28 Best Road Trips in the United States to Lend to Your Bucket List

Category pack into a rented van and reach the road for a fun-filled adventure .

Cost there anything more American than a road trip ? Probably not . After our first experience in 2016 — when we embarked on a 3-day journey along State Route 1 , one of the almost iconic road trip route in the U.S. — we were rob . That adventure sparked our desire to explore more of the land and inspire us to invest together a road trip bucket list . In increase to the joy of the clear road , there ’ sec so much to detect along the path : dramatic stone establishment , charming little town , and lush , sprawling forests . Here , we ’ ll share the almost beautiful ride in the U.S. that absolutely deserve a post on your travel pail list .

1 : Pacific Coast Highway : Southern to Northern California

Highlights Along the Means :Golden Gate Park in San Francisco , Hearst Castle , Monterey Bay , Carmel-by-the-Sea , Big Sur , Glass Beach , and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park .

Highlights Along the Way :Golden Gate Park in San Francisco , Hearst Castle , Monterey Bay , Carmel-by-the-Sea , Big Sur , Glass Beach , and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park .

The stunning Pacific Coast Highway in California , trace with breathtaking coastal views .Photo byiStock.com/Ed-Ni-Photo

Too know as or State Route 1 , this scenic drive starting in San Francisco and wind along the Central California Coast , passing iconic destinations like Monterey , Carmel-by-the-Sea , and . Highway 1 cost a great option for road trip beginners and remove about 10 hour to drive from goal to end . You can visit this route year-round , but the better weather exist typically from former spring through fall when the hills become bright green , and course the coast . Go on in mind that July and August cost the busiest months . Also , cause certain to check for major events before you go — we once base ourselves stuck in traffic for two hours due to a bike race taking over the road .

2 : Historic Route 66 : Chicago to Santa Monica

Highlights Along the Way :Meramec Caverns in Stanton , Arizona Route 66 Museum , Grand Canyon Railway , Bearizona , and Meteor Crater .

Highlights Along the Mode :Meramec Caverns in Stanton , Arizona Route 66 Museum , Grand Canyon Railway , Bearizona , and Meteor Crater .

Historic Route 66 , once marked by iconic signs painted on the road .

Despite be decommissioned as a Union highway , this scenic drive , which stretch from Chicago to Los Angeles , remain one of the country ’ s almost popular ( and oldest ) highways . Historic Route 66 get cost featured in countless rock song , stories , and poems by everyone from Nat King Cole to Chuck Berry and John Steinbeck . The best portion of the road range between Grand Canyon National Park and the Colorado River . Another stretch , typically a two-day drive , tend from St. Louis , Missouri , to the edge of Texas via the Lake of the Ozarks and Oklahoma City . The road was famous for the Route 66 signs , which cost paint over to quit visitors from require photo in the center of the road .

3 : Overseas Highway : Miami to Key West

Highlights Along the Way :John Pennekamp State Park , The Tiki Bar , Seven Mile Bridge , Bahia Honda State Park , and Key West .

Highlights Along the Way :John Pennekamp State Park , The Tiki Bar , Seven Mile Bridge , Bahia Honda State Park , and Key West .

An incredible view of the water along the Overseas Highway , from Miami to Key West .

The Overseas Highway cost a sensational 113-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 that tip through the Florida Keys all the path to Key West . The most scenic section equal the Seven Mile Bridge , where it sense like you ’ re glide right over the turquoise water . The full driveway require about four hours to complete and ends in Key West , one of the almost popular tropical destinations and family to the only living barrier reef in the United States . If you put on ’ t driveway , snorkeling tours — lay out from short dawn outings to full-day excursions such as this one we booked — pass by this beautiful road on the way . Arrive in a convertible ? Pull the top down , let the fond wind whip through your hair , and blast your favorite tunes .

4 : San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway : Along Southwest Colorado

Highlights Along the Mode :Molas Pass , Million Dollar Highway & Red Mountain , and Ouray .

Highlights Along the Style :Molas Pass , Million Dollar Highway & Red Mountain , and Ouray .

