Where to Next: The 8 Most Scenic Drives in the US

Want to plan a road trip but don’t know where to go? With 50 states to choose from, each with its unique sights and scenery, there’s no shortage of highways for you to take on your next adventure.

Whether you want to go for a lovely drive along the coast or embark on a journey across towering mountains, rivers, and falls, the US has it all. With this in mind, here are eight of some of the most scenic drives the States has to offer.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

First on the list is New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway. This 34.5-mile drive is one of the best routes for admiring gorgeous natural scenery — especially during the fall.

The Kancamagus Highway, or “The Kanc” as it’s affectionately called, is known for its rich historical background. The area once belonged to the Native Americans who settled in these lands centuries ago. Relatively untouched by civilization, drivers along the Kanc are free to enjoy miles upon miles of gorgeous forests, mountains, rivers, and falls.

Overseas Highway, Florida

U.S. Highway 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, is a massive 113-mile drive. The highway extends all the way out into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, allowing travelers to marvel at the azure waters surrounding them for miles.

The Overseas Highway goes far enough that it gives a closer look at islands made of coral and limestone. Those who are truly lucky might even get to witness local wildlife in action. Since the route stretches far into the ocean, pods of dolphins and whales are not an uncommon sight.

Parke County, Indiana

Parke County is renowned across America for its gorgeous covered bridges. The county proudly claims that it has the most covered bridges across all 50 states, and this is largely attributed to the fact that Parke County has many streams and creeks to build bridges over.

Of the 53 bridges that once existed in Parke County, only 31 of them remain — 10 of which were forced to close due to traffic. If you’re interested in driving across Parke County to take a look at some of its covered bridges, the two most noteworthy ones are the Jackson Covered Bridge (the longest covered bridge in Indiana) and the Portland Mills Covered Bridge (the oldest covered bridge in the county).

Spearfish Canyon Highway, South Dakota

The Spearfish Canyon Highway is an excellent choice for a scenic drive due to its many landmarks. This 22-mile route is full of towering cliffs and magnificent falls, making it one of the most gorgeous places to drive in the US.

It’s also worth mentioning that Spearfish Canyon Highway is especially beautiful during Fall, causing the foliage and the forests of the canyon to turn cool shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Fishing enthusiasts will also be delighted to hear that the canyon’s clear waters are home to many different kinds of fish. Trout of all kinds live in abundance around these parts, making the Spearfish Canyon Highway a hotspot for fly fishing.

Hana Highway, Hawaii

Hawaii’s Hana Highway is a gorgeous 64-mile-long drive that connects Kaluhui and Hana, featuring winding roads coupled with extravagant beaches, dense forests, and numerous pools and waterfalls. Without making any stops along the way, the drive should take you about three to four hours to complete, taking you on a journey through narrow paths and bridges spanning over land and water alike.

It’s strongly recommended to take your time with the Hana Highway, stopping your vehicle every now and then to take pictures of the gorgeous scenery. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even hire a guide to take you on a tour. You can expect to hear many stories about this route’s rich history and culture.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Completed in 1932, the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana takes drivers across a 50-mile journey full of some of the most beautiful valleys filled with vibrant and colorful wildflowers. Along the way, drivers can also expect to see glaciers, mountains, and even waterfalls in this textbook example of a scenic route, making for an unforgettable journey.

Bear in mind that this mountain route is only open seasonally, meaning certain zones (for example, the alpine zone) become too perilous to drive through in certain months. Harsh weather conditions can also cause the highway to close, so be sure to check the status of the Going-to-the-Sun Road before you drive.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Spanning a whopping 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway holds the record for being the longest linear park in America. This parkway is so large that it runs through both Virginia and North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway gets its name from the fact that it runs along the spine of the Blue Ridge mountain chain.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most diverse routes in the country and its real appeal lies in the fact that drivers can witness the regional flora and fauna. The variety of climates, wildlife, and geographical features means that you won’t get bored of the scenery no matter how long the drive is. It’s the perfect place for roadside camping, picnics, and even hiking for those inclined for a long walk through the wilderness.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Taking first place on the list of most scenic drives in the US is the Pacific Coast Highway in California, which has been around since the 1930s. The Pacific Coast Highway goes far and wide, featuring roughly 600 miles of rugged and adventurous outdoor scenery. Drivers can experience some of California’s most beautiful coastlines, mountains, and forests while speeding down the highway to their heart’s content.

For those of you plotting a lovely road trip across the Pacific Coast Highway, you should know that completing the 600-mile stretch takes around 10 hours. On the bright side, you’ll be able to appreciate all California has to offer by visiting old pioneer outposts, enjoying roadside picnics, and sampling all sorts of local food and beverages along the way.