50 Drives That Show Off Each State’s Most Scenic Side
A good road can leave an impression long after the drive ends. Something about the open stretch ahead or how the surroundings shift without warning makes the experience linger. One by one, these roads and byways speak for their states.
Alabama: Lookout Mountain Parkway
Starting northeast of Gadsden, this narrow route edges along Lookout Mountain and flows past wooded slopes and the occasional waterfall before easing into slower-paced towns. Noccalula Falls and Little River Canyon make perfect stops. The road winds quietly across Alabama’s high country, opening to distant horizons beyond the guardrails.
Alaska: Seward Highway
This route between Anchorage and Seward is a highlight reel of Alaska’s wild beauty. Around every bend, you might spot glaciers, waterfalls, or even beluga whales surfacing in Turnagain Arm. The road stays close to the water, then climbs into the mountains, giving you nonstop panoramas.
Arizona: Apache Trail (AZ-88)
Though parts are unpaved, this drive inside the Superstition Mountains reveals rocky terrain shaped by desert winds and occasional water flashes. It echoes the mood of an old Western. Sharp turns and steep drop-offs keep it thrilling. Stop at Canyon Lake or snap a photo near the twisty Fish Creek Hill.
Arkansas: Pig Trail Scenic Byway
Don’t let the name fool you; this narrow, winding road through the Ozarks is one of Arkansas’s most picturesque routes. Especially popular in fall, it’s a magnet for motorcyclists and anyone who enjoys cruising through colorful foliage and forested hills. Expect hairpin turns and the occasional roadside lookout.
California: Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Cruising the California coast never gets old. From Big Sur’s cliffs to Malibu’s beach curves, this section of Highway 1 delivers nonstop Pacific vistas. You’ll pass towering redwoods and laid-back surf towns where sea lions sprawl near the rocky shore. It’s one of those drives where the journey is the destination.
Colorado: Trail Ridge Road
High-altitude driving doesn’t get much better than this. Trail Ridge Road runs through Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs above 12,000 feet, where the air thins and the views stretch for miles. Wildflowers bloom and elk appear from time to time, making the slow drive worth each curve.
Connecticut: Merritt Parkway
Initially constructed in the 1930s, the parkway was designed to balance scenic appeal with practical use. As a result, its arched bridges and leafy stretches offer a charm rarely found on modern highways. It skips billboards and fast-food stops, focusing instead on wooded sights and a relaxed, old-school vibe.
Delaware: Coastal Highway (Route 1)
It’s the go-to drive for anyone heading to Rehoboth or Dewey Beach. But even outside summer, this coastal stretch keeps things interesting. You’ll pass sweeping dunes and narrow inlets dotted with seafood shacks. Coastal highways may not be long, but they have plenty of personality and always lead to the water.
Florida: Overseas Highway (US-1)
Island-hopping by car? Florida makes it possible. The Overseas Highway links the Keys with miles of bridges, including the epic Seven Mile Bridge. One side’s the Gulf, the other the Atlantic. Bright blue water surrounds you almost the entire drive, with many quirky pit stops to break it up.
Georgia: Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
For mountain backdrops in the South, this loop inside the Chattahoochee National Forest delivers. Elevation climbs steadily toward Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point. In fall, the colors pop; in spring, dogwoods bloom. Either way, the gentle bends beneath the forest canopy have the charm of a hidden gem.
Hawaii: Hana Highway
This remarkable route along Maui’s northern coast isn’t about speed; it’s about soaking up waterfalls and rainforest scenery as the road hugs the ocean. The route packs more than 600 twists and several narrow, one-lane bridges. The Hana Highway turns a simple drive into an adventure.
Idaho: Salmon River Scenic Byway
Rugged peaks and winding water accompany this scenic drive through central Idaho. The route follows the Salmon River, nicknamed the River of No Return, as it cuts through canyons and wide-open spaces. It’s a peaceful stretch with hidden hot springs and a strong sense of solitude.
Illinois: Great River Road
Hugging the Mississippi River, this route gives a whole new view of western Illinois. Expect limestone bluffs rising above river towns, with stretches of farmland unfolding in between. From Galena to Alton, the drive reveals how the river shaped the state’s history without ever feeling like a museum.
Indiana: Ohio River Scenic Byway
The route follows the state’s southern edge, passing river towns and wooded slopes near Hoosier National Forest. It’s a slower-paced route with plenty of historical stops, from pioneer landmarks to Underground Railroad sites. Sunsets over the river are a solid bonus.
Iowa: Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
Long before interstates, this route carried coast-to-coast travelers straight through Iowa. Small towns still dot the path, and old bridges speak to the road’s early importance. One in Tama even spells out “Lincoln” in bold letters, a reminder of where America’s highway history began.