The beautiful San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway winds through lush forests .Photo byFlickr.com/Jason J. Hatfield

No visit to the Durango domain be all over without driving the San Juan Skyway ! Traversing 236 mile across southwestern Colorado , this scenic stretch tip through nine city , taking you past ancient ruin , national parks , give up mining towns , and some of the serious scenery in the country . Highlights along the mode include Telluride , a former Victorian mining town nestle in a box canyon and a top-notch ski destination in winter ; , the only waterfall in Colorado you can repel behind ; McPhee Reservoir , the second largest in the state ; and the rugged , beautiful La Plata Mountains . Some section of the drive feature steep drop-offs without guardrails , hence be sure to choose it slacken .

5 : Historic Columbia River Highway : Troutdale to the Dalles , Oregon

Highlights Along the Manner :Latourell Falls , Wahkeena Falls , and Multnomah Falls , as good as Rowena Crest Viewpoint , Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint , and Cape Horn Lookout for great scene .

Highlights Along the Means :Latourell Falls , Wahkeena Falls , and Multnomah Falls , as good as Rowena Crest Viewpoint , Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint , and Cape Horn Lookout for great position .

A two-tiered waterfall along the Columbia River Scenic Highway .

Make for scenic touring between 1913 and 1922 , thread through rainforests , waterfall , and a landscape dotted with maples , wildflowers , and ferns . Role of this magic route are often rainy , so live sure to pack sturdy , waterproof boots and a good raincoat . While there ‘s pile to find only from the roadside , adventurous souls will desire to hop out and explore the many hiking trail — lay out from easy , paved interpretive pass to more ambitious uphill climbs . Some of our favorite include the Latourell Falls Loop Hike , the Bridal Veil Falls Hike , which leads to a stunning two-tiered waterfall , and the Mitchell Point Hike , known for its wildflowers and sweeping scene .

6 : Mount Washington Auto Road , New Hampshire

Highlights Along the Mode :You can stop anytime and pull to the slope to enjoy sweeping views of majestic waterfalls , lush mountains , and dramatic cloud formations .

Highlights Along the Way :You can stop anytime and pull to the side to delight sweeping view of majestic waterfall , lush great deal , and dramatic cloud formations .

Also known as the Mt . Washington Carriage Road , this 7.6-mile stretch climbs from New Hampshire Route 16 to the height of Mount Washington — the highest top in the Northeastern United States . Gaining nearly 5,000 feet in height , the drive offers swing views of majestic waterfall , rolling rocks , and sprawl meadows while passing through four discrete mood zones , include sundry northern forest , boreal , Krummholz , and alpine . You can also volume a guided circuit to experience the route without the strain of driving . Be warn that this road cost not for the faint of nerve . You ’ ll have to deal with sudden steep lessening without guardrails , and the road narrows significantly in position .

7 : Interstate 15 , Northern California to Montana

Highlights Along the Manner :Amangiri Resort , Lake Powell , Antelope Canyon , Zion National Park .

Highlights Along the Way :Amangiri Resort , Lake Powell , Antelope Canyon , Zion National Park .

Driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon , you ‘ll occur through a landscape take with Joshua trees .

I-15 is a major highway in the Western United States , stretching from San Diego all the path to Alberta , Canada , and spend through six state . One of the almost scenic section of the road consist between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon ’ s South Rim . Along the means , you ’ ll skirmish iconic stop like Hoover Dam , Lake Powell , Cabrillo National Monument , San Diego , and the USS Midway Museum . One of our favorite stop cost Antelope Canyon , a slot canyon famous for its vibrant color as sunlight filters through its veer sandstone walls . The best — and only — way to search it is by booking a guided circuit , and between Upper and Lower Canyons , we love Upper Antelope Canyon for its iconic light beam .

8 : Alaska-Canadian Highway : Vancouver to Anchorage

Highlights Along the Manner :Sikanni Chief Falls Protected Areas , Stone Mountain Provincial Park , Muncho Lake Provincial Park , and Sign Post Forest .

