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BEST SCENIC DRIVES IN THE U.S.


The U.S. boasts some of the finest scenic drives in the world. The variety of terrain we have in this country is truly impressive. The challenge for many is finding out what the best scenic drives are in each U.S.state. The internet is full of travel websites that offer bad information (e.g. scenic drives that aren't even scenic). I've personally driven many of the top-tier scenic driving routes in the country over the years, and leveraging that experience I've assembled some lists of the best scenic drives in the country and also in each state. To earn a mention, the scenic drive has to be widely considered "a destination unto itself"- meaning the type of road that offers amazing views even from behind your windshield. I believe I've captured about 95% of the best scenic drives in the country on this page, but if I missed any of the major routes please email me: gparsons66@hotmail.com.

Before driving these roads, you should understand travel restrictions. Some roads have width and/or height requirements, and some are only open seasonally. Some of these roads are toll roads, and some require timed-entry reservations. While many of these roads allow motorhomes/RVs, many do not. Most of these roads are paved but some are on dirt/gravel.

Author/Contributor: Greg Parsons

 TOP SCENIC DRIVES IN THE U.S.


Here are my choices for the best scenic drives in the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii):

Western U.S.
17-Mile Drive and the Monterey Peninsula (CA)
Arches National Park roads (UT)
Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park (CA)
Beartooth Highway/US-212 near Yellowstone National Park (MT/WY)
Going-to-the-Sun-Road, Glacier National Park (MT)
Grand Canyon National Park-South Rim roads (AZ)
Grand Teton National Park roads (WY)
Monument Valley/US-163 from Kayenta, AZ to Mexican Hat, UT (AZ/UT)
Mount Evans Scenic Byway (CO)
Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (CA)
North Cascades Highway (WA)
Oregon Coastline/US-101 (OR)
Pacific Coast Highway/Big Sur Highway/US-1 (CA)
Pikes Peak Highway (CO)
Redwood Highway/US-101 (CA)
Rim Drive, Crater Lake National Park (OR)
San Juan Skyway/Million Dollar Highway loop (OR)
Tioga Road/CA-120, Yosemite National Park (CA)
Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway/Independence Pass (CO)
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
US-395 from Bradys, CA to Reno, NV (CA/NV)
UT-9, Zion National Park (UT)
UT-12 from Panguitch to Torrey (UT)
White Domes Road, Valley of Fire State Park (NV)
Yellowstone National Park roads (WY)

Central U.S.
Badlands Loop Road, Badlands National Park (SD)
Mount Magazine Scenic Byway (AR)
Needles Highway (SD)
North Shore Scenic Drive (MN)
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway (SD)
South Unit Scenic Drive, Theodore Roosevelt National Park (ND)

Eastern U.S.
A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (FL)
Blue Ridge Parkway (NC/VA)
Kancamagus Highway/NH-112 (NH)
Mount Washington Auto Road (NH)
Natchez Trace Parkway (MS/TN)
Newfound Gap Road (NC/TN)
Outer Banks Scenic Byway (NC)
Overseas Highway/US-1 (FL)
Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park (ME)
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park (VA)
US-302 from Twin Mountain to North Conway (NH)
VT-100 (VT)

 RECOMMENDED GUIDEBOOKS


In addition to the information found on my website, I personally recommend purchasing these road trip/travel-related guidebooks. Click on any link to read reviews and/or purchase these books on Amazon.com (affiliate).

Fodor's Bucket List USA (1st edition; 2021)
Moon USA State by State (1st edition; 2021)
Your Guide to the National Parks (3rd edition; 2022)
Road Trip USA (9th edition; 2021)

 BEST SCENIC DRIVES BY STATE


The following sections describe my selections for the best scenic drives in each U.S. state:

 ALABAMA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Alabama:

Natchez Trace Parkway - a 444-mile paved route from TN to MS with beautiful scenery and several significant historical sights
Talladega Scenic Drive/AL-281 - a 26-mile paved route that passes through Cheaha State Park and Talladega National Forest

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Alabama is the Talladega Scenic Drive.

For a comprehensive travel guide to Alabama, click here.

 ARIZONA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Arizona:

Ajo Mountain Drive, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - a 21-mile dirt/gravel loop with one-directional travel
Apache Trail Scenic Drive - a 39-mile mostly dirt/gravel route from Apache Junction to Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Bajada Loop Drive, Saguaro National Park (West Unit) - a 6-mile dirt/gravel route that passes many saguaro cactus
Cactus Forest Drive, Saguaro National Park (East Unit) - an 8-mile paved route that passes many saguaro cactus
Canyon de Chelly National Monument park roads
Chiricahua National Monument park roads
Grand Canyon South Rim/Desert View Drive/AZ-64 - a 23-mile paved route within Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon South Rim/Hermit Road - a 7-mile paved route within Grand Canyon National Park; only open to private vehicles in winter
Monument Valley/US-163 - a 44-mile paved route from Kayenta, AZ to Mexican Hat, UT; this is also known as "Forrest Gump Highway"
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - a 17-mile rough dirt/gravel road within the actual tribal park; you can pay for a guided tour
Oak Creek Canyon/AZ-89A - a 25-mile paved route from downtown Sedona that heads north to I-17 near Flagstaff
Red Rock Loop Road - an 8.5-mile paved loop off AZ-89A just west of downtown Sedona; gateway to Red Rock State Park & Crescent Moon
Red Rock Scenic Byway/AZ-179 - a 14-mile paved route from I-17 north through the Village of Oak Creek to downtown Sedona
San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road/US-180 - a 50-mile paved route from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Junction/AZ-64
Sky Island Scenic Byway/Catalina Highway/Mount Lemmon - a 28-mile paved route that climbs 6,000+ feet from Tucson to Mount Lemmon
Sunset Crater/Wupatki National Monuments loop - a 35-mile paved route through two national monuments; connects with US-89
Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway/US-89A - an 85-mile paved route from Bitter Springs to Fredonia that crosses the famous Navajo Bridge

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Arizona is Monument Valley/US-163.

South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park    Saguaro National Park    Sedona area scenery   
Grand Canyon National Park    Saguaro National Park in southern AZ    Sedona

For a comprehensive travel guide to Arizona, click here.

