1. Highway 12, Utah
Utah’s Highway 12 is often called a “scenic byway” for a reason. Stretching over 120 miles, it winds through red rock canyons, dense forests, and the awe-inspiring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The drive feels like stepping into a painting, with every twist revealing another breathtaking view. It’s perfect for those who love natural beauty without the crowds of more famous national parks.
Along the way, you’ll find quirky small towns like Torrey, where local diners serve up hearty meals and friendly faces greet you at every corner. Hiking opportunities abound, with short trails leading to hidden arches and panoramic overlooks. Photographers will be thrilled by the golden light hitting the cliffs at sunset. This highway is a must for anyone wanting an authentic slice of Utah’s rugged landscape.
2. Highway 101, Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast portion of Highway 101 is a gem for road-trippers. It hugs the coastline, offering endless views of crashing waves, rugged cliffs, and serene beaches. Small towns like Newport and Cannon Beach make perfect pit stops for seafood and local art. The sense of freedom you get here is unparalleled, especially when the fog rolls in for a mystical touch.
Lighthouses dot the coast, each with its own story and a perfect vantage point for photography. You can explore tide pools, watch sea lions laze on the rocks, or take a quick detour to the towering Oregon Dunes. It’s a highway that combines adventure with tranquility, giving travelers a true taste of the Pacific Northwest. Every mile feels like a reward for the journey.
3. Highway 49, California
Highway 49, also known as the Gold Rush Trail, winds through the Sierra Nevada foothills. This historic route is peppered with charming towns like Nevada City and Sonora, where the past feels alive in old saloons and Victorian homes. Driving it gives a sense of stepping back in time, and you can even pan for gold in some spots. Nature lovers will also appreciate the surrounding forests and rivers.
The highway is more than history; it’s a chance to enjoy authentic small-town California life. You can stop at family-run cafes, explore antique shops, and catch live music in the evenings. Each town along the route has its own unique character, making it a perfect road trip for history buffs and casual travelers alike. It’s the kind of highway where every stop has a story.
4. Route 100, Vermont
Route 100 in Vermont is a classic for anyone chasing New England charm. The highway meanders through rolling hills, picturesque villages, and vibrant autumn foliage that will make you feel like you’re in a postcard. Quaint inns and farm-to-table restaurants pop up along the way, inviting you to slow down and savor the journey. It’s especially magical in the fall when the trees explode in reds, oranges, and golds.
Skiers and hikers will find plenty to do here, as the Green Mountains provide year-round outdoor adventure. Covered bridges, maple syrup stands, and local craft shops add extra layers of charm. Photography opportunities abound, from serene lakes to historic churches tucked into tiny towns. Driving Route 100 feels like being immersed in Vermont’s soul.
5. Highway 550, Colorado
Highway 550, famously known as the Million Dollar Highway, is a thrilling drive through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The road is narrow, winding, and full of hairpin turns, making it an adventure in itself. The views of jagged peaks, deep canyons, and historic mining towns are unforgettable. It’s a route that blends adrenaline with natural beauty perfectly.
Small towns like Ouray and Silverton provide a mix of history, hot springs, and local charm. Stop in Ouray for a soak in the natural hot springs after a long day of driving. The highway also gives access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks that are perfect for stretching your legs. Driving this road is a reminder of Colorado’s wild and untamed beauty.
6. Highway 61, Mississippi
Mississippi’s portion of Highway 61 is steeped in music history. Known as the “Blues Highway,” it traces the roots of the blues from Clarksdale down to Natchez. Music lovers can stop at iconic juke joints, museums, and festivals that celebrate the genre’s legends. The highway itself feels like a living museum, with stories etched into every town along the way.
The scenery is just as compelling, with rolling farmland, majestic rivers, and historic plantations. Small towns offer authentic southern cuisine, from catfish to barbecue. The slower pace of life allows travelers to truly absorb the culture and history. For anyone passionate about music and heritage, Highway 61 is a soulful journey.
7. Route 12, Montana
Montana’s Route 12 stretches across the heart of Big Sky Country, offering a mix of prairie, river valleys, and mountain views. The highway is less traveled, making it ideal for solitude seekers and nature lovers. Wildlife sightings are common, from deer and elk to soaring hawks. It’s a road trip that highlights Montana’s vast, untamed beauty.
Small towns like Helena and Lewistown provide a glimpse into the state’s pioneer past. Stop for a coffee or homemade pie and chat with locals who love their landscape as much as their history. Fishing, hiking, and exploring ghost towns are all possible detours along the route. Route 12 captures the quiet majesty of Montana better than almost any other highway.
