Imagine cruising down winding roads framed by snow-dusted peaks, dense forests, or rolling farmlands, with each bend revealing a new postcard-perfect view. That’s the magic of US scenic byways—routes specially designated for their outstanding natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational offerings.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through 20 of the most breathtaking scenic byways in the USA, handpicked from personal travels, expert tips, and real traveler reviews. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or seeking the perfect fall foliage drive, this list has something for everyone. I’ve included the best things to do, Google Maps links, TripAdvisor insights, and even a downloadable travel itinerary to make your planning effortless.
So buckle up—America’s most unforgettable roads are waiting.
Table of Contents
-
What Are US Scenic Byways and Why Are They Worth Exploring?
-
Mount Baker Scenic Byway, Washington
-
Bighorn Scenic Byway (US 14), Wyoming
-
US 68 Scenic Byway, Kentucky
-
San Juan Skyway, Colorado
-
Skykomish Scenic Byway, Washington
(+ 14 more below—clickable in the live article)
What Are US Scenic Byways and Why Are They Worth Exploring?
The US Scenic Byways Program, launched in 1991 by the Federal Highway Administration, was created to preserve and enhance roads that offer unique scenic, historic, natural, recreational, and cultural value. Unlike major interstates, these roads are about the journey, not the destination.
Many travelers don’t realize these byways are often less crowded and offer a more authentic slice of America—from Amish farmlands in Kentucky to volcano routes in Hawaii. I’ve driven dozens myself, and each one felt like stepping into a movie set.
Want to plan smarter? Here’s a tip: download the official Scenic Byways Map from byways.org. You can also use Google Maps links provided in this guide to visualize each route.
1. Mount Baker Scenic Byway, Washington
Things to Do on Mount Baker Scenic Byway
Winding 58 miles from Bellingham to Artist Point, the Mount Baker Scenic Byway (SR 542) is one of the most striking drives in the Pacific Northwest. This byway climbs from forested lowlands up to the dramatic views of Mount Baker and the North Cascades.
Here’s what I recommend:
-
Nooksack Falls: A short trail leads you to an epic waterfall framed by mossy cliffs.
-
Picture Lake: Snap a reflection photo of Mount Shuksan—TripAdvisor reviewers call it “a photographer’s dream” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
-
Heather Meadows: Ideal for hikes in late summer when wildflowers bloom.
-
Artist Point: If you only do one thing—drive to the end. The 360° mountain panorama blew my mind.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit in early October for vivid fall foliage without the snow closures.
Best Time to Visit
-
Summer (July–September): Ideal for full road access and clear views.
-
Fall (early October): Gorgeous foliage, fewer crowds.
-
Avoid winter unless you’re going for snow sports—roads often close due to snow.
Personal Experience & Tips
I drove this route in mid-September. The crisp mountain air, roadside pullouts with glacier views, and eagle sightings near Nooksack made this drive unforgettable. I recommend stopping for coffee at Wake ‘n Bakery in Glacier—local charm and strong espresso fuel your adventure.
2. Bighorn Scenic Byway (US 14), Wyoming
Wildlife Watching and Outdoor Fun
Cutting across the Bighorn National Forest, this 58-mile section of US Route 14 is a hidden gem. It’s less crowded than Yellowstone but just as wild.
Things to see:
-
Shell Falls Interpretive Site: A jaw-dropping 120-foot waterfall in a canyon.
-
Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark: A sacred site with panoramic views.
-
Greybull River Valley: Ideal for wildlife watching—bison, moose, and bald eagles.
TripAdvisor says: “Stunning views around every curve. Bring binoculars!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Best Photography Spots
-
Big Horn Canyon Overlook
-
Shell Canyon
-
Dead Indian Pass (slightly off-route)
The light just before sunset turns the cliffs golden. Pack a wide-angle lens for maximum drama.
