The Most Underrated Highways in the U.S.

The United States is filled with famous highways, but some of the most mesmerizing and peaceful routes are surprisingly underrated. These highways offer travelers striking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a chance to escape the crowds. From expansive deserts to lush mountain ranges, these secret roads deliver beauty and serenity that few visitors get to enjoy. Here are some of the most underrated highways that promise unforgettable journeys through America’s hidden gems.

The Loneliest Road: U.S. Route 50, Nevada

The United States is filled with famous highways, but some of the most mesmerizing and peaceful routes are surprisingly underrated. These highways offer travelers striking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a chance to escape the crowds. From expansive deserts to lush mountain ranges, these secret roads deliver beauty and serenity that few visitors get to enjoy. Here are some of the most underrated highways that promise unforgettable journeys through America’s hidden gems.

The High Road to Taos, New Mexico

Linking Santa Fe and Taos, the High Road to Taos is a scenic 56-mile route through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains steeped in Spanish and Pueblo heritage. Travelers passing through stop in Chimayo to see the famous Catholic sanctuary and admire traditional Spanish Colonial architecture. The route climbs over 8,000 feet with breathtaking mountain views. Villages like Truchas and Picuris Pueblo offer galleries and insight into Indigenous culture. This byway blends rich history, artistry, and rugged natural beauty for an inspiring journey.

The Cascade Loop, Washington

The Cascade Loop is a breathtaking 440-mile circuit in Washington State that presents diverse landscapes from coastal shores to alpine mountain peaks. It winds through charming towns like Leavenworth, with its Bavarian style, features the crystal clear waters of Lake Chelan, and crosses the glaciers of North Cascades National Park. This extensive loop highlights Washington’s natural beauty, offering serenity and a well rounded adventure away from crowded routes. It remains a hidden gem for travelers seeking tranquility and variety in one road trip.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 stretches 124 miles through some of the state’s most stunning and underrated landscapes. Known as “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” it connects Torrey and Panguitch, winding through Dixie National Forest, Bryce Canyon’s iconic hoodoos, and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The route offers diverse activities like hiking, biking, and photography amid red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and alpine forests. It’s a tranquil and breathtaking drive for those seeking to explore wilderness away from busy tourist spots.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

The 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway, part of New Hampshire Route 112, threads through the White Mountain National Forest, connecting Lincoln and Conway. This scenic byway climbs to nearly 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass and follows the Swift River, offering serene forest views, cascading waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls, and historic sites such as the Albany Covered Bridge. Known locally as “The Kanc,” it remains a peaceful retreat for hikers, picnickers, and wildlife watchers, especially vibrant during autumn foliage season. It’s a drive rich in natural beauty without commercial distractions.

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota

Meandering through South Dakota’s Black Hills, the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is a captivating 70-mile loop route made up of US 16A, SD 244, SD 87, and SD 89 highways. Famous segments like Needles Highway feature towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, and iconic “pigtail” bridges, while Iron Mountain Road offers rock tunnels that uniquely frame Mount Rushmore’s presidential faces. The byway passes Custer State Park, home to bison herds and pristine wilderness. Named after Senator Peter Norbeck, the byway combines stunning natural scenery, engineering marvels, and rich history for a remarkable adventure.

Hells Canyon Byway, Oregon

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a rugged 218-mile route winding through northeastern Oregon, encircling the Wallowa Mountains. It follows the Snake River, featuring North America’s deepest river gorge, and passes through Wallowa Whitman National Forest. The route offers dramatic mountain vistas, riverside views, and the artsy town of Joseph. Wallowa Lake provides boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. With stretches over 80 miles between services, it’s a remote, scenic drive ideal for travelers seeking solitude, wilderness, and cultural richness far from the usual paths.

Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee/North Carolina

The Cherohala Skyway spans 43 miles, connecting Tellico Plains, Tennessee, with Robbinsville, North Carolina. Named after the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it traverses, this scenic byway rises from around 900 feet to over 5,400 feet in elevation, offering breathtaking mountain vistas, peaceful forests, and numerous overlooks including the notable Santeetlah Overlook. It provides easy access to hiking trails like Hooper Bald and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, home to ancient trees. Completed in 1996 after 34 years of development, this serene route is ideal for peaceful drives, spectacular fall foliage, and adventure. It is also famed for long sweeping corners favored by motorcyclists and offers a cool respite in summer months.