The United States possesses an impressive network of scenic byways that
showcase the country’s diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to majestic
mountains, and from rolling prairies to stark deserts.
These routes offer more than just a way to get from point A to point B; they’re
destinations in themselves, providing travelers with unforgettable journeys through
some of America’s most stunning natural and cultural landscapes.
Here’s a look at 25 of the best scenic byways in the U.S., each offering a unique window into the beauty and history of its region.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
Winding 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway is
often called ‘America’s Favorite Drive.’ Its breathtaking vistas, diverse ecosystems,
and rich cultural heritage make it a year-round destination, with fall foliage being a
particular highlight.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Hugging the rugged California coastline, this iconic route offers dramatic ocean
views, towering redwoods, and charming coastal towns. The stretch through Big Sur
is especially renowned for its stunning beauty and engineering marvels like the Bixby
Bridge.
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Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This 50-mile road in Glacier National Park is a feat of engineering that provides
access to some of the park’s most spectacular scenery. Crossing the Continental
Divide at Logan Pass, it offers breathtaking views of glacial lakes, alpine meadows,
and rugged peaks.
Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
This 64-mile tropical paradise road connects Kahului to the town of Hana, featuring
620 curves and 59 bridges. The journey showcases lush rainforests, stunning
waterfalls, and dramatic coastal views, making it one of the most beautiful drives in
the world.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi
Following a 444-mile path used by Native Americans and early settlers, this parkway
offers a journey through 10,000 years of North American history. From hardwood
forests to Civil War sites, it provides a diverse look at the cultural and natural
heritage of the Deep South.
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Beartooth Highway, Montana, and Wyoming
Often described as the most beautiful drive in America, this 68-mile road climbs to
nearly 11,000 feet, offering expansive views of the Absaroka and Beartooth
Mountains. The route’s alpine lakes, glacial cirques, and wildlife viewing
opportunities make it a must-drive for nature enthusiasts.
Overseas Highway, Florida
Stretching 113 miles from Miami to Key West, this engineering marvel island hops
across the Florida Keys. Driving on the ‘Highway That Goes to Sea’ feels like
skimming across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
San Juan Skyway, Colorado
This 236-mile loop through southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains offers a
stunning variety of scenery, from snow-capped peaks to ancient cliff dwellings. The
stretch known as the ‘Million Dollar Highway’ between Ouray and Silverton is
particularly spectacular.
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Acadia All-American Road, Maine
Looping around Mount Desert Island, this 40-mile byway showcases the rugged
beauty of Maine’s coastline and Acadia National Park. From rocky beaches to
granite cliffs and pine forests, it offers a quintessential New England coastal
experience.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Running 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah
National Park, Skyline Drive offers stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and the
Piedmont. Its 75 scenic overlooks provide ample opportunities to spot wildlife and
admire the changing seasons.
Highway 12, Utah
Known as ‘A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,’ this 124-mile road passes
through some of the Southwest’s most dramatic landscapes. From the red rocks of
Bryce Canyon to the stark beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument,
it’s a geologist’s dream drive.
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North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota
Following the shoreline of Lake Superior, this 154-mile byway offers breathtaking
views of the world’s largest freshwater lake. From rocky cliffs to pristine beaches and
historic lighthouses, it showcases the wild beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon
This 66-mile route through the Cascade Mountains takes drivers past snow-capped
peaks, clear mountain lakes, and ancient lava flows. In addition to its natural beauty,
the byway offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking to
fishing.
Patchwork Parkway, Utah
Climbing from 6,000 to 10,000 feet, this 55-mile byway offers a diverse range of
ecosystems and spectacular views. Its name comes from the ‘patchwork’ of scenery
and cultures it traverses, from red rock canyons to alpine meadows.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Colorado
As Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, this 55-mile route offers stunning views of the
Continental Divide. Passing through historic mining towns and Rocky Mountain
National Park, it’s especially beautiful during fall when the aspens turn golden.
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Newfound Gap Road, Tennessee and North Carolina
This 31-mile road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park climbs from the
Tennessee Valley to the crest of the Smokies. It offers diverse forests, rushing
mountain streams, and panoramic views, showcasing why it’s America’s most visited
national park.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, South Carolina
Following an ancient Cherokee path, this 112-mile byway winds through the foothills
of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers access to numerous state parks, waterfalls,
and historic sites, providing a beautiful and educational journey through South
Carolina’s upcountry.
High Road to Taos, New Mexico
This winding 56-mile route between Santa Fe and Taos takes travelers through high
desert, mountains, and Spanish colonial villages. Rich in history and culture, it offers
a glimpse into the unique heritage of northern New Mexico.
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Seward Highway, Alaska
Connecting Anchorage to Seward, this 127-mile road showcases the wild beauty of
Alaska. From rugged coastlines to glaciers and wildlife viewing opportunities, it offers
an unforgettable journey through America’s last frontier.
Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
As the first planned scenic roadway in the United States, this 70-mile route offers
stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. Its waterfalls, viewpoints, and historic
structures make it a testament to both natural beauty and human engineering.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, California and Oregon
This 500-mile route connects Lassen Volcanic National Park to Crater Lake National
Park, showcasing the volcanic landscapes of the Cascade Range. From bubbling
mud pots to pristine crater lakes, it offers a unique journey through geological time.
Merritt Parkway, Connecticut
Known for its distinctive Art Deco and Art Moderne bridges, this 37-mile parkway is
both a scenic drive and an architectural showcase. Its tree-lined route offers a
pleasant escape from the bustle of nearby New York City.
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Flint Hills Scenic Byway, Kansas
Traversing the largest remaining area of tallgrass prairie in North America, this 47-
mile route offers a glimpse into the ecosystem that once covered much of the central
United States. The rolling hills and vast open spaces provide a sense of what the
Great Plains looked like before widespread settlement.
Talladega Scenic Drive, Alabama
This 26-mile route through Talladega National Forest climbs to the highest point in
Alabama at Cheaha Mountain. Offering panoramic views of the southern
Appalachians, it’s especially beautiful during spring wildflower season and fall
foliage.
Route 66, Multiple States
While no longer an official U.S. highway, portions of the ‘Mother Road’ remain one of
America’s most famous drives. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, it offers a
nostalgic journey through the heart of America, showcasing quirky roadside
attractions and the diverse landscapes of the American West.
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Journey through the Heart and Soul of America
These scenic byways offer more than just beautiful drives; they’re gateways to the
heart and soul of America. From coast to coast, they showcase the country’s diverse
landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage.
So, why not take the scenic route on your next journey? These byways remind us
that sometimes, the journey truly is the destination.
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