 ARKANSAS


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Arkansas:

AR-7 - a 194-mile paved route from Arkadelphia to Harrison that passes by Hot Springs and through a portion of the Ozark Nat. Forest
Boston Mountains Scenic Loop - a 92-mile paved loop in northwestern Arkansas that includes a variety of roads (including I-49 and US-71)
Great River Road - a 2,069-mile paved route along the Mississippi River that travels from Minnesota to Louisiana; 362 miles are in Arkansas
Mount Magazine Scenic Byway/AR-309 - a 45-mile paved route from AR-10 in Havana that climbs close to the summit of Mount Magazine
Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway/AR-21 - a 46-mile paved route from Clarksville to the Buffalo National River in Kingston
Pig Trail Scenic Byway/AR-23 - a 24-mile paved route from I-40 in Ozark to Brashears/AR-16 that has many steep inclines and sharp curves
Talimena National Scenic Byway - a 54-mile paved route from Mena, AR to Talihina, OK; within Arkansas, the route is AR-88

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Arkansas is the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway/AR-309.

Eureka Springs    Walmart Museum in Bentonville    Ozark views   
Eureka Springs in northwestern AR    Walmart Museum in Bentonville    Ozark views from near Hawksbill Crag

For a comprehensive travel guide to Arkansas, click here.

 CALIFORNIA


California is one of the very best states in the country for scenic drives. Here is my list of many of the best scenic drives in California:

Northern California
Avenue of the Giants/CA-254, Humboldt Redwoods State Park - a 31-mile paved route that parallels US-101 as it travels thru the state park
Howland Hill Road, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - a 10-mile dirt/gravel route from Crescent City to US-199 near Hiouchi
Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive - a 72-mile paved loop around Lake Tahoe; the road includes travel in both Nevada and California
Lassen Peak Highway, Lassen Volcanic National Park - a seasonal 30-mile paved route connecting the northwest and southwest park entrances
Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - a 10-mile paved route through the state park
Redwood Highway/US-101 - a 174-mile paved route from Leggett to Crescent City; several state parks en route also have their own drives
Silverado Trail, Napa Valley - a 33-mile paved route from Napa to Calistoga; this road parallels CA-29, which sits a few miles to the west
US-1 from San Francisco north to Fort Bragg - a 167-mile paved coastal route that starts just north of the Golden Gate Bridge

Central California
17-Mile Drive and the Monterey Peninsula - a 17-mile paved coastal toll road; local (and free) roads in Monterey also offer great views
Alabama Hills roads (e.g. Movie Road) - several dirt/gravel roads on this BLM public land offer great views of the Sierra Mountains
Artists Drive, Death Valley National Park - a 9-mile paved one-way driving route off Badwater Road
CA-46 from Paso Robles west to CA-1 - a 21-mile paved route that connects US-101 to the Pacific Coast Highway (aka CA-1)
CA-190 through Death Valley National Park - a 130-mile paved route from Death Valley Junction to Olancha
Death Valley National Park - this park is nationally famous for its 4x4 high-clearance offroad driving (e.g. Racetrack Valley, Titus Canyon)
Generals Highway, Sequoia National Park - a 45-mile paved route from the southern entrance of Sequoia National Park to CA-180 near Kings Canyon National Park; portions of this road are closed in winter
Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park - a seasonal 16-mile paved route from Wawona Road; typically open from late May-November
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway/CA-180 - a seasonal 52-mile paved route from Dunlap to the end of the road in Kings Canyon National Park
Pacific Coast Highway/Big Sur Highway/US-1 - a fantastic 485-mile paved route from Santa Monica to San Francisco; closures are common
Tioga Road/CA-120, Yosemite National Park - a seasonal 59-mile paved route from Crane Flat to Lee Vining; typically open June-October
US-1 from Santa Monica west to Point Mugu Beach - a 41-mile paved coastal route that starts just west of Los Angeles
US-395 from Bradys, CA to Carson City, NV- a 291-mile paved route along the eastern Sierra Mountains
Whitney Portal Road - a seasonal 13-mile paved route from Lone Pine through the Alabama Hills into the Sierra Mountains

Southern California
Angeles Crest Scenic Byway/CA-2 - a seasonal 66-mile paved route from La Canada Flintridge (near LA) to CA-138 in Phelan
Anza-Borrego State Park roads - this park is nationally famous for its 4x4 high-clearance offroad driving
Geology Tour Road, Joshua Tree National Park - an 18-mile dirt/gravel route that requires a 4x4 vehicle (high-clearance may also be helpful)
Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree National Park - a 35-mile paved route through the heart of the park; this is the primary road in the national park
Rim of the World Scenic Byway/CA-18 - a 110-mile paved route from Cajon > CA-138 > CA-18 > Big Bear Lake > CA-38 > Redlands


In my opinion, the best scenic drive in California is either Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park or the Big Sur Highway/CA-1.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park    Redwoods National Park    Half Dome, Yosemite National Park   
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park    Redwoods National Park    Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

For a comprehensive travel guide to California, click here.

 COLORADO


Colorado is one of the very best states in the country for scenic drives. In fact many of the major highways in the state have a scenic drive feel to them. Here is my list of many of the best scenic drives in Colorado:

Northwestern Colorado (including Steamboat Springs)
Harpers Corner Road, Dinosaur National Monument - a seasonal 31-mile paved route from the Canyon Visitor Center to Harpers Corner

Western Colorado (including Grand Junction and Montrose)
Rim Rock Drive, Colorado National Monument - a 23-mile paved route that offers Utah-quality desert scenery; open year-round
South Rim Road, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - a seasonal 7-mile paved route from Tomichi Point to High Point

Southwestern Colorado (including Cortez, Durango, Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride)
Alpine Loop - a seasonal 63-mile dirt/gravel route in the San Juan Mountains (incl. Imogene Pass) that requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle
Million Dollar Highway/US-550 - a 25-mile paved route from Silverton to Ouray with many curves and steep dropoffs; open year-round
San Juan Skyway - a 236-mile paved loop that travels on several state and federal highways in the San Juan Mountains
Mesa Verde National Park roads - both the Main Park Road and Wetherill Mesa Road in this national park offer great scenic views
Yankee Boy Basin Road - a seasonal 4.7 mile dirt/gravel route from Camp Bird Road to Yankee Boy Basin; 4x4 high clearance needed at end

