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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: achilles765 on January 09, 2022, 04:02:10 AM

Title: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: achilles765 on January 09, 2022, 04:02:10 AM
I have been wondering what others think are some of the most impressive or most interesting stretches of highways they have seen or experienced?

I was thinking this should be two categories:
1. Most impressive urban highway/freeway, meaning a stretch of highway or freeway in an urban area that is particularly impressive or interesting/cool to see or drive though.  Things like interesting interchanges, lane configurations, stacks, skyline views, scenery up against urban landscapes--that kind of thing
and
2. Most beautiful and impressive scenic landscapes...like I-70 in Colorado, I-15 in the Virgin River Gorge

Out of the places I have driven, I will always like the stretch of IH 45 here in Houston within the 610 loop, including the Pierce Elevated, which I really don't want them to tear down...I like IH 10 and US 90 in New Orleans, the double decked portions of I 10 in San Antonio, the BQE/I-278 in NYC, IH 35W/820 and 35E/635 areas in DFW, and I 93 in Boston.
The only scenic routes I have been able to enjoy were I-81 in the mountains of PA and the videos I have seen of Texas Loop 375 in EL Paso
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Bruce on January 09, 2022, 05:13:12 AM
I-90 from its SODO terminus to Ellensburg qualifies as both (and cost an arm and a leg to build).

Impressive skyline views from a variety of ramps, a complex interchange with I-5, a blend of historic and modern tunnels through Mount Baker Ridge, two of the world's longest floating bridges, some modern park lids, and a light rail line being built right down the middle to boot.

And beyond the suburbs, there's a lot of beauty to be found on the way up to Snoqualmie Pass, with plenty of hiking trails that pass right under the high viaduct on Denny Creek.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 09, 2022, 08:35:07 AM
CA 18 from San Bernardino to Crestline always impresses me every time I drive it.  It's amazing how a four lane expressway gains so much elevation so fast which caps off at an interchange hanging on the side of a mountain.  Sure lives up to the name "Rim of the World Highway."

The switchbacks on Horseshoe Meadows Road had a similar feel climbing out of the Alabama Hills.  That was really something to see that large of an excavated cut climb the side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains first hand.  Shame it wasn't kept as part of CA 190. 

Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: SkyPesos on January 09, 2022, 10:18:32 AM
For an urban freeway that have interesting skyline views, the approaches to downtown Cincinnati on both sides of I-71. The NB/Kentucky approach have the downward slope, in which before that, you can see the whole skyline. The SB/Ohio approach is on a bridge for this part, and it seem like you're going to drive into the P&G building, then you make a turn into the tunnel.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: SEWIGuy on January 09, 2022, 12:40:32 PM
I-84 through the Cascades along the Columbia River is my favorite.

Crossing the Golden Gate heading into San Francisco is nice too.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: 1995hoo on January 09, 2022, 12:44:21 PM
While I don't like Pittsburgh, I've always found the sight of the city when coming out of the tunnel on the way in from the airport to be a very impressive view.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2022, 02:02:31 PM
When traffic isn't a nightmare, the stretch of the Mass Pike through Newton is pretty cool when you get to drive under Star Market and a hotel built right over the highway. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: SSR_317 on January 09, 2022, 02:52:14 PM
I would nominate the following roadways (both just happen to be Interstates):

In Category 1: The drive north on Chicago's I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Freeway (sic, sorry Chicagoans, but I REFUSE to call Interstate highways by the incorrect suffix "Expressway"). You have all the classic urban elements right  there outside your windshield: a "double freeway" with "Express Lanes" inside of Collector/Distributor Lanes ("Local Lanes"), a Rapid Transit rail line in the median (The L's Red Line), and a spectacular view of the Willis (neĆ© the Sears) Tower and the rest of the Loop's skyscrapers (if you are a passenger, or if as a driver you are stuck in traffic so you have time to safely appreciate the view). And unlike many other Chicago area Interstates, it's not Tolled (not even the Express Lanes)! It can be a pain to drive at rush hour (and many other times as well), but it most certainly is "impressive".

