America’s national forests offer some of the most scenic drives in the country, showcasing diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. These 25 road trips through U.S. national forests promise unforgettable adventures for nature lovers and road-trippers alike.
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
This 105-mile road winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley. Fall foliage makes this drive particularly spectacular, with vibrant colors painting the landscape.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana
This engineering marvel cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park, climbing to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet. The road offers breathtaking views of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain peaks.
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Scenic Byway 12, Dixie National Forest, Utah
This 124-mile route takes drivers through red rock canyons, pine forests, and alpine meadows. Highlights include views of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Boulder Mountain.
Rim Drive, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Circling the deepest lake in the United States, this 33-mile drive offers panoramic views of Crater Lake’s intensely blue waters. Numerous pullouts allow visitors to take in the scenery and explore short hiking trails.
Talimena Scenic Drive, Ouachita National Forest,
Arkansas/Oklahoma
This 54-mile route along the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain showcases the beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. The drive is particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage turns brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
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San Juan Skyway, San Juan National Forest, Colorado
This 236-mile loop takes drivers through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, passing historic mining towns and breathtaking mountain vistas. The stretch known as the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ between Ouray and Silverton is especially scenic.
Needles Highway, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
This 14-mile road winds through towering granite spires and narrow tunnels in the Black Hills. The drive offers close-up views of unique rock formations and potential wildlife sightings.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Deschutes National Forest,
Oregon
This 66-mile route takes drivers past sparkling lakes, towering volcanoes, and lush forests in the Cascade Mountains. Numerous recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, are available along the way.
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Cherohala Skyway, Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, Tennessee/North Carolina
This 43-mile scenic byway crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, offering expansive views of the southern Appalachian Mountains. The road climbs from 900 feet to over 5,400 feet, showcasing diverse ecosystems along the way.
Apache Trail, Tonto National Forest, Arizona
This 40-mile partially paved road winds through the Superstition Mountains, offering views of desert landscapes and canyon lakes. The drive includes sharp turns and steep drop-offs, adding a sense of adventure to the journey.
Beartooth Highway, Custer Gallatin National Forest,
Montana/Wyoming
Often called the most beautiful drive in America, this 68-mile road climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, offering spectacular alpine views. The highway is typically open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting.
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Natchez Trace Parkway, Holly Springs National Forest,
Mississippi
This 444-mile route follows a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans and early settlers. The section through Holly Springs National Forest offers a lush, green drive through hardwood forests.
Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway, White Clay Creek Preserve, Delaware/Pennsylvania
This 12-mile route showcases the natural beauty and historic charm of the Brandywine Valley. The drive passes through rolling hills, historic sites, and the picturesque White Clay Creek Preserve.
Olympic Peninsula Loop, Olympic National Forest, Washington
This 330-mile loop circumnavigates Olympic National Park, offering diverse landscapes from rugged coastlines to temperate rainforests. Highlights include Lake Crescent, the Hoh Rainforest, and numerous coastal beaches.
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Mohawk Trail, Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
This historic 63-mile route follows an ancient Native American trading path through the Berkshire Mountains. The drive offers stunning views of the Green Mountains and is particularly beautiful during fall foliage season.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, Fremont-Winema National
Forest, Oregon
This 500-mile route connects Lassen Volcanic National Park in California to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. The section through Fremont-Winema National Forest offers views of volcanic landscapes and high desert scenery.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, Sumter National Forest, South Carolina
This 120-mile drive follows an ancient Cherokee path along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The route passes numerous waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and historic sites in Sumter National Forest.
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Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Beaverhead-Deerlodge
National Forest, Montana
This 49-mile route winds through the heart of the Pioneer Mountains, offering views of rugged peaks and wildlife-rich meadows. The drive provides access to numerous hiking trails and fishing spots.
Tunnel of Trees Road, Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan
This 20-mile route along Lake Michigan’s shoreline is known for its canopy of trees that form a tunnel-like effect. The drive is particularly stunning in autumn when the leaves change color.
Mount Hood Scenic Loop, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon
This 146-mile loop circles Mount Hood, offering views of the iconic peak from various angles. The drive passes through lush forests, fruit orchards, and quaint mountain towns.
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Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Black Hills National Forest,
South Dakota
This 70-mile route includes spiraling bridges, tunnels framing Mount Rushmore, and pigtail bridges that loop over themselves. The drive offers amazing views of the Black Hills and access to numerous attractions.
Maricopa Highway, Los Padres National Forest, California
This 35-mile route winds through the mountains of Los Padres National Forest, offering views of chaparral-covered hills and pine forests. The drive provides access to numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Skyline Drive, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Not to be confused with its Virginia namesake, this 34-mile route in New Hampshire offers panoramic views of the White Mountains. The drive is particularly beautiful during fall foliage season and provides access to numerous hiking trails.
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Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National
Forest, Utah
This 37-mile route winds through the Wasatch Range, offering views of 11,929-foot Mount Nebo and the Utah Valley. The drive features numerous overlooks and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, Santa Fe National Forest,
New Mexico
This 56-mile route connects Santa Fe to Taos, passing through high deserts, mountains, and Spanish colonial villages. The drive offers stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and access to numerous historic sites.
Experience America’s Diverse Landscape
These road trips through U.S. national forests offer a chance to experience the country’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty. From winding mountain roads to scenic coastal drives, each route promises unique views and memorable adventures for those who love to explore the great outdoors from behind the wheel.
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