Reviews from TripAdvisor Travelers
“Absolutely breathtaking and not overrun with tourists. Saw moose and mountain goats in one afternoon!” – ★★★★★
“We stopped at every overlook—it’s that good.” – ★★★★☆
3. US 68 Scenic Byway, Kentucky
Horse Country Views & Local Eateries
This Kentucky gem spans from Lexington to Bowling Green, cutting through Bluegrass country and charming small towns. It’s a must if you’re into history, bourbon, or horses.
What to do:
-
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill: Historic buildings, trails, farm-to-table meals.
-
Woodford Reserve Distillery: Tour & tasting—don’t drive afterward!
-
Perryville Battlefield: A serene Civil War site.
Eat at:
-
Old Owl Tavern in Danville: Real Southern fare, local favorite.
Seasonal Highlights & Small-Town Charm
Late spring and early fall are best:
-
In April–May, rolling hills burst with green and wildflowers.
-
October brings harvest festivals and vibrant foliage.
Many locals decorate their barns with giant painted quilt blocks—makes for fun scavenger-style sightseeing.
4. San Juan Skyway, Colorado
Million Dollar Highway Route
This 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains includes the famous Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton—widely ranked among America’s most dangerous and scenic drives.
Don’t miss:
-
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
-
Ouray’s Box Cañon Falls
-
Telluride’s Gondola Ride
Bring your camera and your nerve—steep cliffs, no guardrails, but unforgettable views.
Mountain Towns You Can’t Miss
-
Silverton: A living Wild West town.
-
Ouray: The “Switzerland of America.”
-
Telluride: High-end shops and rustic charm.
Plan at least two days for this loop, especially if you enjoy hiking or hot springs.
6. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina to Virginia
America’s Favorite Drive
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. I’ve driven long stretches of this, and I can tell you—every single mile is pure magic.
Expect:
-
Endless panoramic overlooks
-
Quaint mountain towns
-
Some of the best fall foliage in the country
Popular stops:
-
Craggy Gardens: Great hike for rhododendron blooms
-
Mabry Mill: Most photographed spot on the Parkway
-
Linville Falls: Easy trail to a two-tier waterfall
When to Go & What to Pack
-
Fall (Late September – October): Peak foliage
-
Spring: Wildflowers and fewer crowds
-
Bring layers—weather changes fast in the mountains
7. Pacific Coast Highway (US 1), California
Iconic Ocean Views on Every Turn
This legendary route along California’s coast offers one of the world’s most scenic seaside drives. You’ll weave through cliffs, coves, and charming towns from San Francisco to San Diego.
My favorite stretch? Big Sur to San Simeon—raw cliffs, blue surf, and elephant seals.
Highlights:
-
Bixby Bridge: Insta-famous and breathtaking
-
Hearst Castle: Tour the estate of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst
-
McWay Falls: A waterfall that spills directly into the Pacific
TripAdvisor Review:
“Unreal views. We pulled over at least 20 times to take it all in.” – ★★★★★
Tips for a Safe & Stunning Trip
-
Drive North to South: You’ll be on the ocean side
-
Don’t rely on cell service—download offline maps
-
Gas up in advance—stations are sparse and pricey
8. Route 100 Scenic Byway, Vermont
Quintessential New England Drive
Vermont’s Route 100 runs north-south along the Green Mountains and is especially magical during fall. I drove this in early October, and the scenery was like driving through a live postcard—covered bridges, golden maples, and roadside farm stands.
What you’ll love:
-
Stowe: The classic mountain town
-
Weston’s Vermont Country Store
-
Warren Falls: Great for a refreshing dip
Where to Eat & Sleep
-
Try the Butternut Inn in Stowe—charming and budget-friendly
-
Grab apple cider donuts from Cold Hollow Cider Mill
9. Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming
Described by Charles Kuralt as “the most beautiful drive in America,” Beartooth Highway (US 212) climbs to nearly 11,000 feet and serves as the northeast gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
What makes it special:
-
Alpine tundra and glacier lakes
-
Wildlife sightings (bears, elk, goats)
-
Hairpin turns and jaw-dropping switchbacks
Personal tip: Take it slow. Every pull-off is a masterpiece. I drove this in July—there was still snow on the ground!
