21 Highway Journeys In The USA To See The Finest Of America

This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, in case you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.

Pack your automotive, put together your playlist, wind down the home windows, and rev up your muscle automotive, as a highway journey throughout the USA is essentially the most iconic method to discover the nation. You’ve in all probability heard of Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Freeway, and seen many photos, TV adverts, and films that includes scenic drives by canyons, craggy mountain ranges and desolate deserts.

The US was merely made for highway tripping. With huge, open roads, unbelievable pure surroundings, and pit stops and fuel stations that double as vacationer points of interest, embarking on a USA highway journey has by no means been extra accessible.

We’ve been taking highway journeys within the USA since 2004, earlier than we had children, and since shifting to North Carolina, it’s been our most well-liked method to discover the nation. We even did a 12-month highway journey throughout the entire nation, which gave us a radical take a look at the range of this huge continent.

We’ve just about traveled to all 4 corners of the US, and seen some unbelievable drives, and a few not so nice ones, so we’ve determined to place all our information and expertise collectively to current to you the most effective highway journeys within the USA. When you’ve been dreaming of the Nice Open Highway, certainly one of these journeys will make sure you fulfill your fantasies.

1. Grand Circle Highway Journey, Southwest USA

• START | END: Las Vegas
• DISTANCE: 1,000+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 – 3 weeks

The Grand Circle Highway Journey is an iconic highway journey within the American Southwest that predominantly goes to all the enduring Nationwide Parks in Utah, but additionally crosses into Arizona for some time as nicely for the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. Usually, folks begin and finish in Las Vegas because it’s a straightforward metropolis to fly into and choose up a rental automotive, however you possibly can additionally choose up the route from St George or Moab in Utah, Flagstaff in Arizona.

Count on a kaleidoscope of colours, rock formations, canyons, buttes and mesas, arches, and fairy story kingdoms. It’s WOW moments all spherical as you go to every of the nationwide parks (don’t miss the lesser visited locations in Utah, simply nearly as good state parks) with epic views out your window on each mountain flip and the straight desert highway.

The Grand Circle Highway Journey is about 1,000 miles lengthy, relying on what number of detours you’re taking. This area is stuffed with epic detours and scenic drives.

Highlights on the route embody:

2. Mountains Nationwide Parks Highway Journey (CO, WY, MT)

• START | END: Denver | Glacier Nationwide Park
• DISTANCE: 953 Miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 10 Days

The Mountains Nationwide Parks highway journey is likely one of the finest American highway journeys for mountain views! This journey by the spectacular Rocky Mountain area of Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana will take you to among the prime nationwide parks within the USA!

The Rocky Mountains Nationwide Park spans the Continental Divide and is made up of protected mountains, forests and alpine tundra. It crosses three totally different states and goes all the way in which into Canada. We beloved the various nice hikes we did on this nationwide park and seeing the supply (only a trickle) of the mighty Colorado River was superb.

On this highway rip, you cross by The Grand Teton Vary, which provides among the most dramatic views of mountains rising out of the valley ground you’ll ever see. It’s additionally among the best locations to see moose within the wild. You additionally go to the enduring Yellowstone Nationwide Park, which must be one of many coolest locations on the earth. There’s nothing fairly like that swirling, effervescent, geyser-shooting land the place bison, wolves and bears roam. And Glacier Nationwide Park, which is full of beautiful glacial views, adventurous hikes and the exhilarating Going to the Solar Highway, certainly one of America’s most beloved scenic drives.

