Good music, great company, and a long road blessed with natural beauty – the perfect recipe for an enjoyable road trip. While the destination you have chosen after much consideration is sure to be amazing, it is the road trip that makes the experience worthwhile. Ditch flights or trains, to head on road trips where you’ll be able to adore the mesmerizing landscapes up close and meet amazing people en route. To help you plan better, we have curated a list of 6 some amazing roads in the US that you should drive down at least once, especially during fall.
Highway 1 to Big Sur, California
A twisty road with hairpin turns and a scenic view of the sea leaping to touch the rugged cliff. The sea follows along with your car, creating a scenery so breathtaking that even the Australian painter Francis McComas couldn’t help but define it – as the greatest meeting of land and water in the world. Don’t forget to take some pictures on the Bixby Bridge, an open-spandrel arch bridge that stands high above the rugged canyons. This is one of the best examples of man-made wonders. Road Length – 150 miles from San Francisco to Big Sur.
Blue Ridge Parkway, the Carolinas and Virginia
A road that breaks and bends through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks to bring you closer to nature’s beautiful creation the Appalachian mountains. While you’re cruising down the road, cue in John Denver for maximum feels. In different seasons, the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway displays different colours and amazing features. In winter you’d come across ski resorts, while in autumn you’ll find the slopes littered with yellow and orange hues looking majestic. An additional point – if you fancy bird watching then this is the road you should take. Road Length – 469 miles.
Route 66, Chicago to Illinois
It isn’t called the Historic Route 66 for nothing – aa road as old as time has been around since 1926 – one of the original highways of the United States Numbered Highway System. What is the most appealing thing about this highway is how it still can transport you to that old America the West timeline. Making its way through almost 8 states, this mother road has the hustle and bustle of the city as well as the long stretches of barren rough terrain – the scenery soothing to the eye. Road Length – 2,500 miles.
Overseas Highway, Florida
This drive down feels like a path straight out of a movie, all set for a thrilling car chase. As the name suggests, its highway runs over the sea bridging the gap between Key Largo down to laid-back Key West. The bridge itself is 7 miles long, but it is the view of white-sand beaches, and blue clear water, that will pull you to the highway. Road Length – 113 miles.
Smoky Mountains, Carolina
Meandering through the most visited national park of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the 500-mile loopy byway lets you witness some of the most captivating mountain views. This way heads through towns like Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina, giving a piece of the cityscape as well. Road Length – 500 miles, begins and ends in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Route 12, Utah
You’ll be driving under the rocks on this byway, and there’s so much to enjoy on this long stretch. From driving under the red rock arches adorning the road and going up the slopes of Dixie National Park to enjoying the breathtaking panorama of the Henry Mountains, you’ll never be bored on this road. If you want to take a little detour, visit Utah’s most famous Bryce Canyon. Zooming off in a car on this road is sublime; come find out for yourself.
Images: Pinterest