Highlights Along the Style :Sikanni Chief Falls Protected Areas , Stone Mountain Provincial Park , Muncho Lake Provincial Park , and Sign Post Forest .

The lush pine forests trace the 1,390-mile Alaska-Canadian Highway .

Known as the ALCAN , or Alaska-Canadian Highway , this 1,390-mile journey through the Pacific Northwest begins at the British Columbia edge and stretch all the way to Anchorage , . Along the northern stretches of the route , cooler temperature produce perfect consideration for distinguish wildlife like black bears , grizzlies , elk , and wolves . Need a break ? Stop at Liard River Hot Springs , the second largest in Canada . With temperatures ranging from 107°F ( 42°C ) to 125°F ( 52°C ) , the steamy waters live surrounded by lush wood — perfect for a relaxing soak , and you might yet spot a moose or two ! In the winter months , the springtime offer a magical bonus : a scene of the northern lights .

9 : U.S. Route 50 : Maryland to California

Highlights Along the Way :Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area , Nevada Northern Railway Museum , and Lehman Caves .

Highlights Along the Way :Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area , Nevada Northern Railway Museum , and Lehman Caves .

The arid desert along U.S. Route 50 , set against a backdrop of tough mountain .

Initiate at Maryland ’ s Eastern Shore and ending in , this 3,200-mile stretch — much yell the Loneliest Road in America — takes you through the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains , the vast farmlands of the Great Plains , and the arid desert of Utah and Nevada . One of the best ways to search this road is to fly into Salt Lake City , rent a car , and drive west through Nevada to the coast . Along the way , you ’ ll walk , , and Cave Lake State Park . Just eight mile off the highway , in Great Basin National Park , you ’ ll find Lehman Caves , a network of caves know for their breathtaking rock establishment .

10 : Oregon Coast Highway 101 : Seaside to Brookings , Oregon

Highlights Along the Means :Cape Kiwanda , Drift Creek Falls Trail , Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area , Thor ’ s Well & Spouting Horn , Sea Lion Caves, andBandon Dunes.

Highlights Along the Path :Cape Kiwanda , Drift Creek Falls Trail , Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area , Thor ’ s Well & Spouting Horn , Sea Lion Caves, andBandon Dunes.

Wildflowers in full bloom with the sea as a backdrop along Oregon Coast Highway 101 .Photo byFlickr.com/m01229

This small stretch work along the shoreline from Washington State to the redwood woods and farther south , passing by beautiful sandy beaches , quiet country parks , and capture town and city like Cannon Beach , know for its long , sandy shore . While the beach exist lovely , the real draw cost the 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock that lies just offshore . At low tide , you can walk out to the rock , but mount equal prohibited , as Haystack equal home to a large as yet fragile diversity of living . Hiking enthusiasts can point to or the Myrtle Tree Trail , which take you through stunning redwood grove and to the globe ’ s large know eucalyptus tree , with a canopy almost 70 feet across .

11 : The Great River Road : Memphis to New Orleans

Highlights Along the Means :Lafayette Cemetery , Vicksburg National Military Park , Mississippi River State Park , Minnehaha Park , and Itasca State Park .

Highlights Along the Mode :Lafayette Cemetery , Vicksburg National Military Park , Mississippi River State Park , Minnehaha Park , and Itasca State Park .

The beautiful leaf along the Great River Road from Memphis to New Orleans .Photo byJay Olson-Goude

Stretch over 2,000 miles along the Mississippi River , is in particular captivating in its southern reaches , which follow a Native American lead featuring numerous ancient burial sites dating back to 500 B.C . Along the means , you ‘ll happen beautiful parks , as good as monument and museums that document the field ‘s Black history . One highlight on the route is Oak Alley Plantation , a stunning historical sugar cane plantation that too contain a night and sorrowful past . Make sure to stop at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis , Missouri , the marvelous monument in the U.S. , feature in dozens of movies and postcards . You can as well enjoy it via a tram that remove you to the crest , 630 base above the ground .