Hold the window clear because the views you cross on the drive will probably be simply nearly as good because the vacation spot stops. A number of the stops on this route are:

• Denver
• Rocky Mountains Nationwide Park: Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Path Ridge Highway, Moraine Park
• Jackson (Don’t miss the Cowboy Bar!)
• Grand Teton Nationwide Park: Mormon Row, Jenny Lake, Moose Pond
• Yellowstone Nationwide Park: Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Mammoth Sizzling Springs / Boiling River, Grand Prismatic Spring, Outdated Devoted
• Glacier Nationwide Park: Going to the Solar Highway, Higher Grinnell Lake Hike, Avalanche Lake Hike

3. Highway to Hana, Hawaii Highway Journey

• START | END: Paia | Hana | Seven Sacred Swimming pools
• DISTANCE: 45 miles
•  TIME RECOMMENDED: 1+ days

One of the vital well-known highway journeys in Hawaii is the 45-mile Highway to Hana. With 617 hairpin turns and 56 one-lane bridges, you’ll want a little bit of stamina for this drive, particularly for the lengthy winding return highway residence.

The highway begins in Paia and is embedded on the facet of the excessive jungle cliffs plunging into the ocean revealing panoramic Pacific Ocean views, bamboo jungle and Norfolk pines, sacred waterfalls and swimming holes, lava tubes, tropical flowers and roadside meals stands.

Put aside a full-day for this drive and begin early!

It’s one of many few highway journeys on this information that may be one in at some point, however you possibly can additionally break this up right into a multi-destination highway journey staying in other places alongside the way in which. The primary stops on the Highway to Hana highway journey in Hawaii are:

• Twin Falls
• Backyard of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Backyard
• Higher Waikani Falls
• Wai’napanapa State Park
• Hamoa Seashore
• ‘Ohe’o Gulch’ – The Seven Sacred Swimming pools

Plan your journey with our in-depth information to the Highway to Hana Scenic Drive!

Video: The Highway to Hana with children

4. New England Highway Journey (within the Fall)

• START | END: We advocate beginning in Boston Massachusets and end in Maine (or vice versa if visiting in Fall)
• DISTANCE: Varies relying on the place you go to
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2-3 weeks

Among the finest highway journeys for spectacular fall colours is thru New England. The area passes by six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Maine will begin their Fall colours first so plan fastidiously.

Suppose scenic drives and hikes amongst maples, alder, and birch bushes bursting with vibrant hues of ruby, gold, and amber; exploring charming New England cities; selecting apples on a crisp Fall day; and cozying up beside a crackling fireplace with scorching cider or a glass of pink.

Usually late September to mid-October is taken into account the most effective time to go to New England on a highway journey to see the autumn foliage. It may be a little bit of a problem to time your go to for peak viewing of the leaves of their blaze of glory. Try this fall foliage map for a information.

As a result of New England makes up six states, you’ll be able to cease at a whole lot of various websites and points of interest. You may drive by all six states in a single journey (which might take round three weeks), or you’ll be able to break it up by visiting every state’s points of interest separately. This might take 5-7 days.

Listed here are among the iconic stops on a New England Highway Journey:

Learn extra: A New England Highway Journey Itinerary [The Ultimate Fall Vacation]

Video: Driving the Kancamagus Freeway

5. Florida Keys and the Abroad Freeway

• START | END: Miami | Key West
• DISTANCE: 113 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1+ weeks

Fancy a highway journey that means that you can hop island to island through bridges over the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys? The aptly named Abroad Freeway is an American highway journey to recollect, and carries US. Route 1 by the Florida Keys to Key West. The Florida Abroad Freeway is an All American Highway.

Spend a couple of days in every of the keys to expertise the totally different flavors of this tropical area. Craig and I road-tripped the Keys in 2005 and beloved snorkeling at John Pennekamp and cruising the bars of Key West. Some unmissable highlights on this highway journey are:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• The Seven Mile Bridge
• Sombrero Seashore, Marathon
• Bahia Honda State Park, Massive Pine Key
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West
• Duval Avenue, Key West
• Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

Learn extra: Locations to go to in Florida, together with Florida Keys highlights.

6. Cascade Loop Highway Journey, Washington

• START | END: Seattle
• DISTANCE: 440 miles spherical journey
• TIME RECOMMENDED: Not less than 5- 7 days.

Touted as Washington State’s Final Highway Journey, the Cascades Loop encompasses pristine mountains, grand rivers, picturesque islands, and rolling river valleys. The route accommodates three of Washington’s designated scenic byways—the Stevens Go Greenway, North Cascades Freeway, and the Whidbey Scenic Isle Method.

