The Most Scenic Drives in America

Description

The United States is home to some of the most scenic and breathtaking drives in the world. Here are some of the most iconic and beautiful road trips that showcase the diverse landscapes, from coastal views to mountainous terrains:

### 1. **Pacific Coast Highway (California)**
– **Distance:** ~655 miles
– **Highlights:** Starting from Orange County in Southern California and heading north to Mendocino County, this drive offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, charming coastal towns, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Key stops include Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and Monterey Bay.

### 2. **Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)**
– **Distance:** ~469 miles
– **Highlights:** This mountainous road connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. It’s known for its sweeping views of the Appalachian Highlands, cascading waterfalls, and fall foliage. Hikers can also explore numerous trails along the route.

### 3. **Route 66 (Illinois to California)**
– **Distance:** ~2,448 miles
– **Highlights:** Known as the “Main Street of America,” this historic route stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. Along the way, you’ll pass through small towns, quirky roadside attractions, and iconic stops like the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Cadillac Ranch.

### 4. **Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)**
– **Distance:** 50 miles
– **Highlights:** Located in Glacier National Park, this is one of the most scenic mountain drives in America. The road takes you through alpine meadows, past towering peaks, and offers panoramic views of glacial lakes. Be prepared for winding roads and breathtaking vistas.

### 5. **The Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)**
– **Distance:** ~3,000 miles
– **Highlights:** Following the Mississippi River, this drive takes you through diverse landscapes, from river valleys to bluffs, offering views of historic towns and wildlife-rich areas. Highlights include St. Louis, the Delta region, and the Wisconsin Dells.

### 6. **Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)**
– **Distance:** ~124 miles
– **Highlights:** This route takes you through southern Utah’s red rock country, showcasing the unique landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s a road trip through striking sandstone formations, canyons, and wide-open skies.

### 7. **The Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)**
– **Distance:** ~70 miles
– **Highlights:** A dramatic stretch of U.S. Route 550 between Silverton and Ouray in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Known for its hairpin turns, steep cliffs, and high-altitude passes, the highway offers breathtaking views of rugged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and lush valleys.

### 8. **The Overseas Highway (Florida)**
– **Distance:** ~113 miles
– **Highlights:** This highway connects mainland Florida to the Florida Keys, offering incredible views of the ocean and vibrant coral reefs. The drive crosses over 40 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, with views of turquoise waters and small islands.

### 9. **Denali Highway (Alaska)**
– **Distance:** ~135 miles
– **Highlights:** A remote and rugged road in Alaska, the Denali Highway offers spectacular views of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America. The route passes through wilderness areas, alpine tundra, and glacial valleys, providing opportunities to spot wildlife like moose and caribou.

### 10. **Cherohala Skyway (Tennessee & North Carolina)**
– **Distance:** ~43 miles
– **Highlights:** Connecting the Great Smoky Mountains with the Cherokee National Forest, the Cherohala Skyway winds through pristine forests and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the foliage is at its peak.

### 11. **Highway 1 (Maine)**
– **Distance:** ~529 miles
– **Highlights:** This road runs along Maine’s rugged coastline, featuring rocky shores, lighthouses, and charming towns like Bar Harbor. The route offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Acadia National Park, and opportunities to visit picturesque fishing villages.

### 12. **The Alaska Highway (Alaska & Canada)**
– **Distance:** ~1,390 miles
– **Highlights:** Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska, this historic highway offers a glimpse of the wild frontier. Expect remote wilderness, towering mountains, and the chance to see wildlife such as bears and bison.

### 13. **Mount Rainier Scenic Byway (Washington)**
– **Distance:** ~140 miles
– **Highlights:** This road takes you around Mount Rainier, one of Washington State’s iconic volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll encounter temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, wildflower-filled fields, and stunning views of the mountain, especially on clear days.

### 14. **Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway (Oregon & Washington)**
– **Distance:** ~70 miles
– **Highlights:** This drive follows the Columbia River, passing through lush forests and past stunning waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls. The route offers incredible views of the river, vineyards, and nearby mountains, as well as opportunities to explore charming towns.

### 15. **Tennessee’s Tail of the Dragon (North Carolina & Tennessee)**
– **Distance:** ~11 miles
– **Highlights:** Famous for its 318 curves in just 11 miles, this is a favorite road for motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts. It runs through the Great Smoky Mountains and offers a thrilling ride with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

These drives offer diverse landscapes, from mountains and deserts to coastal cliffs and valleys, each offering unique vistas and unforgettable experiences for road trip enthusiasts.