TripAdvisor Review:
“This road stole the show—even after Yellowstone!” – ★★★★★
10. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Fall Color Royalty
The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a 34-mile stretch through the White Mountain National Forest, and it’s arguably New England’s best leaf-peeping drive. Locals call it “The Kanc,” and yes, it lives up to the hype.
Must-sees:
-
Sabbaday Falls
-
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
-
Albany Covered Bridge
This drive gets busy during peak season. I recommend going early morning on weekdays in early October. Parking lots fill fast.
TripAdvisor Review:
“Drove it twice in one weekend—just couldn’t get enough.” – ★★★★★
12. Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma/Arkansas
Autumn in the Ouachita Mountains
Stretching 54 miles through Ouachita National Forest, the Talimena Scenic Byway connects Talihina, OK to Mena, AR. This is a hidden fall foliage gem that rivals better-known drives back East.
The road itself is an attraction:
-
High elevation with panoramic views
-
Dozens of scenic pull-offs
-
Peaceful and uncrowded even during peak season
I’ve driven this in mid-November, and the orange and crimson forest canopy was surreal.
Top Stops
-
Queen Wilhelmina State Park: Stay at the lodge for sunrise views
-
Rich Mountain Lookout Tower: Worth the short detour
-
Horseback riding trails and picnic areas
13. Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, Utah/Colorado
For Fossil Lovers and Red Rock Fans
The Dinosaur Diamond is a 480-mile loop filled with fossil beds, red rock canyons, and ancient history. I recommend focusing on the Utah-Colorado stretch for the best mix of scenery and paleontology.
Things to see:
-
Dinosaur National Monument
-
Canyon Pintado Historic District
-
Arches National Park (just a slight detour)
TripAdvisor calls it a “geologist’s paradise” ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
I stopped at the Utah Field House of Natural History—you’ll see real dino bones and interactive exhibits.
14. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
Waterfalls and Wine Country
This 75-mile route is famous for its string of waterfalls, lush rainforests, and dramatic gorge views. As someone who loves combining nature with wine tasting, this is one of my favorite day drives in the Northwest.
Key attractions:
-
Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s tallest waterfall (620 feet)
-
Vista House at Crown Point
-
Bridal Veil Falls and Latourell Falls
If you have time, continue to Hood River for local wineries and fruit stands.
TripAdvisor Review:
“Felt like I was in a fairy tale the entire time.” – ★★★★★
15. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
Timeless, Peaceful, and Perfect for Slow Travel
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile route that follows an ancient Native American path. It’s one of the most peaceful drives in America—no billboards, minimal traffic, and just pure nature and history.
What I love:
-
Historic pull-offs every few miles
-
Wildflower meadows and scenic overlooks
-
Smooth, well-maintained road—great for motorcycles and road bikes too
Top sights:
-
Emerald Mound
-
Tupelo (Elvis Presley’s birthplace)
-
Cypress Swamp
There are no gas stations or fast food on the Trace itself, so fill up before entering and pack snacks.
16. Seward Highway, Alaska
A Wild Alaskan Road Trip
Running 125 miles from Anchorage to Seward, the Seward Highway is a national scenic byway and All-American Road. It’s an adventure through glaciers, fjords, and wildlife like no other.
As someone who’s driven it in June, I can say this: bring your binoculars—you might see beluga whales right from the roadside near Turnagain Arm!
Top stops:
-
Beluga Point
-
Portage Glacier
-
Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail
TripAdvisor says:
“We saw moose, eagles, and Dall sheep—all in one drive.” – ★★★★★
Tips for Travelers
-
Visit between June and August for full access and wildlife
-
Stop in Girdwood for lunch or a tram ride at Alyeska Resort
-
Roads are well-paved, but be ready for rain and fog
17. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii’s Most Famous Road
The Hana Highway (HI-360) is a 64.4-mile ribbon of tropical bliss, weaving through 620 curves and 59 bridges between Kahului and Hana.