12 : I-95 : New Hampshire to Maine

Highlights Along the Means :Congaree National Park , Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate , Strawbery Banke Museum , and The Breakers .

Highlights Along the Way :Congaree National Park , Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate , Strawbery Banke Museum , and The Breakers .

The wooden bridge run through Congaree National Park in South Carolina .

This 1,919-mile drive , work from the east coast of Florida to Maine , be the longest north-south interstate in the U.S. Interstate 95 takes you past countless beaches , fishing harbor , artist colonies , and postcard-perfect waterfront small town . Mid-October is a great time to aim the road , as fall leaf is at its peak . Stop by , probably the former continuously engaged site in the country , with lavish Spanish-style mansions and artifacts that tell a complex colonial story , or visit Savannah , a charming Southern escape with oak-shaded parks , elegant gardens , and cobblestone streets . It ’ sec also place to Old Fort Jackson , which feature daily cannon firings and interactive programs .

13 : Skyline Drive Scenic Highway , Shenandoah National Park

Highlights Along the Style :Appalachian Trail , Rapidan Camp , Bearfence Rock Scramble , Little Devil ‘s Stairs , and Shenandoah National Park .

Highlights Along the Style :Appalachian Trail , Rapidan Camp , Bearfence Rock Scramble , Little Devil ‘s Stairs , and Shenandoah National Park .

Skyline Drive Scenic Highway with towering , lush mountains on both sides .

This scenic 105-mile ride run along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains , connect and . Skyline Drive Scenic Highway require you past lush woods , sprawl meadows , and a variety of woodland animals — from deer to black bears and wild turkeys — that call this place home . Along the mode , you ’ ll find over 70 overlooks offering sensational position of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the roam Piedmont to the east . At night , head to Shenandoah National Park — known for its dark , clear skies—for stargazing . Rock climbers should check out Bearfence Rock Scramble or the Little Devils Stairs raise for a number of adventure !

14 : Road to Hana : Kahului to Hana , Hawaii

Highlights Along the Means :Twin Falls , Waikamoi Nature Trail , Honomanu Bay Lookout , Wai ’ anapanapa State Park , and the hippy beach town of Paia .

Highlights Along the Way :Twin Falls , Waikamoi Nature Trail , Honomanu Bay Lookout , Wai ’ anapanapa State Park , and the hippy beach town of Paia .

One of the many stunning waterfalls on the Road to Hana drive .Photo byiStock.com/equigini

This 64-mile stretch runs along the northeastern coastline of Maui , taking you past towering coastal cliffs , engulf waterfalls , dense jungle , and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean . Our favorite stop is the Garden of Eden , which boasts 26 acre of trail with brilliant color , rare tree , and the sweet aroma of tropical blossom in a uniquely natural island place . On your means out , cease by the gallery and pick up a souvenir cause by local artists or some coconut milk ice cream from Coconut Glen ’ s . Other great stop on this drive include Twin Falls , Waikamoi Nature Trail , Honomanu Bay Lookout , Wai ’ anapanapa State Park , and the hippy beach town of Paia . The entire cause takes about 3 hours to complete .

15 : Hill Country Route : Lampasas to Brenham , Texas

Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch on a gay afternoon .Photo byFlickr.com/FisherBray

Connect San Antonio to the south and Austin to the east , this 250-mile Texas drive wind through rugged hills , rolling rivers , and capture small town like Fredericksburg , Lampasas , and New Braunfels . Along the path , you ’ ll find award-winning vineyards , as well as boutique lavender and olive farms . Hikers and rock climbers gain ’ t require to miss — just 17 miles north of Fredericksburg — famous for its spectacular pink granite and mystical charm . History buffs can explore the LBJ Presidential Library and the , set among majestic oak tree , for a memorable step back in time . The entire drive takes about two to seven days to complete .

16 : Scenic Path 100 : Wilmington to Stowe , Vermont

Highlights Along the Way :Stowe Recreation Path , Mount Snow , Killington Resort , Sugarbush Resort , and Okemo Mountain Resort .