In Category 2: The entire length of "Intrastate" (sic) 17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Northbound, you start out next to a major international airport in the midst of a sprawling and booming urban area, then after skirting the downtown area to the south and west, you slowly transition to a suburban, then exurban area. Before you know it, you find yourself in a desolate rural region, traveling through beautiful mountain vistas, traversing deep river canyons, and eventually ending up in a high desert pine forest. During the last third of this journey north, you (on a clear day) have the spectacular vista of a snow-covered (until the Climate Crisis melts it) volcanic mountain (Humphrys Peak, the tallest in Arizona) dead ahead as your companion. You also climb from just over 1000 feet above sea level elevation at PHX, to just over 8000 feet as you approach Flag (as the locals call Flagstaff), all in the span of less than 150 miles and about 2 hours of (normal) driving time. If you have the time and traffic conditions to appreciate it, this can be one of the most memorable drives in the entire USA. It it certainly one of, it not the most, diverse stretches of freeway in the entire Eisenhower Interstate System.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: hbelkins on January 09, 2022, 03:04:45 PM
This is again a very subjective list, but I really like Corridor H (US 48) from the Bismarck/Mt. Storm Lake area (WV 42) to the end of the four-lane near Wardensville.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Flint1979 on January 09, 2022, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2022, 02:02:31 PM
When traffic isn't a nightmare, the stretch of the Mass Pike through Newton is pretty cool when you get to drive under Star Market and a hotel built right over the highway.
That hotel over the MassPike is one of the first things I remember about the Boston area.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: skluth on January 09, 2022, 04:10:30 PM
Urban: Coming into St Louis on I-55 and watching the Arch look larger as you approach the Mississippi River was one of my favorite things about living in St Louis.

Rural: I recently drove the old US 66 in Arizona through Peach Springs. The scenery is right out of Cars and there are a number of old/new Burma Shave signs along the route.

Neither will be #1 on anybody's list, but both are noteworthy and worth checking out if you're in the area.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: skluth on January 09, 2022, 04:12:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 09, 2022, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2022, 02:02:31 PM
When traffic isn't a nightmare, the stretch of the Mass Pike through Newton is pretty cool when you get to drive under Star Market and a hotel built right over the highway.
That hotel over the MassPike is one of the first things I remember about the Boston area.

I always loved going under the old post office on the Congress/Eisenhower (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8755486,-87.6399071,3a,75y,89.63h,103.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTysplmeEAnneE6GfySlG1Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) in Chicago
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: jmd41280 on January 09, 2022, 04:23:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 09, 2022, 12:44:21 PM
While I don't like Pittsburgh, I've always found the sight of the city when coming out of the tunnel on the way in from the airport to be a very impressive view.

I've always been partial to I-279 south approaching downtown Pittsburgh (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.4644598,-79.9999202,3a,45y,163.03h,96.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smJ3Sn3TMZKARAoGs__Z6gA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 09, 2022, 04:25:28 PM
Quote from: skluth on January 09, 2022, 04:10:30 PM
Urban: Coming into St Louis on I-55 and watching the Arch look larger as you approach the Mississippi River was one of my favorite things about living in St Louis.

Rural: I recently drove the old US 66 in Arizona through Peach Springs. The scenery is right out of Cars and there are a number of old/new Burma Shave signs along the route.

Neither will be #1 on anybody's list, but both are noteworthy and worth checking out if you're in the area.

As much as people in the Roadgeek community shit on US 66 for having an over saturated fandom nowadays the 1926-52 alignment over Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman is an all time classic.  The stretch though Kingman to Seligman is pretty damn chock full of Americana with stuff like the Hackberry General Store.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: CoreySamson on January 09, 2022, 07:29:15 PM
My favorite has to be I-610 southbound in Houston on the NW side of town between 290 and I-10:

(https://imgur.com/TCaOShT.jpg)

All the different lanes and ramps coming together along with the view of tall buildings just does it for me. Driving it for the first time on a Saturday morning was pretty magical.

