Sometimes landmarks become famous for no reason and sometimes they become famous for a very good reason, but just because of fame, it does not mean that they are the best. One good example of this is Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles and has become over the decades the best example of the great American road trip, but considering how huge the country is and how many roads are in it, Route 66 is not the only one that is worth a drive and it may not even be the most scenic depending on your personal preferences.
If you are looking to take a very long drive for your next vacation, you might want to consider an alternative to Route 66 and take a look at other drives that the US has to offer, especially if you have already done that Route once. Just take into account that there are plenty of scenic routes in the country and the main difference between enjoying them or not is the attitude with which you face them, as beauty can be found in all of them.
The most scenic road trip routes in the U.S.
Hana Highway: Hawaii
Located in Maui, Hawaii, the Hana Highway is a legendary coastal drive stretching about 64 miles from Kahului to Hana. It is a beautiful and winding route carved through tropical rainforests that offers those who choose to take it nonstop views of waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and lush greenery. The road itself is narrow and full of twists and turns, so the key is to take it slow and soak up the scenery.
Park Loop Road: Acadia National Park, Maine
This road is in the opposite side of the country but also well worth the trip. The Park Loop Road wraps around Mount Desert Island for 27 miles, and offers classic New England vibes with mountain views, sparkling lakes, and oceanside cliffs. Since New England has seasons, the views and colors are different depending on the time of year you decide to take the trip, and although we would recommend being extremely careful during the snow season, it is really a sight to behold. Plus, there are a lot of designated overlooks to make sure you do miss a single view.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway: Arkansas
In Arkansas, cutting through the Ozark National Forest, you will find the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. It is on the shorter side, just 19 miles long but packed with sites to see. With sharp turns and big elevation changes, driving it kind of feels like being on a roller coaster and the thick forests that surround it provide a shady oasis in the summer and stunning colors in the fall, so it is a solid pick any time of year.
Columbia River Highway: Oregon
Oregon’s Columbia River Highway also known as “The King of Roads” was designed to show off the scenery. Running for around 75 miles, it hugs the Columbia River Gorge and offers dramatic views of waterfalls, deep woods, and colorful wildflower fields. This drive is part of a National Scenic Area.
Skyline Drive: Shenadoah National Park, Virginia
Down in Virginia, you will find Skyline Drive cutting through Shenandoah National Park. It is the only road through the park and runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles and there are “75 overlooks” scattered along the way to pull over and admire the panoramic mountain views.
Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway: Wyoming
The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway runs for 27.5 miles along US Highways 14, 16, and 20. It follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the Wapiti Valley to Yellowstone’s East Entrance. It features abundant wildlife along the way as well as amazing rock formations.
Teton Park Road: Wyoming
The Teton Park Road runs for 20 miles through Grand Teton National Park. It hugs the base of the Teton Range with pull-offs to take in those towering peaks and for those who enjoy hiking, you can even hop on a trail or two straight from the road.