It would take a lifetime to explore the 3.8 million square miles of land in the United States. From the high alpine peaks of Alaska to the deserts of the Southwest to the mangrove forests of Florida, the unique bioregions and ecosystems in this country each have spectacular sights to offer.
If you’re trying to plan your next domestic trip and can’t decide where to go, we’ve got you covered. To determine the best road trip in every state, 24/7 Tempo pored over National Park Service sites, travel sites, and state tourism sites, coming up with a range of trips to satisfy all variety of travelers.
The natural beauty of many states is highlighted in the plethora of parks, scenic drives, and overlooks that punctuate these trips. Waterfalls, oceanside cliffs, rugged mountain peaks, and red rock canyons are just a few of the geological features to explore. However, some states offer a focus on history, sports, or music.
Football fans would appreciate drives across Alabama or Ohio, while natural history buffs should check out the diversity of dinosaur fossils housed in North Dakota museums. Audiophiles might love a trip through the jazz and creole haunts of Louisiana or the blues relics of Mississippi, while fans of Americana might venture down historic Route 66 in Illinois or Oklahoma to see some bizarre roadside attractions. Here is the strangest roadside attraction in each state.
Here is the best road trip in every state:
Alabama
- Route: Tuscaloosa to Auburn
- Miles: 168
This sports fans’ tour explores Alabama’s college football legacy, from the University of Alabama to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in Birmingham to Auburn University, home of the Auburn Tigers. See multiple Heisman Trophies, Waterford Crystal trophies, and sports memorabilia dating back over 120 years.
Alaska
- Route: Homer to Valdez
- Miles: 519
At the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is a great place to spot whales and other wildlife. From there, the drive up the coast features volcano views, a historic Russian fur trader village, and a dump where hundreds of bald eagles tend to congregate. Pass through old gold-mining towns and fishing villages, then continue on from Anchorage to Valdez, marveling at 14,000 foot mountains, ancient glaciers, and the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon.
Arizona
- Route: Prescott to Marble Canyon
- Miles: 302
In Prescott, learn about pioneer history at the Sharlot Hall Museum and see artifacts at the Museum of Indigenous People. Then, take the scenic route through the Black Hills and stop for lunch in the historic mining town of Jerome, which is built into a steep mountainside and boasts 100 mile views. Head onward to Sedona for stunning red rock formations and take advantage of the dining and night life in Flagstaff before peering over the south rim of the Grand Canyon and ending your journey at the picturesque Marble Canyon.
Arkansas
- Route: Scenic 7 Byway
- Miles: 298
Beginning in Lead Hill and ending at the state border with Louisiana, the Scenic 7 Byway is Arkansas’ longest state highway and a motorcyclist’s dream. It crosses the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges and runs through the Arkansas river valley and pine woodlands. Highlights include the resort town of Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks, and numerous waterfalls and fishing holes.
California
- Route: Joshua Tree to Lake Tahoe
- Miles: 527
California’s Route 395 runs from the desert near Joshua Tree National Park into the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, passing by such well-known destinations as Death Valley, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, Mono Lake, and Lake Tahoe. If exploring jaw-dropping national parks isn’t enough, you can visit the Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, where dozens of Western movies have been filmed, or the ancient bristlecone pines in the White-Inyo Mountains – said to be the oldest trees in the world.
Colorado
- Route: San Juan Skyway
- Miles: 235
The San Juan Skyway is nestled below 14,000 foot peaks, traversing mountain passes lined in aspen and coniferous forests. It offers access to alpine views, hiking and biking trails, mining towns, ski resorts, and alpine lakes. Be sure to explore Cliff Palace, a massive complex of Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, and the hot springs and waterfalls in Ouray.
Connecticut
- Route: Sleeping Giant State Park to Kent Falls State Park
- Miles: 240
Looping around Connecticut, this trip highlights the natural wonders of the state. Begin at a park in Hamden whose mountain is said to look like a sleeping giant, then head down to New Haven and travel east along the coast. Stop at any number of beaches until you hit Bluff Point State Park, which offers 800 acres of recreational area and saltwater fishing. Travel up scenic Route 169 then head west to Cathedral Pines and the cascades at Kent Falls State park.
