Exploring America’s National Parks by road offers an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re seeking towering mountains, sprawling deserts, or lush forests, these road trips provide the perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. Buckle up and get ready to discover the must-see routes that showcase the best of these national treasures.
Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park, Montana
The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a marvel of engineering that cuts across the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. This 50-mile stretch offers jaw-dropping views of towering peaks, deep valleys, and glacial lakes. As you drive, you’ll cross the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, the highest point on the road at 6,646 feet. The road is narrow and winding, making it an exhilarating experience, especially with the chance to spot wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
Scenic Byway 12 – Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef, Utah
Scenic Byway 12, also known as “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” spans 122 miles of diverse and stunning landscapes. Starting near Bryce Canyon National Park, the road takes you through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and ends at Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way, you’ll encounter red rock formations, expansive plateaus, and lush forests. The drive is a visual feast, especially in autumn when the foliage creates a vibrant contrast against the red rocks.
Tioga Road – Yosemite National Park, California
Tioga Road, the highest highway pass in California, takes you through Yosemite National Park’s less-visited high country. This 46-mile route climbs to an elevation of 9,943 feet, offering unparalleled views of alpine meadows, serene lakes, and granite domes. Highlights include Olmsted Point, where you can glimpse Half Dome from a unique angle, and Tuolumne Meadows, a tranquil spot perfect for a picnic or a short hike.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah, Virginia & North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway connects two iconic national parks, the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah, covering 469 miles of the Appalachian Highlands. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the parkway offers sweeping views of misty mountains, vibrant wildflowers, and historic landmarks. In the fall, the route is especially breathtaking, with the forest canopy transforming into a mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway – Zion National Park, Utah
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a 12-mile scenic drive that showcases the dramatic beauty of Zion National Park. The road features the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a mile-long engineering marvel carved through solid rock. As you emerge from the tunnel, you’re greeted by panoramic views of sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and the iconic Checkerboard Mesa. The road’s switchbacks add to the thrill, making it a must-do for any road trip enthusiast.
Cadillac Mountain Road – Acadia National Park, Maine
Cadillac Mountain Road winds its way to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States. This 3.5-mile drive offers sweeping views of the rugged Maine coastline, forested islands, and the Atlantic Ocean. Sunrise from the summit is a popular attraction, as Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the U.S. where the sun’s rays touch the ground during certain times of the year.
Old Fall River Road – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Old Fall River Road is a historic 11-mile route that provides a more intimate experience of Rocky Mountain National Park. This narrow, one-way dirt road climbs steeply up to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, alpine tundra, and stunning vistas of the Rockies. The road’s unpaved, winding nature and lack of guardrails make it a thrilling adventure for those seeking a less conventional route.
Park Loop Road – Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park’s Park Loop Road is a 27-mile circuit that offers a comprehensive tour of the park’s most famous sights. The road hugs the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky shores, and dense forests. Key stops include Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. The drive is particularly spectacular in the fall when the foliage adds a burst of color to the already stunning scenery.
Chain of Craters Road – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park takes you on a journey through one of the most geologically active areas in the world. The 19-mile road descends 3,700 feet from the summit of Kilauea to the coast, passing by craters, lava fields, and steam vents. The road ends at the point where lava flows have crossed it, creating a dramatic reminder of the park’s volcanic activity. The stark contrast between the black lava and the lush vegetation makes this drive a unique experience.
North Cascades Highway – North Cascades National Park, Washington
The North Cascades Highway, also known as State Route 20, is a 120-mile route that cuts through the heart of North Cascades National Park. This road trip offers stunning views of jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and dense forests. Highlights include Washington Pass, where you can take in panoramic views of Liberty Bell Mountain, and Diablo Lake, known for its brilliant emerald-green waters. The highway is also a gateway to numerous hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Generals Highway – Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Generals Highway is a 50-mile scenic route that connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The road winds through groves of giant sequoias, including the world-famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume. As you drive, you’ll ascend from the warm foothills to the cooler, forested elevations, offering a diverse range of ecosystems and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The road’s numerous hairpin turns add a touch of excitement to this awe-inspiring journey.