I'm also impartial to TX-130 between Lockhart and Seguin.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: achilles765 on January 10, 2022, 06:37:44 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 09, 2022, 08:35:07 AM
CA 18 from San Bernardino to Crestline always impresses me every time I drive it.  It's amazing how a four lane expressway gains so much elevation so fast which caps off at an interchange hanging on the side of a mountain.  Sure lives up to the name "Rim of the World Highway."

The switchbacks on Horseshoe Meadows Road had a similar feel climbing out of the Alabama Hills.  That was really something to see that large of an excavated cut climb the side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains first hand.  Shame it wasn't kept as part of CA 190. 



I watched some YouTube videos of these two...wow...I have to drive those some day
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Flint1979 on January 10, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Quote from: skluth on January 09, 2022, 04:12:52 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on January 09, 2022, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2022, 02:02:31 PM
When traffic isn't a nightmare, the stretch of the Mass Pike through Newton is pretty cool when you get to drive under Star Market and a hotel built right over the highway.
That hotel over the MassPike is one of the first things I remember about the Boston area.

I always loved going under the old post office on the Congress/Eisenhower (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8755486,-87.6399071,3a,75y,89.63h,103.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTysplmeEAnneE6GfySlG1Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) in Chicago
Yeah that one is pretty cool too.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: 1995hoo on January 10, 2022, 05:08:57 PM
Quote from: jmd41280 on January 09, 2022, 04:23:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 09, 2022, 12:44:21 PM
While I don't like Pittsburgh, I've always found the sight of the city when coming out of the tunnel on the way in from the airport to be a very impressive view.

I've always been partial to I-279 south approaching downtown Pittsburgh (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.4644598,-79.9999202,3a,45y,163.03h,96.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smJ3Sn3TMZKARAoGs__Z6gA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).

I've never been on that road north of downtown. Thanks for the link.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: MATraveler128 on January 10, 2022, 07:56:23 PM
Some of the best stretches of highway I've been on include I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge, US 550 in Colorado, I-93 Franconia Notch Parkway, and MA 2 at the hairpin curve near North Adams.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 10, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Minnesota doesn't have much, but it's probably MN 61. Some of the 1960s-era rock cuts (particularly just NE of the MN 1 junction and the section from Grand Portage to the border) are pretty neat. After Grand Marais it spends a lot of time at lake level which gives a different perspective, before climbing back high above the lake to cross the border.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 10, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 10, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Minnesota doesn't have much, but it's probably MN 61. Some of the 1960s-era rock cuts (particularly just NE of the MN 1 junction and the section from Grand Portage to the border) are pretty neat. After Grand Marais it spends a lot of time at lake level which gives a different perspective, before climbing back high above the lake to cross the border.

MN 61 is one of the best roads in the Great Lakes Region.  M-26 and WI 13 come to mind as other scenic Lake Superior stretches.  I would take M-26 for overall scenery over M-22.

Florida has a couple really impressive stretches.  The most cliche but nonetheless impressive is US 1 in the Florida Keys.  The sheer amount of bridges chaining those islands is something not replicated anywhere else in the United States.  Main Park Road, Tamiami Trail and Loop Road in the Everglades are all pretty impressive given how they just cut through sheer wetlands.

