Road trips are the perfect way to explore the hidden gems of the United States. While I’ve covered much of the West, my travels in the East have been limited to New England. Here are 17 lesser-known road trips I’m eager to experience, and you should be too!
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
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Image credit: Shutterstock / Zack Frank
This scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains offers stunning vistas and charming small towns. It’s a peaceful alternative to the busier highways.
2. The Adirondack Trail, New York
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Raphael Rivest
Explore the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, with its pristine lakes and dense forests. Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. The Great River Road, Mississippi
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Eddie J. Rodriquez
Follow the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. This route is rich in history and culture, with plenty of quirky stops along the way.
4. The Bourbon Trail, Kentucky
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ivelin Denev
Tour the birthplace of bourbon, visiting historic distilleries and picturesque countryside. It’s a must for whiskey aficionados.
5. The Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee to Mississippi
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jordan Hill Photography
Drive along this ancient trail used by Native Americans, with beautiful landscapes and historical sites. It’s a journey through time and nature.
6. The Loneliest Road, Nevada
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Natalia Bratslavsky
US Route 50 cuts through the heart of Nevada, offering solitude and stark desert beauty. Perfect for those seeking a quiet, introspective trip.
7. The Finger Lakes Loop, New York
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / debra millet
Discover the Finger Lakes region with its wineries, waterfalls, and charming villages. A delightful escape in upstate New York.
8. The San Juan Skyway, Colorado
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gestalt Imagery
This loop through the San Juan Mountains provides breathtaking views and access to historic mining towns. An adventure in the Rockies like no other.
9. The Pacific Coast Highway, California
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / HandmadePictures
Although not entirely unknown, this route offers hidden spots and breathtaking coastal views from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
10. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail, New York to Pennsylvania
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Russ Heinl
Travel along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, exploring charming waterfront towns and scenic landscapes.
11. The Black Hills, South Dakota
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / JohnDSmith
Beyond Mount Rushmore, this region offers winding roads through forests and past stunning rock formations. A serene escape with a touch of history.
12. The White Mountains Trail, New Hampshire
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Winston Tan
Experience the natural beauty of the White Mountains, with opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and quaint town visits.
13. The Lake Superior Circle Tour, Michigan to Wisconsin
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / John McCormick
Encircle the largest of the Great Lakes, with rugged shorelines, dense forests, and picturesque towns. A perfect blend of nature and culture.
14. The Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Red Lemon
Drive along the barrier islands of North Carolina, with stunning ocean views and unique coastal communities.
15. The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / f11photo
Explore the dramatic landscapes along the Columbia River, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
16. The High Road to Taos, New Mexico
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / William Silver
This historic route offers a glimpse into Native American and Spanish heritage, with beautiful mountain views and artistic communities.
17. The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zack Frank
Drive through the heart of the Ozarks, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint towns. A peaceful retreat into nature’s beauty.
Ready to Hit the Road?
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Lesterman
These hidden gems offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery, perfect for your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking solitude, history, or natural beauty, these road trips have something special to offer.
Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carles Iturbe
Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
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Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicoleta Ionescu
Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
The post Secret Scenic Drives: U.S. Road Trips off the Radar first appeared on Passing Thru.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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