Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with nature is to roll down your windows, hit the open road, and let the scenery do the rest. Scenic drives are more than stretches of highway. They’re peaceful escapes that let you experience the beauty of the outdoors without a rigid schedule or crowded destinations. You can stop when you want, take in breathtaking views, and explore hidden gems at your own pace.
In today’s fast-moving world, it’s refreshing to find travel experiences that allow you to slow down and truly soak in your surroundings. Scenic routes give you the flexibility to plan your trip on your terms, whether you’re after photo-worthy overlooks, picnic spots, or spontaneous detours through charming small towns.
Across the United States, there’s no shortage of incredible drives that offer everything from winding mountain roads to coastal cliffs and forested byways. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for quiet moments or a family hoping to create memories along the way, these nature-filled routes are worth the detour. One of the most memorable experiences starts in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
A Hidden Gem in the Smokies: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
If you’re planning a visit to eastern Tennessee, you won’t want to miss the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This 5.5-mile, one-way loop winds through a peaceful, wooded area just outside Gatlinburg and offers a scenic drive that’s packed with charm, history, and natural beauty. You’ll pass bubbling mountain streams, preserved log cabins, old mills, and trailheads that lead to waterfalls like Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Visit My Smokies highlights this trail as one of the top must-see routes in the Smokies for a reason: it’s ideal for nature lovers who want to enjoy the forest without straying far from the car. You can stop at your leisure to hike, take photos, or enjoy the sound of the breeze in the trees. Open seasonally from spring through late fall, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is especially beautiful in early summer and peak autumn.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Few drives are as iconic as California’s Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1. Stretching along the state’s coastline, this drive delivers nonstop views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and windswept beaches. One of the most picturesque sections runs from Monterey down through Big Sur and into San Luis Obispo.
What makes this route so special is the way it hugs the coast, offering breathtaking vistas around nearly every turn. You can pull off at overlooks, explore small beach towns, and visit landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge or Pfeiffer Beach. For those who love the ocean and want a dose of wild, natural beauty, the Pacific Coast Highway offers an unforgettable experience.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
For a mountain drive with an unbeatable blend of elevation, greenery, and calm, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a top choice. The 469-mile route stretches from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It’s known for being slow-paced and scenic, making it perfect for travelers who want to take their time and soak up the view.
As you drive along, you’ll see layers of blue-tinged mountains stretching across the horizon. In the fall, the route becomes a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. There are plenty of overlooks to stop and admire the view, as well as short hiking trails, picnic spots, and nature centers along the way. The Blue Ridge Parkway is as relaxing as it is beautiful.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
If you’re looking for high-altitude drama and glacier views, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park should be at the top of your list. This 50-mile road cuts straight through the heart of the park and takes you past some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the country.
You’ll cross the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, drive past waterfalls and turquoise lakes, and see snow-capped peaks even in the summer. The road is typically open from late June through early October, depending on weather conditions. Because of its elevation and narrow curves, this drive is both thrilling and awe-inspiring, perfect for nature lovers craving a bit of adventure.
Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Located within Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road holds the title of the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., reaching elevations over 12,000 feet. This 48-mile route connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake and offers sweeping views of alpine tundra, wildflowers, and distant mountain ranges.
As you climb in elevation, the landscape changes dramatically, from dense forests to wide-open tundra where you might spot elk or marmots. There are several scenic pullouts and interpretive signs that give you insight into the region’s unique ecosystems. This drive is best enjoyed during the summer and early fall when snow isn’t a concern.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
For those in the Northeast, the Kancamagus Highway, often just called “The Kanc,” is a must-see. This 34-mile stretch of Route 112 runs through New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest and is especially famous for its fall foliage.
The drive includes river crossings, mountain views, and access to hiking trails and waterfalls. You’ll also pass covered bridges and scenic spots like Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge. It’s a short drive in terms of distance, but you’ll want to take your time and enjoy everything the landscape has to offer. Whether you visit in the fall or another season, the natural beauty here is always impressive.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway, which runs between the mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton, is not for the faint of heart, but it is absolutely worth it. With no guardrails and dramatic drops, this stretch of U.S. Route 550 is both exhilarating and scenic. The road twists through steep mountain passes, alongside deep canyons, and past cascading waterfalls.
Despite its hairpin turns, the views are jaw-dropping, and the surrounding San Juan Mountains provide an incredible backdrop. The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall when the road is fully open, and the wildflowers are in bloom. If you’re up for the challenge, the Million Dollar Highway offers one of the most dramatic nature drives in the country.
Let the Road Lead You to Nature
You don’t need a plane ticket or a week-long itinerary to explore the beauty of the United States. Scenic drives are an easy, accessible way to enjoy nature without the pressure of planning every detail. Whether you’re cruising through the misty forests of Tennessee, the coastal cliffs of California, or the towering peaks of Colorado, each route has something special to offer.
The joy of a scenic drive is in the freedom it gives you to stop, explore, and take in the view on your own terms. So pack a snack, grab your camera, and hit the road. There’s a beautiful corner of the country waiting for you just around the bend.