With Arizona AZ 88 on the Apache Trail was really something unique before it washed out.  I contend US 191 on the Coronado Trail is the most daunting and possibly fun to drive US Route segments.  The amount of engineering that it took to get US 60/AZ 77 in Salt River Canyon to facilitate freight traffic is really impressive.  AZ 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson is about as good as a divided expressway gets (aside from CA 18 as stated in my original post).
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 10, 2022, 09:00:00 PM
With Hawaii and O'ahu there three standouts, all the Ko'olau Range:

-  Interstate H-3 given how it is a masterpiece of engineering with all the tunnels and viaduct structures.
-  HI 61/Pali Highway was my personal favorite given it is the oldest of the trans-Ko'olau corridors.  The Pali Overlook at the Old Pali Highway really illustrates how daunting it was to get any road over the Ko'olau Range.
-  HI 63/Likelike is kind of the middle ground of HI 61 and Interstate H-3.  Not as impressive as either corridor but would still blow the doors off of the engineering features and scenery of most state highways. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: thspfc on January 10, 2022, 09:05:37 PM
I-376
US-75 in DFW
I-10 in the Houston area
Zoo Freeway in Milwaukee
I-90/94 through Chicago
I-71 in Cincinnati
US-26 in Portland
I-70 from Denver westward
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: frankenroad on January 11, 2022, 04:18:40 PM
This does not really fit either category, but I always liked the view on I-75 about 30 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge when you get a brief glimpse of the top of the bridge.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Flint1979 on January 11, 2022, 05:32:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 10, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 10, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Minnesota doesn't have much, but it's probably MN 61. Some of the 1960s-era rock cuts (particularly just NE of the MN 1 junction and the section from Grand Portage to the border) are pretty neat. After Grand Marais it spends a lot of time at lake level which gives a different perspective, before climbing back high above the lake to cross the border.

MN 61 is one of the best roads in the Great Lakes Region.  M-26 and WI 13 come to mind as other scenic Lake Superior stretches.  I would take M-26 for overall scenery over M-22.

Florida has a couple really impressive stretches.  The most cliche but nonetheless impressive is US 1 in the Florida Keys.  The sheer amount of bridges chaining those islands is something not replicated anywhere else in the United States.  Main Park Road, Tamiami Trail and Loop Road in the Everglades are all pretty impressive given how they just cut through sheer wetlands.

With Arizona AZ 88 on the Apache Trail was really something unique before it washed out.  I contend US 191 on the Coronado Trail is the most daunting and possibly fun to drive US Route segments.  The amount of engineering that it took to get US 60/AZ 77 in Salt River Canyon to facilitate freight traffic is really impressive.  AZ 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson is about as good as a divided expressway gets (aside from CA 18 as stated in my original post).
M-26 indeed takes the cake over M-22. I've been on M-26 between Copper Harbor and Phoenix and it took a lot longer than taking US-41 which I had taken on the way north but going south I decided to take M-26, lots of scenic areas, Brockway Mountain is pretty cool, so are Eagle Harbor and Eagle River. I haven't been on the part between Hancock and Calumet but I imagine that is nice as well near Lake Linden.

M-22 is nice too but I like M-26 better.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: epzik8 on January 11, 2022, 06:25:39 PM
I-68 through Sideling Hill
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: jmd41280 on January 11, 2022, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2022, 05:08:57 PMI've never been on that road north of downtown. Thanks for the link.

No problem at all. As a native Yinzer, I can say that the entrance via I-279 south is very underrated. Coming off I-79 south, you go through alternating stretches of suburbia and wooded valleys. Going down the East Street Valley, you round a bend and one of the best angles of the Pittsburgh skyline suddenly comes into view.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 12, 2022, 02:49:39 PM
Quote from: achilles765 on January 09, 2022, 04:02:10 AM
I have been wondering what others think are some of the most impressive or most interesting stretches of highways they have seen or experienced?

