Ready to lose yourself in the heart of America’s woodland wonders? Buckle up, nature lovers! We’re about to embark on a journey through twenty of the most breathtaking forest drives the U.S. has to offer.
From the misty redwood groves of California to the vibrant autumn colors of New England, these scenic routes will take you deep into the heart of America’s diverse forests.
Avenue of the Giants, California
Winding through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this 31-mile stretch of road takes you through groves of towering coastal redwoods. As you drive beneath these ancient giants, some over 300 feet tall, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a prehistoric world.
Don’t forget to stop at the Founder’s Grove for a humbling walk among these living skyscrapers.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
This 105-mile road along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park offers stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley. In the fall, the forest explodes into a riot of reds, oranges, and gold.
Keep an eye out for black bears – they’re frequently spotted along this route!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Cutting through the White Mountain National Forest, the ‘Kanc’ is a leaf-peeper’s paradise. This 34-mile scenic byway offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains, especially during the fall foliage season.
Don’t miss the chance to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Swift River along the way.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
While not exclusively a forest drive, this 70-mile route along the Columbia River offers stunning views of both the river and the surrounding temperate rainforest. Stop at Multnomah Falls for a glimpse of the 611-foot waterfall cascading through lush green forest.
It’s like driving through a postcard!
Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma/Arkansas
This 54-mile route takes you through the Ouachita National Forest, offering panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains. In spring, the forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers, while fall brings a spectacular show of autumn colors.
It’s a hidden gem in the heart of the South.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
This 300-mile loop around Olympic National Park takes you through a diverse range of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines. The highlight? The Hoh Rain Forest, where moss-draped trees create an otherworldly atmosphere.
It’s like driving through a real-life fairy tale.
Tunnel of Trees Road, Michigan
This 20-mile stretch of M-119 along Lake Michigan is exactly what it sounds like – a tunnel carved through a dense hardwood forest. In fall, the canopy turns into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors.
It’s a tight, twisty road, so take it slow and enjoy the ride.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, South Carolina
This 120-mile route follows an ancient Cherokee path through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you wind through the Sumter National Forest, you’ll be treated to views of waterfalls, mountain lakes, and dense forests.
It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural history.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Woodlands Trace, Kentucky/Tennessee
This 43-mile drive through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers a journey through diverse forest ecosystems. From upland forests to bottomland hardwoods, you’ll see a wide variety of trees and wildlife.
Keep an eye out for the resident bison herd!
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon
This 66-mile route through the Deschutes National Forest offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dense pine forests. The contrast between the dark green forests and the bright blue lakes is simply breathtaking.
Don’t forget to stop at Todd Lake for a picnic with a view!
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota
This 70-mile route through the Black Hills National Forest offers a unique blend of natural beauty and man-made wonders. As you wind through ponderosa pine forests, you’ll catch glimpses of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
The pigtail bridges and narrow tunnels add a touch of adventure to the drive.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Covered Bridge Scenic Byway, Ohio
This 44-mile route through Wayne National Forest takes you back in time as you drive through covered bridges dating back to the 1800s. The surrounding hardwood forests provide a beautiful backdrop, especially in fall. It’s like driving through a living history book!
Apache Trail, Arizona
For a different kind of forest experience, take this 40-mile drive through the Tonto National Forest. Here, saguaro cacti replace traditional trees, creating a unique desert forest landscape.
The road can be rough in places, but the views of Canyon Lake and the Superstition Mountains are worth it.
High Road to Taos, New Mexico
This 56-mile scenic route between Santa Fe and Taos takes you through the Carson National Forest. As you climb from desert scrub to alpine forest, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The fall colors here are unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
This 64-mile route on Maui takes you through a lush tropical rainforest. With 620 curves and 59 bridges, it’s not for the faint of heart, but the views of waterfalls, black sand beaches, and dense jungle make it worth every hairpin turn.
Just remember: on Maui, it’s all about the journey, not the destination.
Grafton Notch Scenic Byway, Maine
This 21-mile drive through Grafton Notch State Park offers a quintessential New England forest experience. As you wind through the Mahoosuc Range, you’ll be surrounded by dense hardwood forests, with plenty of opportunities to stop and hike to scenic overlooks.
In fall, the foliage display is simply spectacular.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Tennessee
This 5.5-mile one-way loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be short, but it packs in plenty of forest beauty. The dense old-growth forest creates a canopy overhead while rushing mountain streams provide a soothing soundtrack to your drive.
Keep an eye out for historic log cabins along the way!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, Wisconsin
This 115-mile route takes you through the Kettle Moraine State Forest, a unique landscape shaped by glaciers. The drive offers a mix of hardwood forests, prairies, and kettle lakes. In the fall, the sugar maples put on a dazzling display of color.
It’s a geological wonder wrapped in forest beauty.
Mount Hood Scenic Loop, Oregon
This 146-mile loop around Mount Hood takes you through the Mount Hood National Forest, offering stunning views of Oregon’s highest peak. From dense Douglas fir forests to alpine meadows, the changing scenery keeps the drive interesting.
Don’t miss the view of the mountain reflected in Trillium Lake!
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico
This 83-mile loop around Wheeler Peak takes you through Carson National Forest, offering a diverse range of forest ecosystems. From piñon-juniper woodlands to alpine forests, the changing landscape is a testament to the diversity of New Mexico’s wilderness.
The aspen groves in fall are a sight to behold!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Choose Your Stunning Forest Drive
There you have it – twenty of the most stunning forest drives the U.S. has to offer. From the misty redwood groves of California to the colorful forests of New England, these routes showcase the incredible diversity of America’s woodlands.
So why not plan your next adventure down one of these scenic routes? After all, sometimes the best way to see the forest is through the trees – from the comfort of your car!
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Mind-Blowing Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Do in the U.S.
- The Best Cruise Ship Experiences for U.S. Citizens
- The Best U.S Travel Destinations for Golf Lovers
- The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the World (Exercise Caution if Travelling There)
- The Best Fall Foliage Spots in New England (Must-See Places)
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.