America’s Most Scenic Drives You Haven’t Taken Yet
Some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes appear along lesser-known roads that offer peaceful travel away from busy routes. These hidden drives highlight rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, quiet forests, and striking coastlines that reveal new beauty with every mile. Each route invites unhurried exploration and brings out the natural character of its surrounding region. With calm pacing and memorable vistas, these scenic drives present a fresh way to experience America’s diverse terrain.
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, Ohio
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway winds through dense woodlands, rocky cliffs, and shaded hollows that define this picturesque region. The route connects parks filled with waterfalls, caves, and scenic overlooks that appear close to the road. Curving paths open to glimpses of valleys and sandstone formations. The gentle rhythm of the landscape creates a soothing and immersive experience throughout the drive.
Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma and Arkansas
The Talimena National Scenic Byway follows the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains, offering sweeping views across miles of forested hills. Seasonal color shifts dramatically along the route, creating a unique atmosphere in every month of the year. The smooth roadway rises and falls with the terrain, revealing long vistas and quiet overlooks. Its elevated path adds a sense of openness and tranquility.
Highway 12, Utah
Highway 12 showcases Utah’s red rock canyons, desert plateaus, and dramatic sandstone formations. Each stretch reveals new textures and colors shaped by wind and time. Steep drop offs and winding climbs create striking visual contrast, while calmer valleys offer moments of quiet beauty. This route highlights the rugged charm of some of the state’s most remote terrain.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway moves through the White Mountains with sweeping views of rivers, peaks, and dense forests. Scenic turnouts offer frequent opportunities to pause and enjoy wide vistas. Seasonal foliage brings a vibrant palette that transforms the experience each year. The changing elevation and varied terrain create a classic New England backdrop throughout the journey.
San Juan Skyway, Colorado
The San Juan Skyway loops through historic towns, alpine passes, and narrow mountain corridors surrounded by sharp peaks. The route blends rugged cliffs with forests and old mining sites that add historic depth. Clear streams and winding curves contribute to the sense of adventure. Each segment delivers dramatic mountain scenery that shifts with elevation.
Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula Loop presents a mix of wild coastline, mossy rainforest, and mountain overlooks within a single drive. Waves crash against rocky shores before the road turns inland toward dense, green forest. Mist, shifting light, and diverse landscapes give the route an ever-changing feel. The loop captures the rich variety found across Washington’s coastal and inland environments.