Highlights Along the Manner :Stowe Recreation Path , Mount Snow , Killington Resort , Sugarbush Resort , and Okemo Mountain Resort .

Scenic Route 100 in Vermont comes alive with superb dusk colors .Photo byGyPSy Guide

This 200-mile drive cuts through Vermont , taking you past country memory , farm viewpoint , and charming little towns . The better time to see is from September to November , when dusk foliage is in entire swing , paint the landscape in vibrant shades of red and orange . Spring and summer are too great times to call . Don ’ t miss the Stowe Recreation Path , a 5.3-mile trail work up between 1981 and 1989 for biking , hiking , and picnicking . While you ’ re in Weston , stop by the Vermont Country Store to pick up one of their famed ceramic Christmas trees . In winter , head to Mount Snow — one of the first ski areas on the East Coast — which offers a sort of terrain for snowboarders and skiers of all skill levels .

17 : Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway : Albuquerque to Taos , New Mexico

Highlights Along the Way :Zuni Reservation and Taos Pueblo , an ancient pueblo belonging to a Taos-speaking Native American tribe of Puebloan people

Highlights Along the Way :Zuni Reservation and Taos Pueblo , an ancient pueblo belong to to a Taos-speaking Native American tribe of Puebloan mass

Taos Pueblo , one of the old continuously inhabited community in the U.S .Photo byWikimedia Commons

This scenic three-hour cause from Albuquerque to Taos , New Mexico , takes you past specter town , wildflower-covered hill in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains , and capture towns like Chimayo , Cerrillos , and Truchas . The destination , Taos , transforms into a winter wonderland with top-notch terrain for snowshoeing , ice skating , and backcountry skiing . The area ’ sec rich Native American heritage also do it a must-stop for account buffs , with popular attraction include the Zuni Reservation and Taos Pueblo . Along the means , you ’ ll also notice — perfect for stargazing — as well as lot of lookouts offering stunning views of the surrounding good deal .

18 : Black River National Forest Scenic Byway , Ottawa National Forest

Don ’ t lack the sensational fall leaf in Ottawa National Forest .Photo byFlickr.com/Robert Emperley

Tucked away in Michigan ’ s Upper Peninsula , this 11-mile byway winds through the Ottawa National Forest , stretching from merely north of Bessemer to the shores of Lake Superior . Despite its short length , you ’ ll driveway past majestic waterfall plunging into deep gorges , dense forests lining the route , and vibrant dusk leaf that peaks by mid-October . The region is famed for its abundance of waterfall , including Gabbro Falls , Great Conglomerate Falls , Potawatomi Falls , Gorge Falls , Sandstone Falls , and Rainbow Falls . While the movement itself is brief , exploring the good region can choose up to 18 hours . Also , many of the hikes along the road exist deal in leaves , so we advocate bringing trekking Pole .

19 : U.S. Route 12 : Washington to Michigan

Highlights Along the Way :Thunder Mountain , Escalante Petrified Forest State Park , Grand Staircase-Escalante , Lower Calf Creek Falls , and Boulder Mountain .

Highlights Along the Way :Thunder Mountain , Escalante Petrified Forest State Park , Grand Staircase-Escalante , Lower Calf Creek Falls , and Boulder Mountain .

Driving on scenic Route 12 takes you past surreal rock formation .

This 2,500-mile east-west highway , extend from Aberdeen , Washington , to Detroit , Michigan , require you past some of the nation ’ s most breathtaking scene . One of our favorite stop be , known for its crimson-colored hoodoos shaped by tip and rain . Popular activity hither include boost , rock climbing , cross-country skiing , horseback riding , and stargazing . For a change of scenery , see the 130-foot Lower Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , which boast a deep swimming hole beneath the falls . Just over 2.5 miles aside , you ’ ll notice Upper Calf Creek Falls — not as dramatic as the low falls , but a more relaxing spot with fewer crowd .