Delaware
- Route: The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
- Miles: 125
This self-guided driving tour runs 125 miles from Dorchester County Maryland to Philadelphia, highlighting the life and travel routes of Harriet Tubman as she led slaves to freedom. Stops in Delaware include the Old State House in Dover, where Samuel Burris, a free Black Underground Railroad conductor, was convicted of aiding slaves; the Corbit-Sharp house, home to a Quaker abolitionist couple known to hide slaves on their way to freedom; and the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage in New Castle.
Florida
- Route: Highway 1
- Miles: 183
Beginning in Fort Lauderdale and ending in Key West, this trip down US Route 1 goes through numerous beach towns, offering a mix of boutique shops and cafes, and seedy motels and pawn shops. Neon signs and billboards add a vintage Americana vibe, while the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys allows you to cruise over turquoise waters as you island hop. Stop for nightlife in Miami, take a detour through the Everglades, and snorkel in Key Largo before an extended stay in Key West.
Georgia
- Route: Okefenokee Swamp to Radium Springs
- Miles: 780
Explore the natural wonders of Georgia, beginning in the half-million acre, wildlife-filled wetland at Okefenokee Swamp. Head to Savannah for beach recreation at Tybee Island and a walk through live oaks dripping with Spanish moss at Wormsloe Historic Site. Next, head to Tallulah Gorge State Park and walk across the suspension bridge if you dare. Gaze at the tumbling waters of Amicalola Falls State Park, and don’t miss Warm Springs and Providence Canyon on your way to Radium Springs Gardens, where clear blue waters gurgle from an underground cave.
Hawaii
- Route: Kailua-Kona to Mauna Kea
- Miles: 163
This loop takes you along the west coast of the Big Island, down to the southern tip, then back up the east side to the Mauna Kea volcano. Along the way, stop at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, see the waterfalls and rainforest zoo at Wailuku River State Park, and relax on the black sands of Punalu’u Beach. The diverse landscapes, stunning flora, and lava fields will keep you occupied for days.
Idaho
- Route: Bruneau Dunes State Park to Sawtooth National Recreation Area
- Miles: 608
Visit the otherworldly landscapes of Bruneau Dunes State Park, home to the highest single-structure sand dune in North America. Then take a gander at the gravity defying Balanced Rock on your way to Shoshone Falls, a 212 foot waterfall and outdoor recreation area. Learn about the area’s cultural and natural history at the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls, view wildlife at Mesa Falls, see fascinating lava formations at Craters of the Moon National Monument, and explore the vast wilderness at Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Illinois
- Route: Illinois’ iconic route 66
- Miles: 345
A drive down iconic Route 66 in Illinois is a family road trip the kids will never forget. Beginning in Chicago, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Willis Tower Skydeck. Then, hit the road and see some of the most famous roadside attractions in the country, including the Paul Bunyan hotdog statue, the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, and Henry’s Rabbit Ranch. Stop at any of the vintage diners, soda fountains, antique malls, and quirky museums along the way – and don’t miss the gondola ride at Grafton Sky Tours.
Indiana
- Route: Haunted Places Tour
- Miles: 302
Take a trip through Indiana’s haunted locations, beginning on Primrose Road in South Bend, where legend has it that your car and phone will malfunction of you go above 30 mph. Head to the Barbee Hotel in Warsaw, where you may run into the ghosts of the gangsters that used to frequent the place, and the Randolph County Infirmary in Winchester, a former asylum known for its paranormal activity. Look for apparitions at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis and the Stepp Cemetery in Martinsville and stop at multiple haunted bridges before ending at the Willard Library in Evansville, where you may see the famous Grey Lady apparition.
Iowa
- Route: Great River Road
- Miles: 265
This scenic byway follows the Mississippi River along the eastern border of Iowa, where you can spend days visiting natural areas, breweries, quaint bed and breakfasts, and museums. Begin at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center in Lansing, then explore the Yellow River State Forest, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, and the Sawmill Museum in Clinton. Explore the Putnam Museum and Science Center in Clinton and the National Pearl Button Museum in Muscatine before ending in Burlington with a show at the Capitol Theater.
