Hidden Gems: Six Secret American Road Trips to Discover
The United States is renowned for its plethora of jaw-droppingly beautiful stretches of highway. In fact, for many travelers, the very word “America” conjures images not of bustling cities or world-class museums (though the US offers no shortage of them) but of iconic roads such as California’s Highway 1, the Southeast’s Blue Ridge Parkway, and Montana’s Going-to-the-Sun Road.
However, what about the lesser-known American drives? The ones that aren’t necessarily jam-packed with road trip enthusiasts but nonetheless offer gorgeous scenery, family-friendly fun, education, and even cultural enlightenment? Here, we delve into six outstanding “secret” drives that travelers will love to brag about having “discovered.”
Big Bend, Texas
Big Bend National Park, along the Texas border with Mexico, is often overshadowed by its more famous fellow parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. Yet, a road trip through this stunning environment, characterized by its limestone cliffs, scenic overlooks, and the Rio Grande River, provides a unique way to experience the American landscape. With small “villages” acting as handy milestones, one recommended drive is the Panther Junction-to-Rio Grande Village route, covering about 21 miles (34 km) and featuring ancient limestone formations, scenic views, and opportunities for short hikes at Boquillas Canyon or the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.
Cherokee Hills, Oklahoma
This lesser-known road trip offers a rich cultural experience as well. The Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway, located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in eastern Oklahoma, spans approximately 84 miles (135 km). Therefore, it’s advisable to set aside at least two hours for the drive, although making stops along the way is highly encouraged. Along the route, visitors can admire some of the oldest buildings west of the Mississippi River, many of which predate the state of Oklahoma itself. This winding road passes through five quaint towns, including the Cherokee Heritage Center, providing insights into the Trail of Tears and modern-day initiatives of the Cherokee Nation. Additionally, natural wonders like Lake Tenkiller and Natural Falls State Park enhance the journey.
Door County, Wisconsin
The Door County peninsula, often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” is a narrow, scenic area nestled between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Its Coastal Byway (Highway 42/57) is a Wisconsin Scenic Byway stretching over 60 miles (97 km), connecting the charming towns of Sturgeon Bay and Northport. Here, visitors can experience the natural beauty and laid-back ambiance of this treasured Wisconsin region, famous for its fresh cherry farms, a summer theater festival, and lakeshore communities that feature delightful eateries (including homemade ice cream), unique shops, and accessible forests suited for leisurely hikes.
Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway, Delaware
Although Delaware is among the smallest states in the US, it is rich in history and natural beauty. The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway, located in northern Delaware, transports visitors past a variety of attractions, from the city of Wilmington to lush countrysides. Officially measuring just 12 miles (19 km) along Kennett Pike and Montchanin Road, the byway highlights the 300-year history of the Brandywine Valley and its contributions to the industrial revolution and the early growth of transportation in the United States. Consider this byway your gateway to the broader Brandywine Valley region, which extends into Pennsylvania and showcases significant historical homes with remarkable art collections, such as the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library; the Nemours Mansion and Garden; the Brandywine River Museum; and the Delaware Museum of Art.
Beartooth Highway, Wyoming & Montana
Warning: once you’ve experienced the Beartooth Highway, which adjoins Yellowstone National Park and is surrounded by national forests and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, you might be spoiled forever. This National Scenic Byway, a recognized All-American Road, winds through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, achieving an elevation exceeding 10,000 ft (3,000 meters) at its peak. It is known as the highest highway in the northern Rocky Mountains and offers unparalleled scenic overlooks, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and a high alpine plateau above the treeline. Set aside a few hours to fully appreciate the 67 miles (108 km) of highway, and take the opportunity to explore one of the gateway communities such as Cooke City, Red Lodge, Montana, or Cody, Wyoming.
Mississippi Blues Trail, Mississippi
For an immersion into one of America’s original art forms, the blues, head to Clarksdale, Mississippi, the entry point to the Mississippi Blues Trail. Although the journey along the legendary Mississippi Delta showcases beautiful vistas, the Blues Trail serves primarily as a collection of interpretive markers and cultural institutions that travelers can explore to craft their own personalized road trip reflecting Mississippi’s incredible musical legacy. The mileage and journey time remain flexible according to your preferences. Highlights include Clarksdale’s Delta Blues Museum, offering insights into local legends like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, Ground Zero Blues Cafe; Indianola’s B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center with its soul food offerings; and Greenwood’s Blues Heritage Gallery, along with outstanding dining experiences in the historic downtown area.
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