I was thinking this should be two categories:
1. Most impressive urban highway/freeway, meaning a stretch of highway or freeway in an urban area that is particularly impressive or interesting/cool to see or drive though.  Things like interesting interchanges, lane configurations, stacks, skyline views, scenery up against urban landscapes--that kind of thing
and
2. Most beautiful and impressive scenic landscapes...like I-70 in Colorado, I-15 in the Virgin River Gorge

Out of the places I have driven, I will always like the stretch of IH 45 here in Houston within the 610 loop, including the Pierce Elevated, which I really don't want them to tear down...I like IH 10 and US 90 in New Orleans, the double decked portions of I 10 in San Antonio, the BQE/I-278 in NYC, IH 35W/820 and 35E/635 areas in DFW, and I 93 in Boston.
The only scenic routes I have been able to enjoy were I-81 in the mountains of PA and the videos I have seen of Texas Loop 375 in EL Paso

I love all your entries.  Additions to most expensive would be Katy Freeway in Houston and The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge in Louisiana always makes me jaw drop how they built an 18 mile long elevated highway though a swamp. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on January 12, 2022, 03:38:38 PM
I-635 in Dallas with those "trenched" express lanes.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Mr_Northside on January 12, 2022, 05:22:31 PM
Quote from: jmd41280 on January 11, 2022, 08:57:12 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2022, 05:08:57 PMI've never been on that road north of downtown. Thanks for the link.

No problem at all. As a native Yinzer, I can say that the entrance via I-279 south is very underrated. Coming off I-79 south, you go through alternating stretches of suburbia and wooded valleys. Going down the East Street Valley, you round a bend and one of the best angles of the Pittsburgh skyline suddenly comes into view.

Not to totally devolve into good/great "BOOM!" moments of seeing the Pittsburgh skyline, I-376/Parkway east heading into town, coming around the sharp bend before the Oakland/Glenwood exit ain't too shabby either.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

The state as a whole doesn't have a lot of very interesting interstates in rural areas... There's I-87 north of Albany, and maybe parts of I-81 (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2858242,-75.9705055,3a,90y,342.82h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUrnc3l91uhP-lqtfH1KgYw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1). I-86/NY 17 is scenic too. But unless I'm missing something obvious, it's mostly pretty boring other than that.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: thspfc on January 13, 2022, 12:24:32 PM
My favorite stretch of rural Interstate in the Midwest is I-39/90/94 between CTH-V in DeForest and WI-33. Especially on a fall or winter afternoon.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: vdeane on January 13, 2022, 12:48:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

The state as a whole doesn't have a lot of very interesting interstates in rural areas... There's I-87 north of Albany, and maybe parts of I-81 (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2858242,-75.9705055,3a,90y,342.82h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUrnc3l91uhP-lqtfH1KgYw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1). I-86/NY 17 is scenic too. But unless I'm missing something obvious, it's mostly pretty boring other than that.
I-87 is pretty nice, especially (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8286963,-73.7744667,3a,75y,45.11h,89.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sijhX0GprgfvZ2_lBZW9owg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) in the Adirondacks (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4009104,-73.5010218,3a,75y,10.15h,93.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scyfeMqepoKLZ0La4wzuTHQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) but also around (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9077942,-74.042419,3a,22.1y,351.97h,90.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9-pfEZ8e2hCzI6wVL89YDA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) the Catskills (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2439956,-73.8922885,3a,75y,229.61h,86.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scOHsaE6NLyZ4aM_l33aH7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).  I-90 is also pretty nice in the Mohawk Valley (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.896036,-74.4811872,3a,75y,287.25h,87.78t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D23.948822%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656).  I-88 has its moments (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6798563,-74.397035,3a,60.3y,83.97h,85.72t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D181.28516%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) too.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: jmacswimmer on January 13, 2022, 01:01:38 PM
An upthread post mentioned I-90/Mass Pike thru Newton - I'll go ahead and expand that to the duration of I-90 from I-95/MA 128 to MA 1A beyond BOS.

There's the parallel Commuter Rail tracks from Weston to South Station, the aforementioned Star Market & Four Points hotel over the highway, the brief elevated stretch above the tracks squeezed between BU & the Charles, followed by 3 tunnels in quick succession (Prudential, Fort Point, Ted Williams).  Not to mention the absolute mazes of interchanges at I-93 & Logan that extend into the adjacent tunnels...That stretch was always a blast to ride during airport runs in my college years.

Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

There's also a brief view of downtown Rochester from I-390 just south of the Thruway (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0377966,-77.6525381,3a,18.7y,20.21h,88.71t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sF3Rz2iysVfumQc_46SWxJA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en), prior to descending a hill.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 13, 2022, 06:34:59 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 10, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 10, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Minnesota doesn't have much, but it's probably MN 61. Some of the 1960s-era rock cuts (particularly just NE of the MN 1 junction and the section from Grand Portage to the border) are pretty neat. After Grand Marais it spends a lot of time at lake level which gives a different perspective, before climbing back high above the lake to cross the border.

MN 61 is one of the best roads in the Great Lakes Region.  M-26 and WI 13 come to mind as other scenic Lake Superior stretches.  I would take M-26 for overall scenery over M-22.

61 probably has the most miles of lakeview of any of these routes, which for me is a big plus.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: thspfc on January 14, 2022, 01:05:21 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 13, 2022, 12:48:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

The state as a whole doesn't have a lot of very interesting interstates in rural areas... There's I-87 north of Albany, and maybe parts of I-81 (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2858242,-75.9705055,3a,90y,342.82h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUrnc3l91uhP-lqtfH1KgYw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1). I-86/NY 17 is scenic too. But unless I'm missing something obvious, it's mostly pretty boring other than that.
I-87 is pretty nice, especially (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8286963,-73.7744667,3a,75y,45.11h,89.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sijhX0GprgfvZ2_lBZW9owg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) in the Adirondacks (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4009104,-73.5010218,3a,75y,10.15h,93.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scyfeMqepoKLZ0La4wzuTHQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) but also around (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9077942,-74.042419,3a,22.1y,351.97h,90.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9-pfEZ8e2hCzI6wVL89YDA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) the Catskills (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2439956,-73.8922885,3a,75y,229.61h,86.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scOHsaE6NLyZ4aM_l33aH7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).  I-90 is also pretty nice in the Mohawk Valley (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.896036,-74.4811872,3a,75y,287.25h,87.78t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D23.948822%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656).  I-88 has its moments (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6798563,-74.397035,3a,60.3y,83.97h,85.72t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D181.28516%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) too.
This style of post gives me flashbacks to the Illinois is not flat threads. Difference is, when you click the links in this post, you actually get scenic views, not a bunch of trees at the edge of a cornfield.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: vdeane on January 14, 2022, 10:05:13 PM
Quote from: thspfc on January 14, 2022, 01:05:21 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 13, 2022, 12:48:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2022, 08:16:30 AM
Rochester has a bit of a "blink and you miss it" downtown, but I've always enjoyed this view from I-490 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1511388,-77.6103379,3a,82.2y,59.77h,84.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spx8jisHTUKyjfy0lffO5KQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), especially at night.