Kansas
- Route: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to Mount Sunflower
- Miles: 499
There are more than corn fields on this natural wonders road trip through Kansas. Begin at some of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in North America, then head Milford State Park and go fishing on the state’s largest lake. Check out the massive sandstone boulders at Rock City Park and hike into Horsethief Canyon at Kanopolis State Park. Go mountain biking along crystal blue waters at Wilson State Park, stop to gaze at the chalk bluffs of Castle Rock, take some epic photographs at the Little Jerusalem Badlands, and end at Mount Sunflower, the highest point in the state.
Kentucky
- Route: Bourbon Tour
- Miles: 400
This road trip takes bourbon lovers to dozens of distilleries around the Bluegrass State, beginning in Louisville, looping to Owensboro, and ending in Lexington. Visit Michter’s to see vintage pot stills and Old Forester to watch their on-site cooper assembling aging barrels. Visit a horse farm or two along the way, and don’t skip rural Bardstown, which is home to 11 distilleries and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History.
Louisiana
- Route: New Orleans to Shreveport
- Miles: 480
Beginning in the birth place of jazz, go on a musical tour of Louisiana that encompasses several genres including Cajun and rock and roll. In New Orleans, venture down Frenchman Street for live jazz or visit Preservation Hall for a kid-friendly listening experience. Then head to the Martin Accordions shop in Scott, and the Savoy Music Center in Eunice to see how Cajun accordions are made. Visit the Delta Music Museum in Ferriday and end at the historic Shreveport Municipal Auditorium for more live performances.
Maine
- Route: Seafood Trail
- Miles: 264
Follow the Maine coastline up Route 1 from Portland, where lobsters and art are plentiful, and stop in some of the state’s idyllic oceanside towns, sampling oysters, steamed mussels, and fried haddock along the way. Spend some time hiking or swimming on Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park, then head to Machias for a lobster roll and blueberry pie. Visit the Bold Coast in Cutler, and end in Lubec on the Canadian border for a well-deserved bowl of clam chowder.
Maryland
Along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, the Patuxent Wine Trail is a vineyard and winery trip through southern Maryland’s Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. Start at the Port of Leonardtown Winery, a cooperative of 15 small family vineyards, then head to the Cove Point and Perigeaux Vineyards. Have some wood-fired pizza at the Tuscan-inspired Running Hare Vineyard before heading north to see the historic tobacco barn at Fridays Creek Winery and the French oak aging barrels at Thanksgiving Farm Winery.
- Route: Patuxent Wine Trail
- Miles: 80
Massachusetts
- Route: Mohawk Trail
- Miles: 70
The Mohawk Trail, one of the nation’s first auto-touring roads, was originally a Native American trade and travel route. Beginning in Williamstown, wind through picturesque mountains and valleys, visiting North Adams, a small town with a burgeoning arts scene, and the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls. Hikers can explore the Mohawk Trail State Forest and see some of the the tallest trees in the state before ending the drive in Erving.
Michigan
- Route: Holland to Potawatomi Falls
- Miles: 733
This trip along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior passes waterfalls, sand dunes, lighthouses, cliffs, and so many beaches. Beginning at the Big Red Lighthouse in Holland, head north and visit several more historic lighthouses and Sleeping Bear Dunes before stopping in Suttons Bay to visit one of the area’s cider makers. Then follow the scenic coast to the Upper Peninsula, heading to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Seven waterfall stops lie to the west before you reach Potawatomi Falls on the Black River Scenic Byway.
Minnesota
- Route: North Shore Scenic Byway
- Miles: 145
From Duluth to Grand Portage, this route follows the north shore of Lake Superior, affording access to small towns, scenic trails, and some pristine natural areas including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. Waterfalls, smoked fish shops, lighthouses, and scenic overlooks abound, and the Grand Portage National Monument offers opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe culture and the history of fur traders in the area.
Mississippi
- Route: The Blues Highway
- Miles: 250
U.S. Route 61 is often called the Blues Highway, and the section through Mississippi includes a self-guided tour around the stomping grounds of dozens of blues musicians as well as educational sites including the Delta Blues Museum, the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, and the B.B. King Museum. Visit the birthplace of Elvis Presley and stop at the Crossroads in Clarksdale, where Delta blues pioneer Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar skills.
