America’s National Parks are a treasure trove of natural wonders, from towering peaks to serene lakes, and they hold some of the most picturesque drives in the country. If you’re itching to explore the great outdoors while soaking in breathtaking landscapes, you’re in for a treat. Get ready to hit the open road and embark on unforgettable journeys through these stunning National Park drives.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana Buckle up for a ride on the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park. This engineering marvel spans 50 miles, winding through glacier-carved valleys and hugging the cliffs of the Continental Divide. Keep your camera handy for jaw-dropping vistas of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina The Blue Ridge Parkway, often dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” winds its way through Virginia and North Carolina. This 469-mile scenic byway offers a front-row seat to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fall in love with the changing foliage in autumn or cruise along lush greenery in spring and summer.
3. Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado At over 12,000 feet, Trail Ridge Road in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. This alpine adventure will take your breath away as you traverse the Rockies, crossing through tundra ecosystems and catching glimpses of elk, marmots, and bighorn sheep.
4. Pacific Coast Highway, Redwood National and State Parks, California Feel the ocean breeze on California’s Pacific Coast Highway as it meanders through the magnificent Redwood National and State Parks. Towering ancient giants, rugged coastline, and dramatic sea cliffs make this drive unforgettable. Don’t forget to marvel at the famous “Chandelier Tree” along the way.
5. Acadia All-American Road, Acadia National Park, Maine Acadia All-American Road in Maine’s Acadia National Park is a New England gem. This 40-mile loop showcases the best of coastal Maine, with rocky shores, dense forests, and Cadillac Mountain’s sunrise. Explore charming coastal towns like Bar Harbor to complete your journey.
6. Cades Cove Loop Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina History and nature unite on the Cades Cove Loop Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 11-mile loop offers glimpses of wildlife, historic homesteads, and vibrant wildflower meadows. Keep an eye out for black bears and white-tailed deer.
7. Arches Scenic Drive, Arches National Park, Utah Prepare to be awed by the otherworldly landscapes along the Arches Scenic Drive in Utah’s Arches National Park. This 18-mile route leads you through a surreal desert environment filled with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, spires, and rock formations that seem plucked from a sci-fi movie.
8. Natchez Trace Parkway, Multiple States Travel back in time on the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile stretch through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. This historic route takes you along the path Native Americans, early settlers, and famous figures like Meriwether Lewis once journeyed. Enjoy serene forests, open meadows, and centuries-old landmarks.
9. Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone National Park, Montana & Wyoming Venture into the wild heart of Yellowstone via the Beartooth Highway, a high-elevation adventure in Montana and Wyoming. Zigzag through dramatic switchbacks, alpine lakes, and even glimpse the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. Keep an eye out for grizzlies, wolves, and bighorn sheep.
10. Hana Highway, Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii For a tropical twist, cruise along Maui’s Hana Highway, leading to the lush Haleakalā National Park. This 64-mile journey is a rainforest wonderland, with waterfalls galore, bamboo forests, and panoramic coastal views. Make stops at hidden beaches and the awe-inspiring Wailua Falls.
These National Park drives are a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of America’s natural landscapes. So, pack your bags, fill up the gas tank, and set your GPS for an unforgettable journey through some of the most scenic routes the U.S. has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned road trip enthusiast or a novice explorer, these drives promise a visual feast you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Happy trails! 🚗🌄🌿