Central Colorado
I-70 through Glenwood Canyon - this section of I-70 is one of the most scenic sections along the entire U.S. interstate system
Boreas Pass Road/FR 33 - a seasonal 20-mile mostly dirt/gravel route from Breckenridge to Como that crosses an 11,505-foot mountain pass
Cottonwood Pass - a seasonal 57-mile paved route between Buena Vista and Almont that crosses the Continental Divide at 12,126 feet
Guanella Pass Road - a seasonal 22-mile paved route from Grant to Georgetown that crosses an 11,669-foot mountain pass
Kebler Pass - a seasonal 30-mile mostly dirt/gravel route from Crested Butte to Paonia that crosses a 10,007-foot mountain pass
Independence Pass - a seasonal 32-mile paved route between Twin Lakes and Aspen that crosses a 12,095-foot mountain pass
Loveland Pass - a 20-mile paved route along US-6 between I-70 in Dillon to I-70 in Silverthorne that crosses an 11,990-foot mountain pass
Mount Evans Scenic Byway - a seasonal 50-mile paved route that climbs to 14,271-feet; this is the highest paved road in North America
Pikes Peak Highway - a seasonal 19-mile paved toll road that climbs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak
Skyline Drive - a 2.6-mile paved one-way route in Canon City that travels along a razorback ridgeline; open year-round
Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway - a 130-mile paved route from Aspen that branches to Minturn and Copper Mountain; the western part of this byway is closed in winter (e.g. Independence Pass)

Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounding area (including Boulder, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Grand Lake, and Winter Park)
Old Fall River Road, Rocky Mountain National Park - a seasonal 9-mile dirt/gravel route from the Endovalley Picnic Area to Fall River Pass
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway - a 68-mile paved route in the 'Front Range' region of Colorado that travels from Estes Park south to I-70
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park - a seasonal 48-mile paved route; this is the main park road; timed entry permits required


In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Colorado is either Trail Ridge Road or the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway.

Great Sand Dunes National Park    Glenwood Hot Springs Pool    Colorado mountain scenery   
Great Sand Dunes National Park    Glenwood Hot Springs Pool    a southwestern Colorado lake

For a comprehensive travel guide to Colorado, click here.

 CONNECTICUT


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Connecticut:

Litchfield Hills Scenic Drive - a 46-mile paved route from Litchfield to North Canaan via Warren, Kent, and Cornwall; mostly along US-7

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Connecticut is Litchfield Hills

Kent Falls    one of Connecticut's great rail trails    Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic   
Kent Falls in northwestern CT    one of Connecticut's great rail trails    Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic

For a comprehensive travel guide to Connecticut, click here.

 DELAWARE


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Delaware:

DE-1 - a 17-mile paved route from Dewey Beach heading south to the Maryland border; this route passes several of DE's best beaches

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Delaware is DE-1.

Rehoboth Beach    sign at the highpoint of Delaware    Bethany Beach   
Rehoboth Beach    sign at the highpoint of Delaware    Bethany Beach

For a comprehensive travel guide to Delaware, click here.

 FLORIDA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Florida:

A1A from Ormond Beach to Matanzas Inlet - this 30-mile section of the 338-mile paved highway is perhaps its most scenic/undeveloped
Big Bend Scenic Byway - the best section of this 220-mile paved route might be the 40 miles from Bald Point State Park to Apalachicola
Loop Road, Big Cypress National Preserve - a 24-mile mostly dirt/gravel route famous for its cypress trees, alligators, and bird-watching
Ormond Scenic Loop - a 30-mile paved route that includes several different roads (including a portion of A1A/Ocean Shore Boulevard)
Overseas Highway/Florida Keys Scenic Highway - a 113-mile paved route from Key Largo to Key West in the Florida Keys region
Tamiami Trail - a 100-mile paved route from Tamiami (near Miami) to Naples; alligators are commonly seen on this route
Wildlife Drive, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge - a 4-mile paved drive that you can drive, cycle, or walk; great bird-watching

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Florida is either A1A or the Overseas Highway.

Siesta Key, Sarasota    Naples Beach Pier    EPCOT   
Siesta Key Beach sign, Sarasota    Naples Beach Pier in Naples    EPCOT in Walt Disney World

For a comprehensive travel guide to Florida, click here.

 GEORGIA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Georgia:

Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway - a 54-mile paved route using several different roads from Cohutta to Pleasant Hill Rd/GA-52 in Ellijay
Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway - a 41-mile paved loop in northeast Georgia that includes the state highpoint (Brasstown Bald)

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Georgia is the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway.

Georgia Aquarium    Atlanta sign    Georgia Queen in Savannah   
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta    Atlanta sign    Georgia Queen in Savannah

For a comprehensive travel guide to Georgia, click here.

 IDAHO


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Idaho:

City of Rocks National Reserve roads - the dirt roads within this federally-managed park offer great views; there's a good nearby byway too
Craters of the Moon National Monument Scenic Loop - a 7-mile paved loop that travels through the heart of the national monument
Salmon River Scenic Byway - a 161-mile paved route from Stanley > ID-75 > US-93 > north to the Montana/Idaho border near Gibbonsville
Sawtooth Scenic Byway - a 115-mile paved route from Shoshone to Stanley along the Sawtooth Mountains
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway - a 67-mile paved route from Bliss to Hansen via Twin Falls using both US-30 and US-93

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Idaho is the Sawtooth Scenic Byway.

Idaho Potato Museum    one of many hot springs in Idaho    Shoshone Falls   
Idaho Potato Museum    one of many hot springs in Idaho    Shoshone Falls

For a comprehensive travel guide to Idaho, click here.

 ILLINOIS


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Illinois:

Grandview Drive - a 2.5-mile paved route in Peoria featuring beautiful homes and fine views of the Illinois River
Great River Road - a 2,069-mile paved route along the Mississippi River that travels from Minnesota to Louisiana; 550 miles are in Illinois
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway - a 150-mile paved route from Ottawa to Havana; includes travel on both sides of the Illinois River
Lake Shore Drive - a 16-mile paved route along the shoreline of Lake Michigan with great views of the lake and Chicago; best driven S > N

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Illinois is Lake Shore Drive.