It’s not about speed—it’s about the journey. Expect:
-
Rainforest cliffs and ocean views
-
Dozens of waterfalls
-
Lush botanical gardens and black sand beaches
Best stops:
-
Twin Falls (first stop, perfect for a dip)
-
Wai’anapanapa State Park (black sand beach)
-
Wailua Falls
I’ve done this twice, and both times felt like stepping into paradise. Pack motion sickness meds if you’re sensitive!
18. Flint Hills Scenic Byway, Kansas
Prairie Beauty in Its Purest Form
Don’t underestimate Kansas. The Flint Hills Scenic Byway (K-177) is a 47-mile stretch through tallgrass prairie, one of the rarest ecosystems in the world.
There’s a quiet, cinematic beauty here—rolling hills, wildflowers, and endless sky. I drove it in late spring, and the fields were a sea of green and gold.
Top attractions:
-
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
-
Chase County Courthouse
-
Cottonwood Falls (small-town charm)
TripAdvisor Review:
“Peaceful, moving. It’s like driving through a painting.” – ★★★★☆
19. Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway, Massachusetts
The Original American Scenic Drive
Established in 1914, the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) is one of the oldest scenic drives in the U.S., and it’s packed with historic charm and forested beauty.
Don’t miss:
-
Hairpin Turn in North Adams: Panoramic views
-
Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls
-
Western Summit overlook
I visited during peak foliage—the Berkshire Mountains were ablaze with color. Stay overnight in a local inn for the full experience.
20. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota
Black Hills Drama and Wildlife Galore
This 70-mile loop through South Dakota’s Black Hills combines history, wildlife, and jaw-dropping granite spires. It includes the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, famous for one-lane tunnels and pigtail bridges.
What to expect:
-
Mount Rushmore views through tunnels
-
Bison in Custer State Park
-
Sylvan Lake (great picnic stop)
I loved driving this in early morning light—the granite needles glow orange. It’s also one of the best byways for photographers and wildlife lovers.
Map of US Scenic Byways: Visual Guide
Want to visualize your next road trip? Download the official US Scenic Byways Map from FHWA. You can also build custom road trip routes using Google Maps—each byway link in this article helps get you started.
Downloadable Travel Itinerary for US Scenic Byways
📥 Free PDF Download
Grab our curated “Top 20 US Scenic Byways Itinerary” to help plan your next road trip adventure. It includes:
-
Day-by-day breakdowns
-
Hotel and restaurant suggestions
-
Trail info and Google Maps links
Final Tips for Driving US Scenic Byways
-
Start early: Beat the crowds and catch golden hour light
-
Use paper maps: Cell service is often unreliable
-
Pack snacks & water: Not all routes have services
-
Respect nature: Stay on paths, don’t litter
-
Check road conditions: Especially in mountain and winter zones
Conclusion
From the tropical coasts of Hawaii to the alpine peaks of Colorado, the US Scenic Byways offer some of the most rewarding road trips in the world. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking romance, or a family on an epic summer drive, these routes promise unforgettable memories, stunning vistas, and deep cultural roots.
Take your time, stop often, and soak in every moment. You’ll find that the beauty of these drives lies not just in where you go—but how you get there.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to drive US scenic byways?
Generally, spring through fall offers the best views and accessibility, with October being peak for fall foliage.
How do I find lodging along the byways?
Use TripAdvisor or Google Maps to book local inns, B&Bs, or motels. Many byways have charming small-town stays.
Are US scenic byways safe for RVs?
Most are, but check road grades and turn restrictions—routes like Beartooth or Skykomish can be tricky.
Do I need a special pass or permit?
No for most, but national parks or forests along the way may charge fees.
Which scenic byway is the most famous in the US?
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often ranked #1 due to its length, views, and historical significance.
