13 Breathtaking American Road Trips You Must Experience Before You Die
Exploring the scenic byways of America offers travelers a chance to experience the diverse beauty and cultural heritage of the country. From the rocky coastlines and soaring mountains to the tranquil lakes and historic landmarks, these routes showcase some of the most breathtaking landscapes and attractions in the United States. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or simply awe-inspiring vistas, these iconic roads invite you to embark on an unforgettable journey through America’s natural and cultural wonders.
13. Million Dollar View Scenic Byway: Maine
Experience breathtaking views of the Chiputneticook chain of lakes, rolling hayfields, and the majestic Mount Katahdin and Peekaboo Mountain in Maine. This 7.9-mile stretch of US Route 1 offers panoramic vistas of New Brunswick, Canada, and is a haven for wildlife viewing, including bears, deer, eagles, and moose.
12. Great Lakes Seaway Trail: New York and Pennsylvania
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 518-mile scenic driving route that spans New York and Pennsylvania, following the shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. It connects unique destinations like Presque Isle, Niagara Falls, and the Thousand Islands, offering historic sites, cultural heritage, and stunning views. The trail includes 38 historic lighthouses and numerous state parks, making it a must-drive for scenic route enthusiasts.
11. Ohio River Scenic Byway: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio
The Ohio River Scenic Byway spans 452 miles across 14 counties in southern Ohio, as well as parts of Illinois and Indiana. It offers a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures such as caving, hiking, and canoeing. Key stops include the Great Stone Viaduct, National Imperial Glass Museum, and the historic Sedgwick House Museum.
10. Trail of the Ancients: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah
The Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway spans Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, offering a 116-mile journey through ancient Puebloan ruins, natural wonders, and Native American history. Key stops include Mesa Verde National Park, Four Corners National Monument, and the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. This route provides a rich cultural and historical experience, with stunning landscapes of sandstone canyons and sagebrush mesa.
9. Historic Route 66: Multiple States
Historic Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road,” spans across eight states and three time zones, offering a diverse range of landscapes and attractions. From the Ozark hills of Missouri to the desert landscapes of Arizona and California, this 2,448-mile route is a quintessential American road trip experience. Key highlights include the well-preserved sections between Springfield, Missouri, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the iconic Oatman Highway through Arizona’s Black Hills.
8. Seward Highway: Alaska
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of south-central Alaska on the 127-mile Seward Highway, designated as an All-American Road and National Forest Scenic Byway. The route offers stunning views of jagged peaks, alpine meadows, fjords, and crystal lakes, with opportunities to spot beluga whales, Dall sheep, and eagles.
7. Going-to-the-Sun Road: Montana’s Glacier National Park
Experience the breathtaking 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana. This iconic route crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet) and offers stunning views of glaciers, valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife. Open seasonally, typically from late June to mid-October, it’s a must-drive for nature lovers. For those planning to drive from the west side between June 13 and September 28, 2025, a timed entry vehicle reservation is mandatory between 7 am and 3 pm, in addition to a park entrance fee or valid park pass.
6. Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway: Washington State
Experience 440 miles of breathtaking wilderness and sweeping views in Washington State’s Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway. This route loops over the Cascades mountains, along the semi-arid Columbia River Valley, past glacier-fed Lake Chelan, and through North Cascades National Park. Designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2021, it offers a diverse range of landscapes and recreational opportunities.
5. Great River Road: Mississippi River
Experience the grandeur of the Mississippi River on the Great River Road, a 3,000-mile scenic byway that spans from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. This route offers breathtaking views of the river, charming river towns, and historic landmarks. In Iowa, the 328-mile route features world-class vistas, limestone bluffs, and attractions like the Effigy Mounds National Monument and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
4. Skyline Drive: Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with a drive on Skyline Drive, a 105-mile National Scenic Byway that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 75 overlooks offering stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont, this route is particularly popular in the fall for leaf peeping. The drive reaches an elevation of 3,680 feet and provides access to numerous trails, including the Appalachian Trail, and various recreational activities.
3. Cherohala Skyway: North Carolina and Tennessee
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina. It winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, offering 15 scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and a beautiful waterfall. Completed in 1996, it’s a motorcyclist and sports car enthusiast’s dream with long, sweeping corners and cool summer breezes.
2. Pacific Coast Highway: California
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a 600-mile marvel that hugs California’s rugged and beautiful coastlines. It offers breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and historic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, and Hearst Castle. Enjoy stunning coastal views, towering redwoods, and sun-soaked beaches along this iconic route.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” spans 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It offers breathtaking mountain vistas, picnic spots, and hiking trails, with no admission fee and most activities free.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a journey across these remarkable scenic byways unveils the vast and diverse beauty that the United States has to offer. Each route presents its own unique allure, weaving together the country’s rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you find yourself winding through the towering mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway or tracing the rugged coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway, these byways offer unforgettable experiences that inspire appreciation for the remarkable splendor of America’s countryside. So pack your bags, hit the open road, and allow these scenic routes to guide you through the captivating heart of the nation.