Schwabacher Road – Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Schwabacher Road, a short but incredibly scenic detour off the main highway, offers one of the best views of the Grand Tetons. This gravel road leads to the Snake River, where the towering peaks of the Teton Range are reflected in the calm waters. It’s a photographer’s paradise, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light bathes the mountains in a golden glow. The road also provides access to several hiking trails, making it a great spot to stretch your legs and explore.
Skyline Drive – Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Skyline Drive is a 105-mile road that runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive offers sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont region to the east. With 75 overlooks, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. The drive is particularly stunning in the spring when wildflowers bloom, and in the fall when the leaves create a vibrant tapestry of color.
Red Rock Parkway – Waterton Lakes National Park, Montana
Red Rock Parkway in Waterton Lakes National Park is a 16-mile route that takes you through the park’s most picturesque landscapes. The road winds through rolling prairies, past crystal-clear lakes, and towards the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The highlight is the end of the road at Red Rock Canyon, where you can take a short walk to explore the canyon’s striking red and green rocks. The road is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of bighorn sheep, deer, and bears.
Crater Lake Rim Drive – Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake Rim Drive is a 33-mile loop that encircles the deepest lake in the United States. The road offers 30 overlooks, each providing a unique perspective of the lake’s sapphire-blue waters and the surrounding cliffs. Highlights include the Watchman Overlook, where you can see Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises out of the lake, and the Cloudcap Overlook, the highest point on the rim at 7,960 feet. The drive is especially magical in the early morning or late evening when the light creates a mirror-like reflection on the lake’s surface.
Beartooth Highway – Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Wyoming & Montana
Beartooth Highway is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in America. This 68-mile route takes you from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park to Red Lodge, Montana, passing through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. The road reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. The drive is not for the faint of heart, with its steep grades and hairpin turns, but the breathtaking scenery makes it well worth the effort.
Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. This 48-mile drive takes you from the park’s eastern gateway at Estes Park to the western entrance near Grand Lake. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, from montane forests to alpine tundra. The road offers stunning views of the Rockies, including Longs Peak, the park’s highest summit. Wildlife sightings are common, with elk, bighorn sheep, and marmots often seen along the roadside.
Cades Cove Loop Road – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile one-way loop that takes you through one of the most scenic and historic areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The road passes through a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains, offering stunning views of the landscape. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic cabins, churches, and barns that provide a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers. The loop is also a prime spot for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.
Natchez Trace Parkway – Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive that follows the historic travel route used by Native Americans, European settlers, and Civil War soldiers. The parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, passing through three states and a variety of landscapes, including hardwood forests, swamps, and rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll find numerous historic sites, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails. The drive is particularly beautiful in the spring when wildflowers are in bloom.
Desert View Drive – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Desert View Drive is a 25-mile scenic route along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The road offers some of the best panoramic views of the canyon, including the iconic Desert View Watchtower, designed by architect Mary Colter. As you drive, you’ll encounter numerous overlooks, each offering a different perspective of the canyon’s vast expanse. The route is less crowded than other parts of the park, making it a peaceful way to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon.
Kancamagus Highway – White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway, also known as “The Kanc,” is a 34.5-mile scenic byway that winds through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. The road offers stunning views of the White Mountains, covered bridges, and the Swift River. The drive is especially popular in the fall when the foliage creates a vibrant display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Along the way, you’ll find numerous opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
More from UnifyCosmos
20 Expenses to Avoid if You Consider Yourself Good With Money
This article highlights common costs that savvy individuals should steer clear of to maintain financial health and stability. By recognizing and eliminating these expenses, you can better manage your budget and achieve your financial goals. Read more!
20 Unexpected Money Tips for Traveling Abroad
Here are some unexpected money tips to help you make the most of your journey without breaking the bank. From clever ways to save on expenses to ensuring your money is safe, these tips will keep your travels stress-free and affordable. Read more!
22 Ways To Avoid Being Broke on a High Salary
This article will explore practical strategies to help you avoid being broke even when you have a substantial paycheck. By following these tips, you can ensure a more stable and secure financial future. Read more!
Leave a Reply