There’s a scorching debate over which path it’s best to drive the Cascades Loop. We drove in a clockwise path, merely as a result of we weren’t finishing the loop, however persevering with into Idaho, so it made sense for what we wished to see and do within the Cascades area. We will conclude it doesn’t actually matter, as either side of the highway is beautiful.

High tip: Prolong the great thing about this Washington highway journey by visiting Mt Rainier. Mt Rainier is certainly one of 5 energetic volcanoes situated within the Cascade Vary, east of Seattle, Washington. The opposite 4 are Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. Standing greater than 4,300 meters above southern Washington, Mt Rainier is strikingly lovely – we may see its awesomeness from Seattle. It’s a straightforward day journey from Seattle. Try today journey from Seattle.

North Cascades Nationwide Park is certainly one of our favourite within the USA. It’s one of many least visited nationwide parks within the US as a result of it’s so distant, and has extra glaciers than any of the Decrease 48 states! The Sahale Glacier Hike in North Cascades was certainly one of our favourite household adventures within the USA!

Listed here are among the primary stops and highlights on the Cascade Loop highway journey in the US:

• Orca watching in Everett
• LA Conner
• Deception Go (state park)
• North Cascades Nationwide Park: North Cascades Freeway (scenic drive), Sahale Glacier Hike
• Leavenworth (Bavarian fashion village)
• Lake Chelan
• Stevens Go
• Seattle

Associated studying: The Final Washington State Highway Journey

7. Cross Nation – Route 66

• START | END: Chicago | LA
• DISTANCE: 2,000+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 – 3 weeks

Work out what will get your kicks and take it on Route 66. This iconic USA highway journey begins in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, LA and crosses 8 states, and passes by many aged, once-thriving small cities, and scores of historic websites.It’s in all probability essentially the most well-known highway journey in the US!

Whether or not you’re keen on whiskey, jazz music, historical past, hole-in-the-wall experiences, quirky roadside stops, flashing neon indicators, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or barren landscapes, Route 66 has you coated.

Since we’ve pushed from North Carolina to LA we’ve adopted close to the Route 66 for a way dipping out and in of the highway from the I-40 (the now main interstate).

The Nationwide Park Service’s Route 66 website is the most effective place to start out your planning. We additionally advocate our buddy Honeytrek’s information to driving the Route 66 – they did the entire journey!

When you have further time to spare, I like to recommend spending a while in Austin, Texas to load up on scrumptious southern meals, or head over to San Antonio for some extra genuine Texan historical past and tradition.

Route 66 crosses Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California and a couple of,400 miles, and there are a whole lot of stops you’ll be able to take alongside the way in which. Listed here are among the primary locations it passes.

8. South East Coastal & Tradition (NC, SC, GA)

• START | END: Outer Banks | Savannah
• DISTANCE: 537
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 Weeks

This South East Coast drive will take you to among the most lovely seashores and barrier islands within the USA, incorporating the nation’s first nationwide seashore, limitless lighthouses, wild horses, and among the finest sunrises we’ve seen on the earth.

It additionally contains a few of our favourite historic and charming Southern cities and cities, including a cultural perspective to this journey.

Be ready for scrumptious seafood, distinctive Southern dishes, and a pleasant, relaxed vibe as you cruise by North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. These are all the principle highlights on the South East Coast highway journey.

Learn extra: Our final East Coast highway journey itinerary

9. Pacific Freeway 101, Oregon

• START | END: Gold Seashore | Astoria
• DISTANCE: 375 miles spherical journey
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 7-10 days

Spanning 363 miles, Freeway 101 is an All American Highway that winds down the whole Oregon Coast to the California border, hugging the Pacific shoreline the whole time.

You’ll expertise a dramatic rocky shoreline of sea stacks and fierce cliffs and alternatives to discover evergreen forests, seaside dunes, marine ecosystems, and small coastal cities. It’s a select your personal journey form of expertise. Let’s not neglect that is additionally residence of the Goonies!!