Cloud Gate / The Bean in Chicago    downtown Chicago    Maggie Daley Park in Chicago   
Cloud Gate / The Bean in Chicago    downtown Chicago    Maggie Daley Park in Chicago

For a comprehensive travel guide to Illinois, click here.

 INDIANA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Indiana:

Brown County State Park roads

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Indiana are the roads within Brown County State Park.

For a comprehensive travel guide to Indiana, click here.

 IOWA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Iowa:

Covered Bridges Scenic Byway - a 82-mile mostly-paved route in the famed Madison County that visits six covered bridges
Great River Road - a 2,069-mile paved route along the Mississippi River that travels from Minnesota to Louisiana; 328 miles are in Iowa
Loess Hills National Scenic Byway - a 225-mile paved route from Sioux City, Iowa south to St. Joseph, Missouri

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Iowa is the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway.

For a comprehensive travel guide to Iowa, click here.

 KANSAS


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Kansas:

Flint Hills National Scenic Byway - a 47-mile paved route from Council Grove to Cassoday featuring beautiful tallgrass prairies

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Kansas is the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.

Kansas sign    Monument Rocks    Rock City   
Kansas sign    Monument Rocks in western Kansas    Rock City Park in central Kansas

For a comprehensive travel guide to Kansas, click here.

 KENTUCKY


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Kentucky:

Old Frankfort Pike/KY-1681 - a 17-mile paved route from Frankfort to Lexington that passes through beautiful countryside and horse farms
Red River Gorge Scenic Byway - a 46-mile paved route from Stanton to Zachariah using KY-11, KY-77 (Nada Tunnel), KY-715, KY-15, KY-11

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Kentucky is the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park    Birthplace of KFC    Cumberland Falls   
Natural Bridge State Resort Park    Birthplace of KFC    Cumberland Falls

For a comprehensive travel guide to Kentucky, click here.

 LOUISIANA


I'm not personally aware of any scenic roads in Louisiana that are notable on a national scale. A portion of the 2,000-plus mile Great River Road is in Louisiana, and while it does offer access to several good attractions (e.g. plantation tours), it really doesn't offer that great of scenery in and of itself. I haven't driven the Creole Nature Trail through "Louisiana's Outback" yet, but it's possible I may recommend this drive in the future.

For a comprehensive travel guide to Louisiana, click here.

 MAINE


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Maine:

Bold Coast Scenic Byway - a 147-mile paved route from Milbridge to Eastport via Cherryfield, Jonesport, Machias, Culter, Lubec, & Whiting
Grafton Notch Byway - a 21-mile paved route from Newry to Upton using ME 26 through Grafton Notch State Park
Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway - a 89-mile paved route that connects the southern and northern entrances of Baxter State Park
Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway - a 49-mile paved route from Jackman to Greenville using ME 6 and ME 15
Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway - a 78-mile paved route from Solon to the Canadian border using US-201
Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park - a seasonal 27-mile paved loop (driven clockwise) on Mount Desert Island; spur road to Cadillac Mtn
Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway - a 35-mile paved loop from Rumford to Madrid via Rangeley using ME 17, ME 16, and ME 4
Schoodic National Scenic Byway - a 27-mile paved route in the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park
US-1A / Shore Road - a 10-mile paved route from York Harbor to Ogunquit via York Beach

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Maine is the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park.

Sand Beach, Acadia National Park    Katahdin's "Knife Edge"    a lighthouse in southern Maine   
Sand Beach, Acadia National Park    Baxter State Park's "Knife Edge"    a lighthouse in southern Maine

For a comprehensive travel guide to Maine, click here.

 MARYLAND


I'm not personally aware of any scenic roads in Maryland that are notable on a national scale. However, I haven't driven any portions of the "Mountain Maryland Scenic Byway" yet, and it's possible that I could recommend that drive in the future.

For a comprehensive travel guide to Maryland, click here.

 MASSACHUSETTS


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Massachusetts:

Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway / US-2 - a 35-mile paved route from Greenfield to North Adams in northwestern MA
Mount Greylock Scenic Byway - a seasonal 16-mile paved route that drives to the summit of Mt. Greylock, which is the highpoint of MA
Route 6 on Cape Cod - a 25-mile paved route from Orleans to Provincetown on the upper tip of Cape Cod

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Massachusetts is the Mount Greylock Scenic Byway.

Bash Bish Falls    U.S.S. Constitution Museum    Cape Cod National Seashore   
Bash Bish Falls in the Berkshires    U.S.S. Constitution Museum in Boston    Cape Cod National Seashore

For a comprehensive travel guide to Massachusetts, click here.

 MICHIGAN


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Michigan:

Upper Peninsula
Brockway Mountain Drive - a seasonal 9-mile paved route from Mohawk to Copper Harbor on the Keweenaw Peninsula
MI-28 from Munising to Marquette - a 43-mile paved route along the shores of Lake Superior (west of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)
Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway - a 43-mile paved route along the shores of Lake Superior from Brimley to Paradise

Lower Peninsula
MI-22 from Manistee to Traverse City - a 116-mile paved route along Lake Michigan that begins at the MI-22/US-31 junction in Manistee
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - a seasonal 7-mile paved route off MI-109 with many scenic overlooks
River Road Scenic Byway - a 19-mile paved route from MI-65 near Five Channels Dam in Oscoda east to the shores of Lake Huron
US-23 from Standish to Mackinaw City - a 194-mile paved route along Lake Huron

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Michigan is MI-22 along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Traverse City sign    Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island    Mackinac Bridge   
Traverse City sign    Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island    Mackinac Bridge

For a comprehensive travel guide to Michigan, click here.

 MINNESOTA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Minnesota:

Great River Road - a 2,069-mile paved route along the Mississippi River that travels from Minnesota to Louisiana; 570 miles are in Minnesota
North Shore Scenic Drive - a 154-mile paved route from Duluth to Grand Portage along the shoreline of Lake Superior
Skyline Parkway - a 28-mile paved route in Duluth from Becks Road to Seven Bridges Road with views of Duluth and Lake Superior

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Minnesota is the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Mall of America    Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge    Bob Dylan mural in Minneapolis   
Mall of America in Bloomington    Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge    Bob Dylan mural in Minneapolis

For a comprehensive travel guide to Minnesota, click here.