8. Highway 2, Minnesota
Highway 2 in Minnesota takes travelers through the northern woods and charming small towns. Unlike the interstates, this route meanders through forests, farmland, and scenic lakeshores. Each small town has its own local charm, from family-run diners to weekend farmers’ markets. The highway is ideal for a relaxed, unhurried drive where every mile tells a story.
In winter, the drive becomes a wonderland, with snow-draped pine forests and frozen lakes. In summer, you can stop for kayaking, fishing, or local festivals celebrating the region’s culture. This highway combines natural beauty with Midwestern hospitality. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the authentic heart of Minnesota.
9. Highway 160, Arizona
Highway 160 cuts through the northern Arizona high desert and the Navajo Nation, connecting Flagstaff to the Four Corners area. The route offers a mix of red rock formations, mesas, and Native American cultural sites. Monument Valley is just a short detour, providing one of the most iconic landscapes in the country. The highway feels both remote and historically rich.
Small roadside attractions and local markets make the journey interesting and unexpected. You can pick up handmade crafts, taste local cuisine, and learn about Navajo traditions. The highway also provides access to hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and stargazing spots. Driving Highway 160 is like traversing a living museum of southwestern culture.
10. Highway 90, Louisiana
Louisiana’s stretch of Highway 90 hugs the Gulf Coast, offering swampy landscapes, historic plantations, and lively Cajun towns. The drive winds through areas rich with music, food, and culture, from Lafayette to New Orleans. Bayous, cypress trees, and wildlife add a unique flavor to the journey. It’s a highway that immerses travelers in the South’s eclectic charm.
Along the way, stop for authentic Cajun food like gumbo, boudin, or crawfish etouffee. Historic towns offer local festivals, antique shops, and friendly encounters. Swamp tours and riverboat rides provide additional adventure options. Highway 90 is perfect for travelers who want both scenery and cultural immersion.
11. Highway 61, Missouri
Missouri’s stretch of Highway 61 runs from St. Louis to the Arkansas border and has a rich musical heritage. It’s dotted with historic jazz and blues spots, particularly near St. Louis. The highway also meanders through rolling hills, rivers, and small rural towns. It’s an underrated road trip for music lovers and scenery enthusiasts alike.
You can stop at local diners, art galleries, and quirky roadside attractions that give insight into the region’s culture. The Mississippi River runs parallel for long stretches, offering serene views and photo opportunities. Historic markers tell the stories of early settlers and musicians. Highway 61 in Missouri is a perfect mix of history, music, and natural beauty.
12. Highway 50, Nevada
Known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” Highway 50 stretches across Nevada’s deserts and mountain ranges. The highway lives up to its reputation, offering vast, empty landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. Small towns like Ely and Austin provide quirky pit stops and a taste of historic Nevada. The experience is meditative, a perfect escape from the bustle of city life.
The surrounding scenery includes desert valleys, rugged mountains, and endless skies that seem to go on forever. Old mining towns and ghost towns offer glimpses into the state’s past. Stargazing here is exceptional due to the lack of light pollution. Highway 50 is a journey for those who want solitude, history, and wide-open spaces.
13. Route 100, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Route 100 runs through the western part of the state, offering access to charming towns, forests, and the White Mountains. The highway is perfect for scenic drives, especially during fall when foliage explodes in color. Quaint inns and local eateries make the journey feel personal and inviting. Each town has its own character, giving travelers plenty of reasons to stop along the way.
Hiking and outdoor recreation are abundant, with trailheads easily accessible from the highway. Rivers, lakes, and covered bridges provide plenty of opportunities for photos. Ski resorts nearby make it a year-round destination. Route 100 combines natural beauty, adventure, and New England charm effortlessly.
14. Highway 50, Colorado
Colorado’s Highway 50 offers a different kind of scenic experience than the Rockies-dominated roads. Running from the central plains to the western slope, it passes through small towns, vineyards, and open landscapes. The highway gives travelers a sense of Colorado beyond the ski resorts and major cities. It’s a journey through the state’s agricultural and rural heartland.
Along the way, local wineries, historic buildings, and charming diners provide authentic stops. The Arkansas River runs near parts of the highway, offering kayaking and rafting opportunities. Wildlife sightings, especially in the quieter sections, are common. Highway 50 is a lesser-known gem for those wanting a slower, more personal Colorado road trip.
This post 14 Lesser-Known American Highways That Are Worth the Drive was first published on American Charm.