The state as a whole doesn't have a lot of very interesting interstates in rural areas... There's I-87 north of Albany, and maybe parts of I-81 (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2858242,-75.9705055,3a,90y,342.82h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUrnc3l91uhP-lqtfH1KgYw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1). I-86/NY 17 is scenic too. But unless I'm missing something obvious, it's mostly pretty boring other than that.
I-87 is pretty nice, especially (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8286963,-73.7744667,3a,75y,45.11h,89.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sijhX0GprgfvZ2_lBZW9owg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) in the Adirondacks (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.4009104,-73.5010218,3a,75y,10.15h,93.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scyfeMqepoKLZ0La4wzuTHQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) but also around (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.9077942,-74.042419,3a,22.1y,351.97h,90.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9-pfEZ8e2hCzI6wVL89YDA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) the Catskills (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2439956,-73.8922885,3a,75y,229.61h,86.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scOHsaE6NLyZ4aM_l33aH7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).  I-90 is also pretty nice in the Mohawk Valley (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.896036,-74.4811872,3a,75y,287.25h,87.78t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8ESTIXEzfWyg8qw2qPEUuw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D23.948822%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656).  I-88 has its moments (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6798563,-74.397035,3a,60.3y,83.97h,85.72t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DdbjZDss4cp2FFx1XSRa8KA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D181.28516%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) too.
This style of post gives me flashbacks to the Illinois is not flat threads. Difference is, when you click the links in this post, you actually get scenic views, not a bunch of trees at the edge of a cornfield.
The irony is that I was focusing on areas webny99 missed while myself missing that he already mentioned I-87 north of Albany, though it still works given that the phrase "I-87 north of Albany" can also refer to one of the most boring stretches of interstate in the state (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1379511,-73.7302337,3a,27.4y,15.9h,88.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1si0UCtt2hPi9pCIDqBrUqJA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) (outside of, say, fresh snow making the trees look like a winter wonderland).
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: pderocco on September 06, 2025, 04:43:33 AM
I completely missed this thread three years ago, but found it while searching for something else, and my head filled with ideas as I read through people's responses. It seems that the rural "highway" refers to almost any road, not just something you can drive fast on, so there are probably hundreds of great roads people could suggest. I'll throw out a bunch that I didn't see mentioned, although many of my faves showed up early in the thread, but I'd like to hear more from other people about great roads that have gone unmentioned so far.

Urban roads:

Close to my home, the I-8/I-805 interchange. It's a full stack with the through roads on top and bottom, and fly-in-between ramps connecting them. But it's also long because I-805 stays aloft as it crosses the San Diego River and the Friars Rd corridor too.

I-80 across the San Francisco Bay. Emerging from the Yerba Buena Island tunnel onto the new bridge, especially at night, is breathtaking. And it's worth getting off and doing a quick spin around Treasure Island, if you've never done it before. No better view of SF.

I-5/CA-14 interchange. Very complicated, and in interesting terrain. It's quite dramatic when viewed from The Old Road (former US-99) underneath it.

The George Washington Bridge between NJ and NY. It's just sooo massive.

The Big Dig in Boston. It's not particularly beautiful, but it's amazing that they managed to find a way to burrow through the city, including I-90 leading to the Ted Williams Tunnel. And it did make the ground above it a lot more beautiful. Seattle followed up with what I'd call their Little Dig, because it's just one long tunnel with two lanes each way, and no side ramps. No comparison.


Rural roads:

US-395 from Olancha CA up to Topaz CA. The whole road up to Canada is nice, but this specific long section is continuously beautiful, with lots of variety.

US-191 from Vernal UT up into Wyoming. This is a little like US-191 in the Arizona mountains, as it goes through a rather large mine, but it is much shorter and not quite as high, although the views are great. Do a quick side trip to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

I-40 along the Pigeon River in TN and NC really impressed me. Not quite Glenwood Canyon, but close, much more dramatic than most highways in the eastern states.

All of UT-12, and UT-24 from UT-12 to UT-95. This has miles and miles of road through canyons with spectacular rock formations that change colors as you proceed. UT-12 also traverses a high plateau which has spectacular displays of aspen foliage in October.

US-163 through Monument Valley. I never get tired of that drive.

UT-261 from Mexican Hat to the Moki Dugway. The Valley of the Gods is amazing to behold from the turn-outs on the Dugway. And the Dugway is such an odd road feature, given that it is a couple miles of graded dirt road as it climbs the cliff, connecting two perfectly well paved stretches of road.

WA-155 along Banks Lake, in the Grand Coulee. I first saw this in a Mercedes commercial eight years ago or so, and drove it a couple years ago. It's like the Columbia River Gorge but wider, and with only one road, no railroads, and no towns until you get up to the north end. The Grand Coulee Dam is worth a visit too.

WA-14 along the Columbia River. Similar views to I-84, but much mellower driving, and more places to stop and take pictures.

