The Most Scenic Drives in the US
- by Anthony Collins
- 441
Whether it’s an old road in the Pacific Northwest, a winding highway in the Southwest or a swathe of ocean on the eastern shore of America, there’s always something that will make you stop and take a deep breath. Often the most beautiful drives are found in national parks that are clustered together, giving travelers a chance to see as much of a particular area as possible by traveling on a single road trip.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
If you love stunning mountains and wild waterfalls, you’ll want to add this drive to your USA road trip itinerary. It’s one of the most famous scenic drives in the country, and it’s widely considered a must-see attraction. It’s a 50-mile route that’s a true engineering marvel, and it will give you a truly stunning experience.
North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota
The beauty of the USA can’t be surpassed when it comes to natural wonders, and Lake Superior’s North Shore is no exception. The pristine waters of the lake are home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, with eight state parks and attractions scattered along its shore. There are cabins, hiking trails and fishing spots to explore, as well as the renowned Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Patchwork Parkway, Utah
The heart of the Salt Lake City metro area, this stunning parkway boasts a number of incredible features and is one of the most popular places to visit in the state. The vistas here are simply breathtaking, with canyons, lava fields and plateaus covered in forests of pine, fir and spruce. The scenery here is so amazing that you’ll definitely want to come back to this area again.
Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Another epic USA road trip packing a major punch in only 31 and a half miles is this drive through Humboldt Redwoods. These massive trees are some of the world’s oldest and will captivate you with their towering size.
Newfound Gap Road, Great Smoky Mountains
There’s no better way to get a true taste of the great outdoors than by taking a trip through one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the country. This scenic 66-mile drive from Asheville, NC to Gatlinburg, TN will have you climbing 3,000 feet up into the Smokies as you make your way through woodlands and mountainous terrain.
During the fall, you’ll be treated to the most vibrant colors of the season as the leaves begin to change color, but this is a scenic drive you can enjoy year-round. It’s a must-see for anyone in the area and it’s easy to do from anywhere in the state.
Alaska, the Last Frontier
If you’re looking to see some of the most incredible landscapes in the world, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Alaska. This majestic land offers a host of opportunities to experience small seaside communities, glaciers and a variety of wildlife, with summertime being the best time to see these things.
Whether it’s an old road in the Pacific Northwest, a winding highway in the Southwest or a swathe of ocean on the eastern shore of America, there’s always something that will make you stop and take a deep breath. Often the most beautiful drives are found in national parks that are clustered together, giving travelers…
Whether it’s an old road in the Pacific Northwest, a winding highway in the Southwest or a swathe of ocean on the eastern shore of America, there’s always something that will make you stop and take a deep breath. Often the most beautiful drives are found in national parks that are clustered together, giving travelers…