Kansas: Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway
An old trade route runs across the Kansas prairie, where pieces of history remain. Wagon ruts still mark the ground and distant signs dot the land. The area is quiet now, but the silence feels like it’s holding stories from the past.
Kentucky: Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
Sandstone cliffs rise beside dense forest while natural arches appear along the route across Daniel Boone National Forest. Meanwhile, the road curves past trailheads before reaching the famous Nada Tunnel. Take your time, especially when the fog drifts in and the gorge turns into something out of a storybook.
Louisiana: Zachary Taylor Parkway
The central Louisiana route curves past steeples and stretches of open farmland. It carries a president’s name, though it’s the ordinary moments that stand out. Locals wave from porches and the scent of lunch sometimes drifts from a cafe before you even see it.
Maine: Acadia’s Park Loop Road
This 27-mile loop cuts through Acadia National Park’s most iconic spots, including Cadillac Mountain. The road sticks close to the ocean, with cliffs on one side and rocky beaches popping up between the turns. It’s especially magical at sunrise when the light hits the coast, and everything seems momentarily hushed.
Maryland: Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway
Beyond the main highway, the drive dips into the Eastern Shore, where wetlands sprawl beside crab shacks and small towns take shape. The road curves past colonial landmarks and low-traffic coves. You might spot watermen hauling in their catch or herons wading through marshes. It’s beauty that grows on you.
Massachusetts: Mohawk Trail
One of the oldest scenic roads in the country, the Mohawk Trail winds through the Berkshires with plenty of mountain switchbacks and forest views. Eventually, quirky roadside stops appear beside historic bridges as bold fall colors spill toward the pavement. Leaf-peepers find plenty to love here.
Michigan: M-22
Roll the windows down or stop for a picnic—the breeze is hard to beat. As the drive continues, M-22 hugs Lake Michigan’s edge, curving toward the dramatic section near Sleeping Bear Dunes, where the water seems to go on forever. The route also passes cherry orchards and quiet beach towns.
Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive
A lakeside road hugs the edge of Lake Superior as it runs from Duluth to Grand Portage. Pine forests line this road, while rocky cliffs and waterfalls add a postcard-like feel. In the distance, lighthouses stand near old harbor towns, each carrying a bit of maritime history.
Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway
This quiet route cuts diagonally across the state, following a trail first walked by Native Americans and early settlers. There are no billboards or stoplights—just peaceful, tree-lined roads that invite a slower pace. Roll through history, past battlefield landmarks and ancient mounds, where the road feels part of the story.
Missouri: Route 66
Still weaving through the state, this legendary highway links St. Louis to Joplin, past diners and vintage gas stations, with neon motel signs lighting the way. Expect to see quirky towns and roadside museums alongside pieces of Americana that still echo the mid-1900s. Consider it a nostalgia in motion.
Montana: Beartooth Highway
This high-altitude drive between Red Lodge and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone climbs above 10,000 feet to reveal glacier-carved valleys and alpine lakes. Snow lingers even in summer. With its tight switchbacks and jaw-dropping overlooks, it’s the road that makes you pull over to stare in awe.
Nebraska: Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway
Stretching across central Nebraska, this route surprises with rolling dunes covered in grass and sky that seem to go on forever. Small towns and vast prairies shape the drive. In spring, you might catch sight of cranes stopping at the nearby Platte River during their migration.
Nevada: Extraterrestrial Highway (Route 375)
Desert stretches and UFO lore define this famously remote drive near Area 51. Roadside stops lean into the alien theme, but the open road commands the show. With barely any traffic and miles of sky, it’s a strange, peaceful kind of quiet and maybe just a little otherworldly.
New Hampshire: Kancamagus Highway
Locals call it The Kanc. This scenic route through the White Mountains is famous for fall foliage, but it’s a stunner year-round. Covered bridges cross quiet creeks while waterfalls and mountain pull-offs add surprise around each bend. The drive is only about 34 miles long, but every bit feels classic.
New Jersey: Palisades Interstate Parkway
Tree-lined roads hug the Hudson River, climbing beside the cliffs known as the Palisades. Though just a few exits long in New Jersey, it rewards drivers with quick views of the water and skyline. The George Washington Bridge looms at one end, linking history and scenery in a smooth ride.
New Mexico: Turquoise Trail
Linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the Turquoise Trail passes by quirky towns set against the wide-open desert. Look for sandstone formations that shift color with the sun, set near old mining relics. Madrid, one of the stops, adds a touch of roadside charm with music and unexpected photo ops.
New York: Route 9D Along The Hudson
Just north of the city, Route 9D runs beside the Hudson River under the shadow of Breakneck Ridge. The drive stays rewarding but straightforward, with river views unfolding near mountain trails and small towns offering cozy cafes. On a clear day, you can see West Point.
North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway
Travelers find sweeping mountain vistas that change with the seasons on this iconic route spanning the state’s western edge. Rhododendrons bloom in spring, and fall paints the hills in reds and golds. Cool mountain air drifts through the windows as scenic overlooks appear beside stretches of quiet roadway.