It’s additionally vital to notice that the Oregon Coast is basically not for swimming because of tough waters and fairly chilly temperatures! It’s not as heat as locations on the south of the West Coast, so be aware of all of the warning indicators – this isn’t a drill.

There’s lots to see and discover on the Oregon Coast, however these are the principle stops on the Freeway 101 highway journey:

• Jet Boating the Rogue River
• Quad biking the Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space
• Tidepooling (Florence as much as Astoria)
• Yachats Brewing
• Ecola State Park
• Cannon Seashore
• Goonies Path, Astoria
• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Hall 

10. Revolutionary Struggle Highway Journey, VA – MT

• START | END: Washington DC | New York Metropolis
• DISTANCE: 469 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1 week

Journey shouldn’t be all the time concerning the beast seashores, wild adventures, and sundown cocktails. It will also be a journey of studying and diving deep into tradition and historical past.

One wonderful means to do this – particularly if you’re touring with children – is to create a highway journey theme round historic occasions.

One which our household has loved, particularly as Australians studying about what makes up the spirit of Individuals, is visiting the locations and experiences that inform the story of the Revolutionary Struggle. We love how this highway journey takes within the superb US cities of Washington D.C., Boston, and New York Metropolis!

Ditch the textbooks, bounce within the automotive, and head to the areas alongside the east coast the place the story was born.

Listed here are some iconic stops alongside this historic highway journey in the US.

• Larger Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield & American Revolution Museum
• Washington D.C.: Washington Monument, Declaration of Independence, Mount Vernon
• Philadelphia: Independence Corridor, Historic District, the Liberty Bell
• Boston: Freedom Path Strolling Tour, Outdated North Church, Paul Revere’s Home.
• Lexington Battle Inexperienced
• West Level & Saratoga

11. Civil Rights Path Highway Journey, The South

• START | END: Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace in Atlanta, finish in Washington DC
• DISTANCE: 469 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1+ weeks

One other vital historic highway journey is following the Civil Rights Path by America’s South. The U.S. Civil Rights Path is a set of over 100 points of interest throughout 15 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

It is strongly recommended to interrupt this highway journey up into phases, as there may be a lot to see in every state. When you wished to see all of it, it will take months, however you possibly can successfully do a loop round beginning at Martin Luther King’s birthplace in Atlanta and end at Washington DC.

The points of interest embody church buildings, courthouses, colleges, museums, and different landmarks within the Southern states and past that performed a pivotal function in advancing social justice within the Fifties and Sixties, shifting the course of historical past. It’s an academic and immersive connection of the occasions, folks, locations, and tales that outlined the motion.

Visiting the museums and points of interest on the U.S. Civil Rights Path helps us to see how far we’ve come, but additionally how a lot additional we’ve to go. It opens up vital conversations with our kids about how we will hold working for range and inclusion.

Use this official web site that can assist you plan your journey because it covers such a various area. Even in case you don’t take this highway journey particularly (or elements of it) make sure you add a few of these Civil Rights experiences everytime you go to any of the relevant areas.

Listed here are some must-see stops on the Civil Rights Path highway journey:

• Nationwide Civil Rights Museum, Memphis
• Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama
• sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama
• The Nationwide Memorial for Peace and Justice, Montgomery, Alabama
• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson Mississippi
• Worldwide Civil Rights Middle & Museum, Greensboro, North Carolina
• Robert Russa Moton Museum, Farmville, Virginia
• Start House of Martin Luther King, Jr, Atlanta, Georgia
• Brown v. Board of Training Nationwide Historic Web site, Topeka, Kansas
• Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition, Washington DC

12. Olympic Peninsula Loop Highway Journey, Washington State

• START | END: Seattle
• DISTANCE: 375 miles spherical journey
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 6-9 days

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is within the state’s northwestern nook and is likely one of the premier highway journey locations within the Pacific Northwest coast. A big a part of this area is made up of the Olympic Nationwide Park, some of the various nationwide parks within the USA.