Missouri
- Route: Great River Road
- Miles: 215
Following the Mississippi River along the eastern border of the state, the Great River Road offers access to historic towns, state parks, museums, and archaeological areas. Explore the history of Missouri from Mark Twain’s birthplace in Hannibal, to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, to the Civil War era Hunter Dawson State Historic Site in New Madrid.
Montana
- Route: Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Miles: 50
One of the most scenic drives in the country can be found in Glacier National Park. Going-to-the Sun Road winds through pristine alpine areas of the park, where you’ll see cliffs, wildflowers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and some of the last glaciers in the area. It crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and affords opportunities for wildlife sighting, hiking, and picnicking.
Nebraska
- Route: Lincoln Highway
- Miles: 400
The Lincoln Highway was the first road built for automobiles across the United States. The remnants of this scenic byway cross the entire state of Nebraska, with some sections retaining historic brick pavement. Sites of interest along the way include the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, and multiple Pony Express stations. Climb the Golden Spike Tower to catch a glimpse of the largest rail yard in the world, the Union Pacific Bailey Yard in North Platte.
Nevada
- Route: Las Vegas to Death Valley
- Miles: 370
From the neon lights of the Las Vegas strip to the hottest, driest national park in the country, this Nevada loop trip takes you through Red Rock Canyon, which features a dramatic landscape of sandstone peaks and petroglyphs, as well as the ghost town of Rhyolite. After exploring the salt flats and sand dunes of Death Valley National Park, be sure to stop at the Goldwell Open Air Museum and spot some bighorn sheep at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.
New Hampshire
- Route: White Mountains Loop
- Miles: 104
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are an outdoor haven, and this White Mountain drive takes you up winding roads to scenic overlooks through rugged mountain passes lined with waterfalls, hiking trails, and rivers to tube down. Beginning in Littleton, head through Crawford Notch State Park, stopping at the iconic Omni Mount Washington Resort, before arriving in Conway to take a scenic train ride. Hop on the Kancamagus Highway for incredible views all the way to Lincoln, then head to the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves, as well as Franconia Notch State Park to see the Flume Gorge.
New Jersey
- Route: The Anthony Bourdain Food Trail
- Miles: 295
Pay homage to the food culture of the Garden State by following in the footsteps of the late, great chef and food documentarian Anthony Bourdain. Begin with a deep-fried hot dog at Hiram’s Roadstand in Fort Lee, then stop for a cheesesteak at Donkey’s Place or Tony and Ruth’s in Camden. Hit the coast at Atlantic City for numerous stops including the highly rated Dock’s Oyster House. Then head north for a diner-style dessert or breakfast at Lucille’s Country Cooking, a seafood feast at Kubel’s, and a pork roll at Frank’s deli in Asbury Park.
New Mexico
- Route: Los Ojos to Jemez Springs
- Miles: 243
Northern New Mexico is home to many dramatic landscapes, hot springs, and cultural sites. Beginning in Los Ojos, take scenic Highway 64, stopping for photos at Brazos Summit, then continuing over the towering Rio Grande Gorge Bridge to the village of Taos Pueblo, a cultural wonder and UNESCO world heritage site. Head South for a hike at the Trampas Lakes before stopping in Santa Fe to visit any number of museums including the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. Finally, explore cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument and drive through an ancient volcano caldera to experience a relaxing soak in Jemez Springs.
New York
- Route: Adirondack Trail
- Miles: 188
Between the towns of Malone and Fonda, this scenic route runs through the Adirondack Mountains, providing access to the longest hiking trail system in the country, as well as numerous glacial lakes and ponds including Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. Experience birding, camping, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, boating, and more in the nation’s largest wilderness park outside of Alaska.
North Carolina
- Route: Boone to Cherokee
- Miles: 180
Head through the mountains of North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway for more scenic overlooks than you’ll be able to count. Caverns, waterfalls, preserved historic sites, and diverse forests await. Stop at Linville Falls, Mount Mitchell – the highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For Appalachian cultural immersion, try the Blue Ridge Music Center, the Southern Highland Folk Center, and the Museum of the Cherokee People.