North Dakota: Enchanted Highway
Giant sculptures rise from the prairie along this delightfully odd stretch of road between Gladstone and Regent. Local artists crafted every sculpture, including giant grasshoppers and towering metal geese. The drive is flat and easy, but the surprises make it feel like an open-air gallery.
Ohio: Amish Country Byway
There’s no need to hurry on this winding road. Horses clip past as farms roll into view and hand-lettered signs invite you to slow down. A peaceful rhythm defines the drive, steady and familiar. Even the trees seem to stand still long enough for you to notice.
Oklahoma: Talimena Scenic Drive
Rolling through the Ouachita Mountains, this drive shows Oklahoma’s hill country at its best. Long ridgelines and sweeping views make it a favorite for fall drives, yet its appeal stretches through every season. The route straddles the border with Arkansas, giving you a two-for-one scenic escape.
Oregon: Highway 101 Along The Coast
Few drives feel as iconic as this one. Highway 101 hugs the Pacific from Cannon Beach to Brookings, with rocky cliffs and crashing surf just off your shoulder. Stop for fresh seafood, wander a lighthouse trail, or park and watch the fog roll in—it’s all part of the charm.
Pennsylvania: Route 6 Through The Northern Tier
Cutting across the top of the state, Route 6 rolls through quiet towns, pine forests, and the edges of the Pennsylvania Wilds. You’ll find plenty of scenic overlooks and places like the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania along the way. It’s a peaceful drive, perfect for when you’re not in a hurry.
Rhode Island: Ocean Drive In Newport
Every lane of this coastal route feels like a postcard. Ocean Drive loops past Gilded Age mansions and rocky shores. On breezy days, waves crash just beyond the guardrails. With the windows down and the sea air in your face, it’s a classic Rhode Island ride.
South Carolina: Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
The road hugs the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and slips past quiet orchards and timeworn landmarks. Waterfalls like Wildcat Branch Falls, visible from the highway, add a striking natural stop along the route. The highway is less traveled than the coast, but that’s part of its charm.
South Dakota: Needles Highway
Sharp granite spires rise on both sides of this winding route through Custer State Park. Hairpin turns and dramatic rock formations give the drive its name. You might spot bison or mountain goats along the way. It’s a short stretch, but the views pack a serious punch.
Tennessee: Newfound Gap Road
Crossing the Smokies between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, this road climbs above 5,000 feet with mountain vistas in every direction. Pull-offs offer glimpses of misty ridges, and the Appalachian Trail even crosses the pavement. This drive fully shows Tennessee’s natural side, whether it’s fall colors or spring blossoms.
Texas: Willow City Loop
This Hill Country loop doesn’t try to impress—it just shows up with bluebonnets in spring and long fences the rest of the year. The road rises and falls with the land, sometimes paved. It’s just Texas being Texas, open and unbothered all the way through.
Utah: Scenic Byway 12
High-desert terrain connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef, with red rock canyons and slickrock cliffs giving way to pockets of alpine forest. Further ahead, the span across Hell’s Backbone stands out as especially dramatic, marked by steep drop-offs and scenery that makes this wild Utah ride unforgettable.
Vermont: Route 100
Running down the spine of the Green Mountains, the road winds past maple farms and ski towns before opening up to classic villages rooted in New England charm. Fall brings a flood of foliage, but even in summer, the road rolls through gentle hills and covered bridges.
Virginia: Skyline Drive
Snaking through Shenandoah National Park, this mountaintop road puts you above the trees and into the clouds. With over 70 overlooks, you can slow down and soak in the view. Deer often graze near the roadside, and the valley turns gold beneath your wheels in fall.
Washington: North Cascades Highway (SR 20)
Alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks line this dramatic mountain route through North Cascades National Park. The road twists through switchbacks and opens up to sweeping vistas for which you’ll want to pull over. It’s less traveled than other scenic drives in the state, but it might be the most breathtaking.
West Virginia: Highland Scenic Highway
This quiet byway runs through the Monongahela National Forest and reaches elevations over 4,500 feet. It offers a calm journey across the high country. Rivers cut through dense wetlands and black bears occasionally appear along the roadside, so keep the camera on hand and the windows down.
Wisconsin: Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
Glacial hills and ridges shape this peaceful route through southeastern Wisconsin. The drive passes through wooded areas and quiet lakes that add to the peaceful feel. When fall arrives, bursts of color brighten the trees, turning the drive into one of the state’s most beautiful seasonal escapes.
Wyoming: Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
Curving from Cody to Cooke City, the route offers more than views as it carries a rich sense of history. The road follows the path Chief Joseph took during his retreat in 1877. Each turn through the mountain passes and open valleys seems to echo the weight of that journey.