 MISSISSIPPI


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Mississippi:

Beach Boulevard - an 9-mile paved route along the Gulf Coast shoreline within the city limits of Bay St. Louis
Natchez Trace Parkway - a 444-mile paved route from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN with many historic sites and scenic overlooks
US-90 - a 29-mile drive along the Gulf Coast shoreline between Henderson Point and Ocean Springs

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Mississippi is the Natchez Trace Parkway.

For a comprehensive travel guide to Mississippi, click here.

 MISSOURI


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Missouri:

Glade Top National Forest Scenic Byway - a 23-mile dirt/gravel route in Mark Twain National Forest
Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway - a 28-mile partially-paved route within Mark Twain National Forest

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Missouri is Glade Top National Forest Scenic Byway.

Branson sign    World's Largest Toy Museum in Branson    top of the City Museum in St. Louis   
sign in Branson    World's Largest Toy Museum in Branson    the top of the City Museum in St. Louis

For a comprehensive travel guide to Missouri, click here.

 MONTANA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Montana:

Beartooth Scenic Byway/US-212 - an exceptional 68-mile seasonal paved route from Red Lodge to Cooke City in southeastern Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road - an outstanding 50-mile seasonal paved route through Glacier National Park; entry permits may be required
Skalkaho Highway Drive - a 54-mile dirt/gravel road through the scenic Sapphire Mountains with narrow curves and steep dropoffs

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Montana is Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. The Beartooth Scenic Byway/US-212 is a close second though.

red bus tours in Glacier National Park    Museum of the Rockies    hiking in Glacier National Park   
red bus tours in Glacier National Park    Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman    hiking in Glacier National Park

For a comprehensive travel guide to Montana, click here.

 NEBRASKA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Nebraska:

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway/NE-2 - a 272-mile paved route from Grand Island to Alliance
Summit Road, Scotts Bluff National Monument - a 1.6-mile paved route to a scenic overlook at the top of the national monument

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Nebraska is the Summit Road within Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Nebraska state line sign    Carhenge in Alliance    Scotts Bluff National Monument   
Nebraska state line sign    Carhenge in Alliance    Scotts Bluff National Monument

For a comprehensive travel guide to Nebraska, click here.

 NEVADA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Nevada:

Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway - a seasonal 12-mile paved route that climbs to 8,800 feet in the beautiful Ruby Mountains
Las Vegas Strip - a 5-mile paved drive on Las Vegas Boulevard through the heart of Las Vegas; it's all man-made, but it's fascinating!
Mount Charleston Scenic Byway - a 36-mile paved route using several highways in the Spring Mountains west of Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon Backcountry Byway - a 13-mile paved route (one-way) through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
US-395 from Bradys, CA to Reno, NV - a 327-mile paved route through the Eastern Sierria mountains
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive - a seasonal 12-mile paved route in Great Basin National Park
White Domes Road, Valley of Fire State Park - a 6-mile paved route through the most beautiful section of this 5-star rated state park

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Nevada is White Domes Road in Valley of Fire State Park.

Valley of Fire State Park    Welcome to Las Vegas sign    Neon Museum, Las Vegas   
Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas    Welcome to Las Vegas sign    Neon Museum in Las Vegas

For a comprehensive travel guide to Nevada, click here.

 NEW HAMPSHIRE


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in New Hampshire:

I-93 through Franconia Notch - a 17-mile paved route from Lincoln to Franconia
Kancamagus Highway/NH-112 - a 50-mile paved route from Lincoln to Conway
Lake Winnipesaukee Loop - a 62-mile paved loop around Lake Winnipesaukee that travels along a variety of different roads and highways
Mount Washington Auto Road - a seasonal 8-mile paved toll road off NH 16 that climbs (steeply) to the summit of Mount Washington
NH-16 through Pinkham Notch - a 22-mile paved route from Jackson to Gorha
US-302 through Crawford Notch - a 35-mile paved route from Twin Mountain to the attractive downtown area of North Conway

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in New Hampshire is US-302 through Crawford Notch in the White Mountains region. The Kancamagus Highway is a close second.

Glen Ellis Falls    skiing at Bretton Woods    hiking in Franconia Notch   
Glen Ellis Falls in the White Mountains    skiing at Bretton Woods    hiking in Franconia Notch

For a comprehensive travel guide to New Hampshire, click here.

 NEW JERSEY


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in New Jersey:

Palisades Scenic Byway - a 42-mile paved route from the NJ side of the George Washington Bridge to Bear Mountain State Park in NY
Southern NJ Coastline - a 38-mile paved route along the ocean from Ocean City to Cape May using a variety of roads (e.g. Ocean Drive)

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in New Jersey are the rounds along the southern NJ coastline.

Ocean City Beach    Cape May    Ocean City Beach   
Ocean City Beach    Cape May    Ocean City Beach

For a comprehensive travel guide to New Jersey, click here.

 NEW MEXICO


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in New Mexico:

Dunes Drive, White Sands National Park - an 8-mile, partially paved route through White Sands National Park in southern NM
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway - a 84-mile paved route that encircles Taos Ski Valley and Wheeler Peak (the highpoint of NM)
High Road to Taos - a 70-mile paved route from Santa Fe to Taos
Jemez Mountain Trail - a 170-mile paved route from Tierra Amarilla to Bernalillo via Abiquiu, Espanola, Bandelier NM, and Jemez Springs
Sandia Crest Byway - a 14-mile paved route that climbs up the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in New Mexico is the High Road to Taos.

White Sands National Park    Bandelier National Monument    Carlsbad Caverns National Park   
White Sands National Park    Bandelier National Monument    Carlsbad Caverns National Park

For a comprehensive travel guide to New Mexico, click here.