North Dakota
- Route: Bowman to Parshall
- Miles: 144
This drive through western North Dakota explores the area’s culture, fossils, and geology. Begin at the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum, a repository for local fossil collections including dinosaurs, and end at the Paul Broste Rock Museum, a massive display of rocks, minerals, and fossils. On the way, explore Teddy Roosevelt National Park and be sure to stop at the Badlands Overlook in Medora. See more dinosaur bones at the Dickinson Museum Center before stopping at the Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge, Little Missouri State Park, and the Three Affiliated Tribes Museum, a Native American heritage center.
Ohio
- Route: Winning Drive
- Miles: 569
A football fan’s drive through every corner of Ohio, this road trip begins with a tour of the Wilson football factory in Hardin, then continues on to Cedar Point Beach in Sandusky, where Knute Rockne and Gus Dorais developed the forward pass in 1913. Visit the home stadiums of the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Ohio State University Buckeyes, and don’t skip the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, the Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, where the NFL was founded, and the Portsmouth Flood Wall Murals.
Oklahoma
- Route: Route 66
- Miles: 400
The nation’s longest continuous section of Route 66 runs through Oklahoma, passing through quaint towns and providing access to retro diners and quirky roadside attractions. Stop at the Coleman Theater and Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger in Miami, and take a drive past sights including a smiling blue whale statue and the world’s largest concrete totem pole. Museums to explore include the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.
Oregon
- Route: Highway 101
- Miles: 321
From Seaside to Brookings, this stretch of coastal highway could be driven in a day – but why cheat yourself? Dozens of state parks, recreation areas, and beaches feature rugged coastal views, historic lighthouses, forested hikes, sand dunes, and waterfalls that flow into the ocean. Don’t miss the Yaquina Head Marine Garden, the dramatic overlook at Cape Perpetua, and Cape Arago State Park. For an otherworldly experience, check out Thor’s Well, a rock formation that seems to drain the ocean water that washes into it.
Pennsylvania
- Route: Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
- Miles: 361
To make the most of a drive from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, stop at Fallingwater, the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright house built on top of a waterfall, then hop on the Lincoln Highway. Stop at any number of antique shops, Civil War statues, and roadside attractions – like the giant coffee pot in Bedford – on the way to Gettysburg National Military Park. Continue on to Longwood Gardens for a botanical exploration before arriving in Philadelphia to explore museums, visit the Liberty Bell, and have a cheesesteak at the Reading Terminal Market.
Rhode Island
- Route: Fall foliage Loop
- Miles: 123
Autumn is a great time to visit the nation’s smallest state. Experience New England charm in the countryside and on the coast with this circular trip that affords opportunities for apple picking, foliage viewing, and lighthouse exploration. Begin at Lincoln Woods State Park for a hike through falling leaves, then head to Sprague Farm Town Forest and Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge. Hit up Arcadia and Burlington State Management Areas for epic hikes, then visit Trustom Pond on the coast, stop at the Point Judith Lighthouse and walk on the beach at Goddard Memorial State Park.
South Carolina
- Route: Lowcountry Gullah Heritage Tour
- Miles: 120
Explore Gullah-Geechee heritage and cuisine on this trip through coastal South Carolina. Beginning on Hilton Head Island, visit the Gullah Museum and take a Gullah Heritage Trail Tour guided by a descendant of the Gullah settlers. Stop at the Mitchelville Freedom Park, the first settlement for freed slaves in the post-Civil War era. Then head to St. Helena Island to visit the Penn Center, founded in 1862 as a school for freed slaves, and eat at the Gullah Grub Restaurant. In Charleston, visit the Gullah-Geechee Gallery, watch weavers make sweetgrass baskets at the City Market, and don’t miss the crab and shrimp rice at Hannibal’s Kitchen.
