It’s not Route 66: these are the most amazing routes to drive in the U.S.
The legendary American road trip is commonly linked to Route 66, but the U.S. is home to many other stunningly scenic highways.
Hopping in the car and setting off on the open road is a quintessential summer activity in the United States. And the iconic Route 66, running from Chicago to Los Angeles, is synonymous with the great American road trip.
But the United States, with all its beautiful landscapes has numerous other stretches of pavement that offer incredible views of the nation’s majesty. And you don’t have to just plan your trip for the summer months. Here’s a look.
The most scenic road trip routes in the U.S.
There are truly too many scenic routes in the United States to list them all in one go. So, the following is a collection of some that are considered the crème de la crème that should be on your bucket list besides Route 66 or Route 1 traveling up the Pacific Coast.
Hana Highway: Hawaii
We’ll start our journey in America’s 50th state, Hawaii, on the island of Maui. There you’ll find the Hana Highway which connects Kahului to the town of Hana. This route that runs along the coast for roughly 64.4 miles and provides views of waterfalls, lush forests and the rugged coastline.
Park Loop Road: Acadia National Park, Maine
Going to the other extreme of the nation, the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, Maine, is the primary road around Mount Desert Island. The 27-mile route takes in forests that change colors with the seasons, lakes and mountains, as well as striking scenic ocean vistas all of which can be admired from scenic overlooks along the way.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway: Arkansas
Located in the southeast corner of the Ozark National Forest, the Pig Trail Scenic Byway is a Forest Service Scenic Byway. The 19 miles of road, that follows Highway 23, has many steep inclines and sharp curves, traveling on this stretch of road has been likened to riding a roller coaster. Along the way, you’ll wind through thick forests providing a shady oasis in the summer and stunning colors in the fall.
Columbia River Highway: Oregon
Known as ‘The King of Roads’, this roughly 75-mile-long section of the road was one of the first highways specifically designed for scenic travel. It follows the majestic Columbia River Gorge in Oregon offering breathtaking views traveling through mature forests, past gushing waterfalls and fields of wildflowers within a National Scenic Area.
Skyline Drive: Shenadoah National Park, Virginia
The only public road through the Shenandoah National Park, the Skyline Drive is true to its name, running 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Give yourself at least 3 hours to travel its length and much more if you want to take in all the sites along the route at the 75 overlooks.
Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway: Wyoming
There are many stunning routes into America’s first national park, Yellowstone, but the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway is considered one the most beautiful ones. Comprised of US Highway 14-16-20, is a 27.5-mile stretch of pavement that passes through the scenic Wapiti Valley to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park following the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Be ready to get your camera out as you’ll most likely see abundant wildlife along the way as well as amazing rock formations.
Teton Park Road: Wyoming
Another American natural jewel that is a must-see is the Grand Teton National Park. Connecting Moose and Jackson Lake Junction, the Teton Park Road gives road trippers 20 miles of natural beauty as it runs along the base of the Teton Range. These can be enjoyed from the multiple pull-offs and overlooks along the route. You can even stretch your legs and go for a hike picking up one of the several trailheads just off the road.
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