 NEW YORK


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in New York:

High Peaks Scenic Byway - a 30-mile paved route in the Adirondack region from I-87 in North Hudson to Lake Placid using mostly NY-73
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway - a 52-mile paved route through the Catskill region using mostly NY-28
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway - an 87-mile paved loop around Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region that uses a variety of roads
Hawk's Nest Highway/NY-97 - a 70-mile paved route from Port Jervis to Hancock; aka the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
Palisades Scenic Byway - a 42-mile paved route from the NJ side of the George Washington Bridge to Bear Mountain State Park in NY
Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway - a seasonal 5.5-mile paved toll road to the summit of Prospect Mountain near Lake George
Seven Lakes Drive, Harriman State Park - a seasonal 18-mile paved route from NY-17 in Sloatsburg to US-6 in Doodletown
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway - an 88-mile long series of paved roads that encircle the Shawangunk Mountains
Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway - a seasonal 8-mile paved toll road that climbs to the summit of Mount Whiteface (4,867')

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in New York is the High Peaks Scenic Byway.

Niagara Falls    New York City    views from Central Park in NYC   
Niagara Falls    New York City    views from Central Park in New York City

For a comprehensive travel guide to New York, click here.

 NORTH CAROLINA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in North Carolina:

Blue Ridge Parkway - an exceptional 469-mile paved route from US-441 in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Cherohala Skyway - a 51-mile paved route from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC using both TN-165 an NC-143
Mount Mitchell Scenic Byway - a 52-mile paved route from I-26 (exit 9) that uses US-19, US-19E, NC-80, the Blue Ridge Parkway, & NC-128
Newfound Gap Road/US-441 - a 35-mile paved route from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC through a high pass in the Great Smoky Mtns
Outer Banks Scenic Byway - a 138-mile paved route along the northern coastline of NC; the drive requires two drive-on boat/ferry rides
Roan Mountain/Carvers Gap - a 25-mile paved route from Roan Mountain, TN (highway TN-143) to Bakersville, NC (highway NC-261)
Tail of the Dragon - an 11-mile paved route on US-129 with 318 curves from Chilhowee Lake in Tallassee, TN to Deals Gap/NC-28 in NC

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in North Carolina is the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Slide Rock    Biltmore Estate in Asheville    Chimney Rock State Park   
Slide Rock near Asheville    Biltmore Estate in Asheville    Chimney Rock State Park

For a comprehensive travel guide to North Carolina, click here.

 NORTH DAKOTA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in North Dakota:

Enchanted Highway - a 32-mile paved route from Gladstone to Regent that passes several large and impressive scrap metal art scuptures
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Unit Scenic Drive - a 14-mile paved route through the north unit of ND's only national park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: South Unit Scenic Drive - a 36-mile paved route through the south unit of ND's only national park

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in North Dakota is the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

For a comprehensive travel guide to North Dakota, click here.

 OHIO


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Ohio:

Covered Bridge Scenic Byway - a 47-mile series of paved roads (mostly OH-26) from Marietta to Woodsfield that passes many covered bridges
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway - a 26-mile series of paved roads (mostly OH-374) from Rockbridge to Hocking SF and Hocking Hills State Park
Ohio Amish Country Byway - a 160-mile series of paved roads (including OH-60, US-62, and OH-515) in the largest Amish community in OH

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Ohio is the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway.

American Sign Museum in Cincinatti    National Museum of the U.S. Air Force    Target Field / Minnesota Twins   
American Sign Museum in Cincinnati    Nat. Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton    Target Field in Minneapolis

For a comprehensive travel guide to Ohio, click here.

 OKLAHOMA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Oklahoma:

Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway/US-49 - a 22-mile paved route from Heavener that heads southeast to the Arkansas state line
Mountain Pass Scenic Byway/US-259 - a 26-mile paved route from Page to Octavia that passes through Winding Stair Mountain NRA
Talimena National Scenic Byway - a 54-mile paved route from Mena, AR to Talihina, OK thru Ouachita National Forest; 40 miles are in OK
Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway - a 93-mile paved route that passes through a part of the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Oklahoma is the Talimena National Scenic Byway.

OK Route 66 sign    Route 66 Museum    the Golden Driller of Tulsa   
OK Route 66 sign    Route 66 Museum in Clinton    the Golden Driller of Tulsa

For a comprehensive travel guide to Oklahoma, click here.

 OREGON


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Oregon:

Historic Columbia River Highway - a 75-mile paved route from Troutdale to The Dalles with scenic views and many trailheads for waterfalls
McKenzie-Santiam Scenic Byway - a seasonal 82-mile paved loop over Santiam Pass and McKenzie Pass using US-20, WA-126, and WA-242
Mount Hood Scenic Byway - a 105-mile paved loop around Mt. Hood (e.g. US-26, OR-35) that includes the Historic Columbia River Highway
Oregon Coastline/US-101 - an exceptional 363-mile paved route along the Oregon coastline that is on par with the Big Sur Highway in CA
Rim Drive, Crater Lake National Park - a seasonal 33-mile paved route that encircles Crater Lake
Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway - a 120-mile paved route from Roseburg to Prospect using OR-138, OR-230, and OR-62
Three Capes Scenic Route - a 40-mile paved loop along the Oregon coast that includes Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Oregon is the Oregon Coastline/US-101.

For a comprehensive travel guide to Oregon, click here.

 PENNSYLVANIA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Pennsylvania:

Lancaster County - the backroads in Amish Country are a joy to drive (e.g. Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand, Ephrata, Marietta, New Holland, etc.)
Longhouse National Scenic Byway - a seasonal 29-mile paved loop through Allegheny National Forest in northwestern PA

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Pennsylvania are the backroads of Lancaster County/Amish Country.

Sesame Place amusement park    Sonny's Famous Cheesesteaks    Amish/Dutch Country roadside attraction   
Sesame Place near Philadelphia    Sonny's Famous Cheesesteaks in Philly    Amish/Dutch Country

For a comprehensive travel guide to Pennsylvania, click here.

 RHODE ISLAND


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Rhode Island:

Ocean Drive - a 10-mile paved route that travels near the ocean in Newport using several different streets

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Rhode Island is Ocean Drive in Newport.

East Bay Bike Path    Cliff Walk in Newport    downtown Newport   
East Bay Bike Path in Bristol    Cliff Walk in Newport    downtown Newport

For a comprehensive travel guide to Rhode Island, click here.

 SOUTH CAROLINA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in South Carolina:

Edisto Island National Scenic Byway - a 17-mile paved route from McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge to Edisto Beach State Park on NC-174

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in South Carolina is the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway.

buildings in Charleston    Hilton Head Island    Angel Oak tree   
buildings in Charleston    Hilton Head Island    Angel Oak tree near Charleston

For a comprehensive travel guide to South Carolina, click here.