For Twilight Followers, you might to take this highway journey in the US! It takes you alongside the Freeway 101, beginning in Seattle and previous the Hoh River rainforest, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock. You may cease by Fawks, Port Angeles and La Push, which had been used because the setting for Twilight.

Select your personal journey from this pristine area of historic cedar spruce bushes, glacial lakes, sub-alpine meadows, mountain ranges, verdant old-growth rainforests, and distant and rugged coastlines.

Freeway 101 types a 300-mile loop across the peninsula. It’s simple to start out and finish this pacific northwest highway journey in Seattle.

Except you’re on a Twilight movie set tour, these are essentially the most lovely locations to not miss on this highway journey:

• Olympic NP: Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Hoh Rain Forest. Don’t miss the wild rugged shoreline part as nicely.
• Port Townsend is a fairly and charming historic Victorian seaport bordered by Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
• Mount Rainier Nationwide Park can also be shut by and a straightforward addition to this highway journey.

Learn extra: The varied and exquisite Olympic Nationwide Park

Video: Olympic Nationwide Park

13. Mountains and Music Highway Journey (TN & LA)

• START | END: Asheville | New Orleans
• DISTANCE: About 832 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 6-9 days

Let’s take you on certainly one of our favourite highway journeys in North America from Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana. Now we have executed this numerous occasions and can proceed to take action.

It combines two issues we love: mountains and music. It is a Southeast highway journey that includes magnificence, soul, historical past, and tradition. The main focus is on music and pure magnificence, however you’ll be able to add different issues to this expertise whereas within the numerous locations, like beer meals, and small city historic allure.

It additionally incorporates the Blues Freeway (Route 61), which takes you to among the most storied music spots within the USA.

op tip: To avoid wasting time you’ll be able to drop the Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park and begin in Nashville as a substitute. If you’d like extra mountain experiences think about detouring to Chattanooga. If you’d like extra music and you might be touring in September] October, you’ll be able to drive to Raleigh for the annual World of Bluegrass Competition. Asheville, NC can also be is a good music city.

Some unmissable stops on this highway journey are:

• Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park: Cades Cove, Grotto Falls, Clingman’s Dome, Morton Overlook
• Chattanooga
• Nashville: Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe, Nation Music Corridor of Fame & Museum, Broadway
• Franklin: Puckett’s Grocery at Leiper’s Fork
• Memphis: Beale St, Graceland, Solar Studios & Studio B, Stax Studios
• Jackson, MS – blues music
• New Orleans: Dwell Jazz and Mardi Gras (Feb/ March)

Learn extra: In-depth information on Mountains & Music Highway Journey and a Tennessee Highway Journey

14. Blue Ridge Parkway (NC – VA)

• START | END: Nice Smoky Mountains NP | Shenandoah Nationwide Park
• DISTANCE: 469 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1+ week

Prepared for what’s labeled as America’s favourite scenic drive? The Blue Ridge Parkway travels 252 miles by the North Carolina mountains with ample exits for weekend getaways from Asheville to Boone. The overall size of the parkway (469 miles) extends into Virginia. 

There are mileposts (MP) alongside the way in which as useful reference factors with loads of locations to cease for hikes, viewpoints and wildlife recognizing. 

It’s a panoramic drive yr spherical, however many flock right here throughout Autumn for the spectacular Fall colours. The Blue Ridge Parkway can also be an All American Highway.

High tip: Why not lengthen the great thing about this United States highway journey by visiting Shenandoah Valley Nationwide Park in Virginia and doing the Skyline Scenic Drive? It picks up the baton of magnificence from the tip of the Blue Ridge Parkway and continues for an additional 105 miles.

These are essentially the most iconic stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway highway journey:

Video: Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park

Click on play under to see all of our movies on the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park.

