There’s a reason your parents liked taking “the scenic route” when you were a kid: it’s because the scenic route is more interesting. In fact, 150 roads in the U.S. have been designated as scenic byways because of their cultural, historic, recreational or scenic qualities. Embrace the phrase, “The journey is the destination,” and make your next trip more memorable on one of these scenic byways.
From the pine ridgelines of Alaska to the cypress swamps of Florida, there are millions of acres of wild forests for hiking, biking, getting on the water and camping under the stars. Celebrate America’s woodlands with an outdoor adventure in these state forests.
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Utah
As you leave the small town of Kamas, Utah you enter a pine-covered pass. Ascending up into mountain terrain, meadows and tall peaks dot the roadside and skyline. The height of the byway is at Bald Mountain Pass where you hit 10,687 feet. Be sure to pause and take in the beauty at the many stopping points along the way.
Where to Stay: Rockport State Park and Jordanelle State Park
Kancamagus Scenic Byway, New Hampshire
Leave the hustle and bustle of life behind as you drive through the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Few scenic byways are more beautiful in the fall than this one, each tree bursting with fiery red and brilliant yellow. With no gas stations, restaurants or hotels in close proximity you can truly get away from it all.
Where to Stay: Cannon Mountain RV Park and Dry River Campground
Recommended: RV Camping Guide for Beginners
Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway, Colorado
Of all the scenic byways, history buffs need to travel this one. Peak to Peak was deemed Colorado’s oldest scenic highway in 1918. Here you’ll catch the Continental Divide, historic mining sites and Roosevelt National Forest. Snow capped mountains and yellow green meadows are the perfect backdrop for your photo op.
Where to Stay: Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Boyd Lake State Park
Bighorn Scenic Byway, Wyoming
As you coast through the Big Horn Mountains you’ll admire the lush forests and brightly colored meadows of this scenic byway in Wyoming. Don’t miss the 120-foot cascading waterfalls of Shell Falls; some of the most extraordinary scenery you’ll find on this breathtaking drive.
Where to Stay: Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site and Buffalo Bill State Park
Mount Hood Scenic Byway, Oregon
Discover geologic wonders, waterfalls, temperate rain forests and wild rivers on this scenic byway. Plus, experience the formidable last leg of the Oregon Trail, the Barlow Road.
Where to Stay: Ainsworth State Park and Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Ohio River Scenic Byway, Indiana
This history-rich byway meanders along the banks of the Ohio River, hugging its shoreline and offering almost continuous views of the river. The history of the Ohio is found both in rural landscapes and quaint river communities.
Where to Stay: City Falls State Park and Lincoln State Park
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, Louisiana
Known as Louisiana’s Outback, the Creole Nature Trail meanders through marshes, prairies and along the Gulf of Mexico.
Where to Stay: Chicot State Park and Cypremort Point State Park
Great River Road National Scenic Byway, Mississippi
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway runs over 275 miles along the Mississippi River, following U.S. Highway 61. The byway represents an enormous wealth of historical, architectural, cultural and recreational resources. The route is part of the larger Great River Road which runs along both sides of the Mississippi River from the headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the mouth of the river at the Gulf of Mexico.
Where to Stay: Leroy Percy State Park and Natchez State Park
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.