 SOUTH DAKOTA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in South Dakota:

Badlands Loop Road (SD-240) - a 39-mile paved loop in Badlands National Park
Iron Mountain Road (US-16A) - a 17-mile paved route in the heart of the Black Hills in western SD
Needles Highway (SD-87) - a 14-mile paved route in the heart of the Black Hills in western SD
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway - a 70-mile paved route in the heart of the Black Hills in western SD
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US-14A) - a 19-mile paved drive in the northwestern corner of the Black Hills in western SD
Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway - a 18-mile scenic drive in Custer State Park, which is in the heart of the Black Hills in western SD

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in South Dakota is the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. The Badlands Loop Road is a close second.

Buffalo in Wind Cave National Park    Badlands National Park    Mt. Rushmore   
Buffalo in Wind Cave National Park    Badlands National Park    Mt. Rushmore

For a comprehensive travel guide to South Dakota, click here.

 TENNESSEE


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Tennessee:

Cades Cove Loop, Great Smoky Mountains National Park- a popular 11-mile paved loop with pastoral scenery and historic sites (e.g. cabins)
Cherohala Skyway - a 51-mile paved route from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC using both TN-165 an NC-143
Clingman's Dome Road - a seasonal 7-mile paved route that climbs from Newfound Gap Road to within 0.5 mile of the Tennessee highpoint
Foothills Parkway - a series of sectional/fragmented paved routes in the northern Great Smoky Mountains; winter weather can cause closures
Little River Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - a 18-mile paved route that connects Gatlinburg with Cades Cove
Natchez Trace Parkway - a 444-mile paved route from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN with many historic sites and scenic overlooks
Newfound Gap Road/US-441 - a 35-mile paved route from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC through a high pass in the Great Smoky Mtns
Rich Mountain Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - a seasonal 7-mile dirt/gravel road from Cades Cove to the town of Townsend
Roan Mountain/Carvers Gap - a 25-mile paved route from Roan Mountain, TN (highway TN-143) to Bakersville, NC (highway NC-261)
Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - a seasonal 6-mile paved route that starts just to the south of Gatlinburg
Tail of the Dragon - an 11-mile paved route on US-129 with 318 curves from Chilhowee Lake in Tallassee, TN to Deals Gap/NC-28 in NC

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Tennessee is the Cherohala Skyway.

Broadway Street in Nashville    Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge    the lively downtown Gatlinburg area   
Broadway Street in Nashville    Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge    the lively downtown Gatlinburg area

For a comprehensive travel guide to Tennessee, click here.

 TEXAS


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Texas:

Bluewater Highway - a 40-mile paved oceanside route from Galveston to Surfside Beach
Chisos Basin Road - a 6-mile paved route in Big Bend National Park
Davis Mountain Scenic Loop - a 75-mile paved route around Mt. Livermore that uses portions of TX-166, TX-17, and TX-118
El Camino Del Rio (River Road) - a 50-mile paved route from Presidio to Lajitas that mostly travels through Big Bend Ranch State Park
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive - a 30-mile paved route in Big Bend National Park
Scenic Drive, El Paso - a 2-mile paved route that climbs to 4,222 feet and offers great views of El Paso
TX-207 just east of Palo Duro Canyon State Park - a 48-mile paved route from Silverton to Claude; "great views of Palo Duro without hiking"
Willow City Loop - a 13-mile paved route in Willow City (northeast of Fredericksburg) that is known for its spring wildflower displays

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Texas is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park.

the top of Guadalupe Peak    Big Bend National Park    San Antonio River Walk   
the top of Guadalupe Peak    Big Bend National Park    San Antonio River Walk

For a comprehensive travel guide to Texas, click here.

 UTAH


Utah is one of the very best states for scenic drives. There are so many outstanding paved and unpaved routes all over the state. Here is a list of many of the best scenic drives in Utah:

Northern Utah
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway/National Scenic Byway - a 512-mile paved loop that includes Moab, Vernal, and Dinosaur, Colorado
Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway - a 82-mile paved route from Vernal, UT to the Wyoming/Utah state line at Flaming Gorge NRA
Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway - a seasonal 14-mile paved route between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City Mountain Resort
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway / UT-150 - a seasonal 56-mile paved route from Kamas that heads east to the Wyoming/Utah state line

Southern/Central Utah
All-American Road/UT-12 - an exceptional 123-mile paved route from Panguitch to Torrey via Escalante; this is my favorite drive in the U.S.
Burr Trail - a 67-mile partially-paved route from Boulder to Bullfrog that is likely impassable in wet conditions
Cathedral Valley Loop, Capital Reef National Park - a 58-mile dirt/gravel route that typically requires a 4x4 high clearance vehicle
Colorado River Scenic Byway/UT-128 - a 44-mile paved route from I-70 near Cisco to Moab that travels along the Colorado River
Cottonwood Canyon Road - a 47-mile mostly dirt/gravel route from Cannonville to US-89 near Kanab; 4x4 high clearance is recommended
Kolob Canyons Road, Zion National Park - a 5-mile paved route heading east from exit 40 of I-15; closed in winter when snow/ice are present
La Sal Mountain Loop - a 60-mile paved route through the La Sal Mountains from US-191 to UT-128/Castle Valley; may be closed in winter
Moki Dugway/UT-261 - a 3-mile steep and curvy dirt/gravel road near Mexican Hat that provides great views of the Valley of the Gods
Monument Valley/US-163 - a 44-mile paved route from Kayenta, AZ to Mexican Hat, UT; this is also known as "Forrest Gump Highway"
Mount Nebo Scenic Byway - a seasonal 38-mile paved route from Nephi/UT-132 to Payson/US-6 through Uinta National Forest
Potash Scenic Byway/UT-279 - a 17-mile paved route beginning at US-191 in Moab that heads west towards Canyonlands National Park
Scenic Drive, Capitol Reef National Park - an 8-mile paved route that heads south from the national park visitor center off UT-24
Snow Canyon Drive - a 5-mile paved route from Ivins that heads north through Snow Canyon State Park to UT-18
UT-9/Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway - a 45-mile paved route from La Verkin to Mt. Carmel Junction that travels through Zion National Park
White Rim Road, Canyonlands National Park - a 100-mile dirt/gravel route that typically requires permits and a 4x4 high clearance vehicle


In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Utah is UT-12.

