Monument, as well as take in the natural beauty of the area.
The Tail of the Dragon
This stretch of US 129 runs through the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its 318 curves in 11 miles, making it a popular destination for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. The road offers spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the opportunity to test your driving skills on one of the most challenging roads in the country.
The Loneliest Road in America
US 50 runs from West Sacramento, California to Ocean City, Maryland, passing through Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and West Virginia, known for its remote and desolate landscape, offering a unique view of the American West and the opportunity to explore small towns and historic sites. The road offers a chance to see some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the country, and the opportunity to stop at small towns and historic sites along the way.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road
This road runs through Glacier National Park in Montana and offers spectacular views of the park’s glaciers, mountains, and alpine lakes. The road is known for its winding and narrow sections and is only open during the summer months.
The Hana Highway
This road runs through the island of Maui in Hawaii and offers scenic views of the island’s lush tropical landscape and rugged coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass through small towns, waterfalls, and beaches, making it an ideal road trip for those looking for a tropical getaway.
The Acadia Park Loop Road
This road runs through the Acadia National Park in Maine and offers spectacular views of the park’s rugged coastline, mountains, and lakes. The road is known for its winding and narrow sections and offers the opportunity to stop at scenic overlooks and take in the natural beauty of the area.
The Denali Park Road
This road runs through the Denali National Park in Alaska and offers spectacular views of the park’s rugged mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. The road is only open during the summer months and offers the opportunity to stop at scenic overlooks and take in the natural beauty of the area.
The Icefields Parkway
This road runs through the Canadian Rockies, linking the towns of Lake Louise and Jasper in Alberta, Canada, offering spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Along the way, visitors can stop at scenic overlooks, take in the natural beauty of the area and enjoy a dip in the hot springs.
It’s worth noting that, while these roads offer a chance to see some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the country, it’s always important to be aware of the weather and road conditions, and to plan your trip accordingly. It’s also important to keep in mind that some of these roads are more challenging than others, and to make sure that you have the proper skills and experience before embarking on your journey.
