America’s 17 Hidden Road Trip Routes That Outshine Route 66
While Route 66 gets all the fame, America’s backroads hide journeys that will take your breath away.
From coastal highways hugging dramatic cliffs to mountain passes that touch the clouds, these lesser-known routes pack more punch than their famous counterpart.
Grab your keys and discover these 17 incredible drives that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Beartooth Highway (Montana–Wyoming)
Zigzagging through alpine meadows at nearly 11,000 feet, this engineering marvel will make your jaw drop.
The 68-mile route climbs from lush forests to snow-capped peaks with more switchbacks than you can count.
Wildlife spotting comes standard – keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, moose, and even grizzlies in the distance.
2. International Selkirk Loop (Idaho–Washington)
Crossing borders with ease, this 280-mile loop winds through Idaho, Washington, and even dips into British Columbia.
Ancient forests and crystal lakes dot the journey, creating postcard-worthy views at every turn.
Unlike crowded national park routes, traffic here remains blissfully light.
3. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (New Mexico)
Mystical energy flows through this 83-mile loop around Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest mountain.
Artists and spiritual seekers have been drawn to Taos and the surrounding landscape for generations, and one drive explains why.
Fall brings an explosion of golden aspens that seem to glow from within. Summer visitors might catch traditional pueblo ceremonies or browse galleries showcasing Southwestern art.
4. Mattole Road – “The Wildcat” (Northern California)
Adventure seekers, this one’s for you! Often overlooked in favor of California’s coastal Highway 1, this remote 65-mile stretch delivers raw, untamed beauty without the tourist crowds.
Unpaved sections and hairpin turns keep casual travelers away, rewarding the determined with private black sand beaches and ancient redwood groves.
Pack provisions before starting – you won’t find convenience stores here, just windswept vistas and the thundering Pacific.
5. Brockway Mountain Drive (Michigan UP)
Perched atop Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, this 9-mile gem delivers Lake Superior panoramas that’ll have you questioning why it’s not world-famous.
On clear days, you can see over 50 miles across sparkling blue waters to Isle Royale National Park.
Spring brings wildflower meadows bursting with color, while fall transforms the landscape into a fiery tapestry.
6. Foothills Parkway (Tennessee)
Recently completed after 75 years of construction, this engineering marvel offers the Smokies’ most spectacular views without the bumper-to-bumper traffic of more famous routes.
Morning fog creates ethereal scenes as it drifts through valleys below.
Unlike the main park roads, wildlife encounters here feel private and special – from black bears to wild turkeys crossing your path.
7. State Route 12 (Utah)
Slicing through a rainbow of rock formations, Utah’s SR-12 delivers sensory overload in the best possible way.
The 124-mile route connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, but the journey rivals the destinations.
Hold your breath along the “Hogsback” section where the road narrows to a ribbon with steep dropoffs on both sides.
8. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
Island-hopping takes on new meaning on this 113-mile engineering marvel connecting Florida’s mainland to Key West.
Driving across the Seven Mile Bridge feels like floating above turquoise waters, with nothing but ocean stretching to the horizon.
Spontaneous stops yield rewards: hidden beaches, key lime pie stands, and wildlife refuges teeming with exotic birds.
9. Savannah to Charleston via US-17 & I-95 (Georgia–South Carolina)
Spanish moss drapes over this route like nature’s wedding decorations, creating a romantic journey between two of America’s most charming cities.
Forget the interstate – the coastal backroads reveal hidden plantations and marshlands teeming with wildlife.
Roadside stands offer fresh-caught shrimp and sweet peaches depending on the season.
10. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia–North Carolina)
Lovingly called “America’s Favorite Drive,” this 469-mile masterpiece weaves along the Appalachian highlands, connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.
The parkway’s varied elevations create a changing tapestry of wildflowers from spring through fall. Mile markers replace traditional exits, encouraging a slower pace where the journey truly matters more than the destination.
11. 17-Mile Drive (California)
Though shorter than other entries, this toll road packs more jaw-dropping scenery per mile than almost anywhere in America.
Hugging California’s Monterey Peninsula, it winds through cypress forests and alongside dramatic rocky coastlines.
Sea lions bark from offshore rocks while rare birds soar overhead. The route passes famous golf courses like Pebble Beach, where you might spot celebrities teeing off.
12. Pacific Coast Highway North of San Francisco (California–Oregon)
While southern sections get all the attention, the northern stretch of Highway 1 delivers raw coastal beauty without the tour buses.
Redwood forests meet dramatic cliffs where the Pacific crashes relentlessly against the shore.
Wildlife watching comes standard – gray whales migrate along this route, while sea otters float among kelp forests.
Foggy mornings create ethereal landscapes as massive rock formations emerge mysteriously from the mist.
13. Pacific Coast (Portland to San Diego via Olympic NP)
Covering three states and nearly 1,500 miles, this ultimate coastal journey showcases America’s western edge in all its glory.
Starting in Washington’s rainforests, the route transitions through Oregon’s rugged shores before reaching California’s sun-drenched beaches.
Small coastal towns offer unique character: Astoria’s Victorian charm, Mendocino’s artistic vibe, Morro Bay’s working harbor.
14. Oregon Trail US-20 Coast-to-Coast
Following the historic path of pioneers, America’s longest continuous highway stretches 3,365 miles from Boston’s shoreline to Newport, Oregon.
Unlike interstate travel, this route connects small towns and passes through 12 states, revealing America’s changing landscape.
The route passes through Yellowstone National Park, offering wildlife viewing opportunities without leaving the main road.
15. Appalachian Route – US-21 (North Carolina–Virginia)
Mountain music fills the air along this winding route through the heart of Appalachia. Bluegrass jams happen spontaneously in small towns, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
Family-owned general stores dot the landscape, offering homemade jams and local crafts. The route passes through historic mining towns where time seems to have stopped in the 1950s.
Breathtaking overlooks reveal rolling mountains that change color with the seasons – from spring’s vibrant greens to fall’s fiery display.
16. Hana Highway (Hawai’i)
Fifty-two miles, 620 curves, and 59 bridges create Hawaii’s most legendary drive.
The journey from Kahului to Hana showcases Maui’s eastern coastline, where waterfalls cascade directly alongside the narrow road.
The route passes through microclimate zones ranging from rainforest to dry coastal areas in minutes.
Black sand beaches and bamboo forests await those willing to take short hikes from designated parking areas.
17. Byway 12 / Kancamagus Highway (Utah & New Hampshire)
Though separated by thousands of miles, these sister routes deliver America’s most spectacular seasonal displays on opposite sides of the country.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway bursts with fall colors that draw photographers worldwide. Both routes feature minimal commercial development, preserving their natural beauty.
Utah’s section passes through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, while New Hampshire’s crosses the White Mountain National Forest, offering pristine wilderness experiences.