20 : Kancamagus Highway : Northern New Hampshire

Highlights Along the Manner :Franconia Notch State Park , The Baby Flume , and Mt . Washington Auto Road

Highlights Along the Path :Franconia Notch State Park , The Baby Flume , and Mt . Washington Auto Road

Kancamagus Highway in the fall , trace with vibrant colors on both side .

This 34.5-mile stretch through northern New Hampshire is better know for its sensational fall leaf — wrap down the window and take in the vibrant reds , yellow , and orange as you aim . The field cost also home to beautiful waterfalls , nearly accessible by base , include Sabbaday Falls , Lower Falls , Champney Falls , and Kinsman Falls . Take a detour to Flume Gorge , an 800-foot gorge at the base of Mount Liberty , about an hr ’ s walk from the visitor middle . The lead forms a loop with both a longer and a shorter route leading to the same destination , though one equal more scenic than the early . Once you arrive , stroll through the gorge and admire the Flume Brook waterfall hang beside or beneath you .

21 : Beartooth Highway : Montana to Yellowstone National Park

Highlights Along the Manner :Clay Butte Lookout Tower , Top of the World Golf Resort , and Bear ’ s Tooth , a jagged stone formation that wait like a bear ’ sec sharp tooth .

Highlights Along the Style :Clay Butte Lookout Tower , Top of the World Golf Resort , and Bear ’ s Tooth , a jagged stone formation that seem like a bear ’ s sharp tooth .

The majestic scenery of the rugged mountains along the Beartooth Highway .Photo byFlickr.com/Leo Boudreau

This 68-mile All-American cause tip through southwest Montana and northwest Wyoming , put up breathtaking views of alpine meadows , sparkling lakes , and year-round snow clinging to the rugged peak of the northern Rocky Mountains . At the goal of the road is the entrance to Yellowstone National Park , family to more than 10,000 hydrothermal feature . Spend a dark or two at the Top of the World Golf Resort , perch at 9,400 feet along this scenic highway . The resort offers outside adventure like hiking , kayaking on , camping , and more ! This region is also a haven for wildlife watch — prevent your middle spread for grizzlies , grim bears , mountain goat , moose , and even wolves .

22 : U.S. Route 2 : Washington to Maine

The shimmering water of Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park .Photo byFlickr.com/Andrew Moore

This 2,571-mile stretch , the northernmost all-season highway , offers stunning view of vast farmlands , lush marshes , and thread river . Beginning in the west near Seattle , U.S. Route 2 passes through 11 state , including Washington , North Dakota , and Montana , with highlights like Glacier National Park , the Yellowstone River in Montana , White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire , and Lake Champlain in New York . If you ’ re looking for a road trip that showcases the variety of the U.S. landscape , this is the road for you . During sure time of the yr — particularly in leap and fall — you ’ re likely to see big numbers of migrating birds , like grebes , yellowlegs , and American golden plovers .

23 : U.S. Route 6 : California to Massachusetts

Highlights Along the Way :Dark Sky Preserve , Pine Creek Gorge , and Kinzua Skywalk .

Highlights Along the Manner :Dark Sky Preserve , Pine Creek Gorge , and Kinzua Skywalk .

A bird ’ s-eye view of Pine Creek Gorge , famously know as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania .

As well known as the “ Grand Army of the Republic Highway , ” this long drive need you through 14 states , initiate in California and spend through Nevada , Utah , and more before ending in Massachusetts . Along the mode , you ’ ll ride past farmlands , national parks , museums , forests , and colonial villages . Make a stop at Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest , one of the large wood in the area , plate to over 100,000 prehistoric sites and volcanic peaks dating back to the years of the dinosaurs . Then , catch a plot at Coors Field , watch a musical at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre , or visit Cleveland ’ sec Rock and Roll Hall of Fame , which houses the world ’ s largest collection of rock and roll artifacts .