15. Pacific Coast Freeway, California

• START | END: San Francisco | Los Angeles | San Diego
• DISTANCE: 500+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 – 3 weeks

California is likely one of the finest highway journey locations within the USA. The place do you even begin with California’s Pacific Coast Freeway (PCH)? The fabled Freeway 1 is a 90-mile scenic drive that runs alongside the size of many of the Pacific Coast. The Pacific Coast Freeway highway journey stretches 500 miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles, or stretch it additional to San Diego.

It’s finest to drive this from north to south so you have got the dramatic coastal views proper subsequent to your automotive! Other than the beautiful ocean views be ready for waterfalls, browsing seashores, small cities, giant cities, and enjoyable vibes.

These are among the unmissable stops on the Freeway 1 highway journey:

16. Salmon River Scenic Byway, Idaho

• START | END: Boise | Salmon
• DISTANCE: 167 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: Not less than one week

I beloved driving the spectacular Salmon River Scenic Byway in Idaho. Steaming pure scorching springs beside the speeding river, craggy mountain peaks, glowing glacial lakes, and limitless starry skies are simply a part of the explanation to make this highway journey.

Working by Central Idaho, the Salmon River Scenic Byway follows a bit of the 425-mile Salmon River, protected by Congress as certainly one of America’s first Wild and Scenic Rivers. You’re surrounded by spectacular views at each flip and have limitless alternatives for mountain climbing, biking, river actions, wildlife viewing, and exploring the ghost cities of the Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Space.

This space can also be stated to have among the most spectacular Fall colours in Idaho. It will be finest to start out and finish this Pacific Northwest highway journey in Boise. 

Ensure you cease by these unmissable stops on the Salmon River Highway journey:

• Sizzling Springs: Goldbug & Snake Pit
• The Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Space (ghost cities)
• Whitewater rafting the Salmon River
• Sawtooth Nationwide Recreation Space: Horseriding and hikes
• Redfish Lake: Certainly one of our favorites within the US
• Boise: A capital metropolis price exploring

Video: Salmon River Scenic Byway

17. Natchez Hint Parkway

• START | END: Nashville | Natchez
• DISTANCE: 444 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 3-4 days

The “Outdated Natchez Hint” is a historic journey hall utilized by Native Individuals, “Kaintucks,” European settlers, slave merchants, troopers, and future presidents. It’s now an awesome USA highway journey that’s managed by the Nationwide Parks Service and passes by three states (Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi) and 10,000 years of historical past.

It’s a phenomenal scenic drive that additionally provides a wealthy array of wildlife, attractive waterfalls, memorable hikes and historic websites.

It’s particularly lovely and in style within the Fall with its explosion of colours. Now we have pushed a small part of it at Leiper’s Fork Tennessee. I’m able to do the complete highway journey!

Ensure you don’t miss these stops on the Natchez Hint Parkway:

• Birdsong Hole and Double Arch Bridge
• Timberland Park
• Garrison Creek
• Gordon Home and Duck River Ferry Web site
• Baker Bluff Overlook
• Jackson Falls
• Fall Hole Waterfall
• Meriwether Lewis Demise & Burial Web site
• Metallic Ford and Buffalo River
• Outdated Hint Drive
• Glenrock Department

High Tip: Our pals Kristen and Scott from Camels and Chocolate have explored the Natchez Parkway in depth. Use their Natchez Parkway guides that can assist you plan.

18. Nice River Highway Nationwide Scenic Byway

• START | END: Minnesota | Louisiana
• DISTANCE: 3,000+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1-2 weeks

Time to observe the Mississippi River because it flows 2,340 miles from its supply at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico by an unlimited delta southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Nice River Highway Nationwide Scenic Byway passes by 10 states and a whole lot of river cities. It’s in all probability America’s longest Scenic Byway, telling an vital story of this rive that takes up 1/eighth of the nation.

This epic highway journey will take you to lesser-known locations you might not usually suppose to go to, however will even cross by these massive cities like St Louis, Memphis and New Orleans.