South Dakota
- Route: Badlands and Black Hills Loop
- Miles: 207
A trip through South Dakota’s rugged Badlands and Black Hills will take you to numerous historical sites including Mount Rushmore and the Wild West town of Deadwood. Starting and ending in Rapid City, drive the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway through prairies and over canyons. Visit Bear Butte State Park and Custer State Park, watch a reenactment of a shootout in front of the Franklin Hotel in Deadwood, and visit the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Tennessee
- Route: Natchez Trace Parkway
- Miles:
From just outside of Nashville to the Alabama state line, the historic Natchez Trace Parkway winds through stunning scenery in Middle Tennessee, providing access to dozens of historic sites including a preserved slave cabin, a tobacco farm, and the explorer Meriwether Lewis’s grave. On the drive, take advantage of the many scenic overlooks, picnic areas, nature trails, and interesting geological features including a natural limestone amphitheater in Waynesboro.
Texas
- Route: Hill Country
- Miles: 125
From Austin to San Antonio, the rolling hills of Central and South Texas hold lush state parks, hiking trails, historic towns, and more. Go snorkeling in the clear waters of San Marcos before exploring the town’s vibrant art scene. Take a tour at the Natural Bridge Caverns, check out 19th century German architecture in the Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels, and go for a canyon swim in Guadelupe River State Park before embarking on the famous San Antonio River Walk.
Utah
- Route: National Parks Tour
- Miles: 373
This epic tour of Utah takes you to five National Parks, starting with Zion, where you can go for a river hike in the Narrows of Zion Canyon. Bryce Canyon is next, with its endless vistas and wild red rock formations. Don’t skip out on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where colorful stripes of sandstone create a landscape straight out of a painting. Finally head to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to view more mind-boggling geologic wonders. Who knew that red rocks came in so many shapes and varieties?
Vermont
- Route: Route 100
- Miles: 216
Scenic Route 100 winds through quaint villages, along rushing rivers, and between rolling hills over the entire length of Vermont, from Newport in the north to Stamford in the south. In Waterbury, stop for fresh cider and donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and take a tour at the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. Visit Moss Glen Falls in Granville, get lunch and gifts at the Original General Store in Pittsfield, and stock up on maple syrup at the Green Mountain Sugar House in Ludlow before taking a hike in the Green Mountain National Forest.
Virginia
- Route: Skyline Drive
- Miles: 105
From Front Royal to Waynesboro, this scenic drive follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park. As the only public road through the park, Skyline Drive connects visitors to campgrounds and hiking trails while offering 75 overlooks. Nearby attractions that are worthy of a short detour include Luray Caverns and Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson. If you’re enjoying the drive, continue onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for many more miles of mountaintop views.
Washington
- Route: Olympic Peninsula
- Miles: 300
A perfect round trip opportunity from Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula contains lush temperate rainforest, quiet beaches, and charming coastal towns. Spend a day exploring historic Port Townsend, then head into Olympic National Park where you’ll be greeted by roadside lakes and waterfalls, or take a coastal drive to the stunning rock formations of Neah Bay and Cape Flattery on the Makah Reservation. Don’t miss some of the world’s largest trees in the Quinault Rainforest.
West Virginia
- Route: Eastern Panhandle
- Miles: 183
West Virginia’s eastern panhandle contains a slice of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers mineral hot springs, white water rafting, and plenty of historical buildings. Visit Berkeley Springs and see the open-air natural hot tub frequented by George Washington. Take a hike at Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet. Explore the Charles Town Historic District, and stop to gaze at the giant statues at Farnham Fantasy Farm.
Wisconsin
- Route: Great River Road
- Miles: 250
From Prescott to Kieler, the Great River Road in Wisconsin winds through unique towns and protected natural areas, offering wilderness views, bird watching, and aquatic recreation, as well as access to cheese makers, wineries, museums, and farmers markets. Visit some of the massive Native American effigy mounds and look for petroglyphs along the bluffs. Rent a kayak or go on a boat tour, and explore any of the 33 river towns along the route.
Wyoming
- Route: Jackson to Sheridan
- Miles: 420
A drive from Jackson to Sheridan takes you through some of the most iconic scenery in the country. Starting in the picturesque town of Jackson, head into Grand Teton National Park, where you may spot elk, moose, bears, or bighorn sheep. Continue on to Yellowstone National Park to view colorful springs and geysers. Be sure to stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone before setting off on an epic drive up the winding Beartooth Highway to the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Spend a day in historic Cody and explore the Bighorn National Forest before ending in Sheridan.