Bryce Canyon National Park    Lower Calf Creek Falls    Corona Arch near Moab   
Bryce Canyon National Park    Lower Calf Creek Falls    Corona Arch near Moab

For a comprehensive travel guide to Utah, click here.

 VERMONT


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Vermont:

Auto Toll Road, Stowe - a seasonal 4.5-mile dirt/gravel road that climbs up most of Mt. Mansfield; you can continue on foot to the summit
VT-100 - a 217-mile paved route along the spine of the Green Mountains; this is Vermont's most scenic drive; many attractions are en route
VT-108 - a seasonal 18-mile paved road from Stowe to Jeffersonville through Smuggler's Notch; don't miss Bingham Falls and Sterling Pond

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Vermont is VT-100. The entire road isn't scenic, but many sections are. There are also many interesting diversions you can take from it.

Moss Glen Falls in Granville off VT100    Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury    Steamboat Ticonderoga   
Bingham Falls in Stowe    Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury    Steamboat Ticonderoga in Shelburne

For a comprehensive travel guide to Vermont, click here.

 VIRGINIA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Virginia:

Blue Ridge Parkway - an exceptional 469-mile paved route from US-441 in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
Colonial Parkway - a 23-mile paved route from Historic Jamestowne to Yorktown Battlefield
George Washington Memorial Parkway - a 25-mile paved route from Mount Vernon to McLean along the south bank of the Potomac River
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park - an outstanding 105-mile paved route that runs north to south through the entire national park

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Virginia is Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a close second.

cave scenery in Virginia    Natural Bridge    Virginia Beach   
cave scenery in Virginia    Natural Bridge    Virginia Beach

For a comprehensive travel guide to Virginia, click here.

 WASHINGTON


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Washington state:

Chinook Scenic Byway/WA-410 - a seasonal 85-mile paved route from Enumclaw to Naches that runs just to the east of Mount Rainier
Hurricane Ridge Road, Olympic National Park - a 17-mile paved route from Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge; limited access in winter
Mount Baker Scenic Byway/WA-542 - a seasonal 24-mile paved route from Glacier to Artist Point in the Mount Baker Wilderness
North Cascades Highway/WA-20 - a seasonal 128-mile paved route from Sedro-Wooley to Winthrop; can be extended via the 'Cascade Loop'
Ricksecker Point Road, Mt. Rainier National Park - a seasonal 1-mile one-way paved route offering two great views of Mt. Rainier
Spirit Lake Memorial Highway/WA-504 - a seasonal 52-mile paved route from Castle Rock/I-5 until the road ends in Mount St. Helens NVM
White Pass Scenic Byway/US-12 - a 120-mile paved route from Marys Corner to Naches thru Gifford Pinchot and Wenatchee National Forests

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Washington state is the North Cascades Highway/WA-20 (also known as the North Cascades Scenic Highway).

alpine scenery near Leavenworth    North Cascades Scenic Highway    Mount Rainier National Park   
alpine scenery near Leavenworth    North Cascades Scenic Highway    Mount Rainier National Park

For a comprehensive travel guide to Washington, click here.

 WEST VIRGINIA


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in West Virginia:

Highland Scenic Highway - a seasonal 43-mile paved route that follows WV-39 and WV-150 through Monongahela National Forest
Midland Trail (WV-60) - a 120-mile paved route from Charleston to White Sulphur Springs via Ansted; take a detour to New River Gorge

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in West Virginia is the Highland Scenic Highway

For a comprehensive travel guide to West Virginia, click here.

 WISCONSIN


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Wisconsin:

Door County Coastal Byway - a 66-mile paved loop in Door County with views of Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay
Great River Road - a 2,069-mile paved route along the Mississippi River that travels from Minnesota to Louisiana; 250 miles are in Wisconsin
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - a 115-mile paved route from Elkhart Lake to Whitewater Lake using a variety of local and county roads
Lake Superior Scenic Byway/WI-13 - a 70-mile paved route from Barksdale (near Ashland) to Cloverland in northwestern Wisconsin

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Wisconsin is the Door County Coastal Byway.

House on the Rock    one of Wisconsin's cheese shops    Devil's Lake State Park   
House on the Rock near Madison    one of Wisconsin's cheese shops    Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo

For a comprehensive travel guide to Wisconsin, click here.

 WYOMING


Here is my list of the best scenic drives in Wyoming:

Beartooth National Scenic Byway (US-212) - an exceptional 68-mile seasonal paved route from Red Lodge to Cooke City near Yellowstone
Big Horn Scenic Byway (US-14) - a 57-mile paved route from Dayton to Shell that travels through Bighorn National Forest
Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (US-14/16/20) - a seasonal 27-mile paved route from Cody to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park
Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WY 296) - a 47-mile paved route from Cody to the Beartooth National Scenic Byway through Shoshone NF
Grand Teton National Park park roads - there are several roads within this national park that offer outstanding views (e.g. Teton Park Rd)
Yellowstone National Park park roads - the primarily Yellowstone park roads form a scenic double-loop (an "8" figure)

In my opinion, the best scenic drive in Wyoming are the roads in Yellowstone National Park. The roads of Grand Teton National Park and the Beartooth National Scenic Byway are also close to that.

West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone    Morning Glory Pool in Yellowstone    Cody Nite Rodeo in Cody   
West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone    Morning Glory Pool in Yellowstone    Cody Nite Rodeo in Cody

For a comprehensive travel guide to Wyoming, click here.

 RECOMMENDED GUIDEBOOKS


In addition to the information found on my website, I personally recommend purchasing these road trip/travel-related guidebooks. Click on any link to read reviews and/or purchase these books on Amazon.com (affiliate).

Fodor's Bucket List USA (1st edition; 2021)
Moon USA State by State (1st edition; 2021)
Your Guide to the National Parks (3rd edition; 2022)
Road Trip USA (9th edition; 2021)


As an Amazon Associates affiliate, this website contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any products after clicking any Amazon.com link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only endorse products that I have used or come recommended by trusted peers.

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