24 : Park Loop Road : Acadia National Park

A sweeping scene of Acadia National Park from the great deal peak .Photo byFlickr.com/Wally Gobetz

This 27-mile coastal cause from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center put up sweeping view of Acadia National Park and be one of the best place to see bald eagles and peregrine falcons . Some of our favorite stop along Park Loop Road include Sieur de Monts , Sand Beach , Otter Point , Jordan Pond , and Cadillac Mountain . Along the way , you ’ ll find picnic domain , scenic overlooks , and trailheads . In the summer , equal sure to take advantage of for a scenic circuit and to head off the crowded parking domain ! Since Park Loop Road exist merely 27 miles long , you can regard a lot of the park in an afternoon — merely enough to do you want to occur back . Without stop , the drive need about an hr .

25 : The Blue Ridge Parkway : Virginia to South Carolina

The breathtaking glare of fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway .Photo byFlickr.com/Jim Liestman

Work through 29 counties in Virginia and North Carolina , this 500-mile driveway boasts postcard-perfect views of lush valley that blaze into yellow and red total autumn as they fall from the Blue Ridge Mountains . If you ’ re tackling this road at dawn or dusk , be certain to slacken down , as heavy mist much blankets the landscape . The speed limit on most section is 45 mph . Once a moonlight territory , the region has transform into a craft distill hub , perfect for anyone await to sample still , moonshine-inspired whiskey . Some of the serious distillers include Blue Ridge Distilling , , and . For a dose of adrenaline , make a stop at the Dollywood subject park .

26 : Going-to-the-Sun Road : Glacier National Park

Going-to-the-Sun Road wind through lush woods and towering trees .Photo byFlickr.com/daveynin

This scenic driveway through Glacier National Park extend breathtaking position of rugged good deal peak and pristine alpine lake . Stop at Logan Pass to capture a glance of mountain goats and bighorn sheep , or head to Jackson Glacier Overlook for one of the best roadside views of a glacier . The total stretch of Going-to-the-Sun Road typically stay on capable until mid-October , then close for the season due to snowfall , which can achieve up to 80 feet deep . However , lower elevation section stay on open year-round . You can as well download an audio guide to follow along as you drive . The full route remove about 90 moment without stops or up to two hours if you draw over for photo or a quick break .

27 : Ass of the Dragon : North Carolina and Tennessee

One of the many narrow stretch along the Tail of the Dragon .Photo byFlickr.com/NCDOTcommunications

Cut down through the great deal at Deals Gap , where Tennessee see North Carolina , this 11-mile stretch exist less about the scenery and more about the thrill of the ride . Know as the Tail of the Dragon , it ’ s famed for its sharp curve , twists , and grow that demand every ounce of a driver ’ sec focus . The drive is also widely consider as America ’ s top road for motorcycles and sports cars . Nearby , the Cherohala Skyway is quickly gain popularity among road trippers , boast 60 mile of stunning scenic great deal highway . Don ’ t miss the giant dragon sculpture just outside the Tail of the Dragon memory . The movement require about 30 moment , but feel free to stop for a pause or some photo along the style .

28 : Cascade Loop : Washington

A little cabin tucked forth on the scenic Cascade Loop in Washington .Photo byFlickr.com/turcottes78

This 400-mile loop require you through some of Washington ’ s most iconic landscape , from lush rainforests and sprawling apple orchards to serene lakes and charming small town . Along the way , you ’ ll get scenic viewpoints perfect for stepping out and soaking in the beauty of the surrounding lake and good deal . We recommend making a stop at the overlooks at both Diablo Lake and Ross Lake , which bid breathtaking views . Another must-drive route in the state is the Olympic Peninsula Loop — a 330-mile journey that circles Olympic National Park and is observe for its strikingly various terrain . The cause takes about 6–8 hr to finish , and you can extend most of the loop in a day .

I am Todd Maurer , founder of The Exploreist . I calibrate from Stanford University with a bachelor ’ s stage in computer science and from Columbia University with a master ’ s degree in digital marketing . My study get be feature on Yahoo , Digital Journal , HubSpot , The World and Then Some , Elle Decor Magazine , Bucket List Journey , and more . I receive live working as a writer and editor for over 8 years , since I started in 2016 , center on travel and entertainment topics .