This can be a highway journey you’ll need to break up into sections. Ensure you don’t miss these stops on the Nice River Highway Nationwide Scenic Byway:

• Fort Snelling, Minnesota
• Nelson Dewey State Park, Wisconsin
• Chain of Rocks Bridge, Illinois
• Path of Tears State Park, Missouri
• Wickliffe Mounds, Kentucky
• Mud Island Park, Tennessee
• Lakeport Plantation, Arkansas

19. Alaska Freeway

• START | END: Dawson Creek | Anchorage
• DISTANCE: 2,323+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: A number of weeks

Excessive on any adventurers listing is a summer time highway journey alongside the Alaska Freeway. The freeway begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and travels by the Yukon to Delta Junction in Alaska.

Opened in 1948, the Alaska Freeway is some of the lovely drives on the earth. The journey guarantees pristine wilderness, plentiful wildlife, and a sense of historical past and freedom in huge open areas.

Put together and plan nicely and have a sturdy off-road car as many elements of the highway are solely gravel. Try the information our buddy’s Honeytrek wrote on their Alaska highway journey and this beneficial put up on the driving the ALCAN by Getting Stamped.

There are such a lot of sights in Alaska you could go to, however listed below are some iconic landmarks you shouldn’t skip:

• Fort Nelson, British Colombia
• Kiskatinaw River Bridge, British Colombia
• Liard River Sizzling Springs Provincial Park
• Muncho Lake
• Kluane Nationwide Park and Reserve, Yukon Territory
• Ice Subject Mountains of St. Elias Mountains
• Tetlin Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
• Mukluk Land

20. Texas Hill Nation Highway Journey

• START | END: Austin or Houston
• DISTANCE: 3,000+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 4-5 days

The Texas Hill Nation is a set of 5 small cities in Texas that are identified for his or her quaint, Southern allure and authenticity. You’ll cross by scenic landscapes, candy little villages, and naturally, wineries and vineyards.

Texas Hill Nation is the USA’s fastest-growing wine area and is the proper place to be for wine fans. You may drive to Hill Nation from most cities in Texas, however it’s finest to start out and finish in Austin or Houston as that is the place you’ll be able to simply lease a car.

There are a number of points of interest and landmarks in Texas Hill Nation that shouldn’t be missed. You will discover them in these cities:

• Boerne
• Driftwood
• Dripping Springs
• Lakeway
• Luckenbach
• San Marcos
• Fredericksburg
• Johnson Metropolis

21. Excessive Highway to Taos Highway Journey

• START | END: Santa Fe to Taos
• DISTANCE: 105 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1-2 days

When you’re in search of a brief weekend highway journey, then the excessive highway to Taos is a good possibility. The quick drive is likely one of the most scenic within the USA, passing by distant mountain villages and Spanish colonial streets. You’ll additionally cross by ranches, forests and historic settlements.

There are a couple of stops on the Excessive Highway to Taos that you shouldn’t miss. These are:

• Chimayó
• Excessive Highway midway level at Truchas
• Las Trampas
• Carson Nationwide Forest
• Rancho de Taos

Last ideas

So there you have got it, these are our favourite highway journeys in America, and as you’ll be able to see, there’s plenty of selection when it comes to what you’ll be able to see and the size.

Now we have included each lengthy and quick highway journeys, and cross-country highway journeys that incorporate a number of stops or locations. If you wish to see scenic drives that may be acheived in a day or two, right here is our information on scenic drives within the USA.

However earlier than you see why America is likely one of the finest highway journey locations on the earth, you must be ready…

The place to rent a automotive

Except you have got your personal automotive, you’re going to want to get your self a car to your highway journey in the US. When you’re visiting from overseas, we advocate you utilize DiscoverCars, as it is a worth comparability website that compares all the highest rental automotive corporations.

When you’re planning on tenting in your car, then RV Share is the positioning to browse round. It has RVs and motorhomes of all sizes and weights, plus you’ll be able to choose them up from a number of places.

Pin To Save It On Pinterest

Okay, your flip! What highway journey are you most excited to do within the USA? We need to hear within the feedback!