Westbound I-84 descending into the Pendleton OR area. Check it out on Google Earth. You can also find what used to be US-30 just north of it, following its own even more winding path down off the plateau.

I-80 just east of Salt Lake City. I drove it once in October, and there was a lot of nice red foliage, and the topography is really nice.

Going-To-The-Sun Rd in Glacier NP. Very three-dimensional. I think going on a weekday right about now, since kids are in school, would mean that it won't be so crowded that you can't find parking on the pullouts. Reservations are needed sometimes, but generally only eastbound, so do it westbound.

CA-178 over the Sierra Nevada. Not spectacular, but I've always found this road really beautiful, with a lot of variety, from quiet flat farmland surrounded by big hills, Lake Isabella, and the Lower Kern Canyon. Lots of wildflowers in the spring.

MA-6A on Cape Cod. You'll overload on the quaintness of the towns.

BC-99 from Horseshoe Bay up to Squamish, along Howe Sound. It's one of the rare places where you can see a large bay with lots of mountains across it, and on islands in the middle of it. If you ever see scenery like that in a car commercial, that's where it's shot.

I hope someone found some of that useful.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: mgk920 on September 06, 2025, 11:59:31 AM
I would definitely include Chicago's Lake Shore Drive (US 41) in the urban list  :cool:

Mike
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: ChiMilNet on September 06, 2025, 01:11:26 PM
The stretches in Chicago have already been well accounted for, although no one has yet mentioned the Chicago Skyline views from I-294 in Berkeley near the big railyard. That really does show a cool panorama of the city and the scale of the skyline. https://maps.app.goo.gl/HZ8Sh77x6b2aTFCX7

Also, I'll throw in Southbound I-75/85 as they merge in Midtown Atlanta, the view down the highway just shows a line of highrises and really highlights the ever growing scale of the Atlanta skyline. https://maps.app.goo.gl/mzkYiym6QyS5R8tx6
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: mgk920 on September 07, 2025, 11:05:20 AM
Also the drive into downtown Chicago from the northwest on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94).  It is like you are driving straight into a mountain of tall buildings.

Mike
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 11:07:00 AM
Thinking back to the three meets I've hosted in California over the last couple years Caliente-Bodfish Road got the best reception.  It has views, a ghost town and is consistently fun to drive.   The Lions Trail segment approaching Caliente was the standout feature with the massive amount of curves, switchbacks and vistas. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Beltway on September 07, 2025, 01:45:04 PM
Any of the Hampton Roads bridge-tunnels.

I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Once HRBT Expansion is complete in 2026, it will have 8 lanes and be especially impressive.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: pderocco on September 07, 2025, 03:42:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 11:07:00 AMThinking back to the three meets I've hosted in California over the last couple years Caliente-Bodfish Road got the best reception.  It has views, a ghost town and is consistently fun to drive.   The Lions Trail segment approaching Caliente was the standout feature with the massive amount of curves, switchbacks and vistas. 
Did you ever do the loop off that through Loraine and Twin Oaks? If not, check it out next time you're in the area. It goes up a little higher.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 03:48:16 PM
Quote from: pderocco on September 07, 2025, 03:42:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 11:07:00 AMThinking back to the three meets I've hosted in California over the last couple years Caliente-Bodfish Road got the best reception.  It has views, a ghost town and is consistently fun to drive.   The Lions Trail segment approaching Caliente was the standout feature with the massive amount of curves, switchbacks and vistas. 
Did you ever do the loop off that through Loraine and Twin Oaks? If not, check it out next time you're in the area. It goes up a little higher.

You mean Piute Mountain Road?  If so, haven't done that one yet.  I recently looped through Caliente Creek Road on the same day I did Breckenridge Road.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: pderocco on September 07, 2025, 08:02:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 03:48:16 PM
Quote from: pderocco on September 07, 2025, 03:42:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 11:07:00 AMThinking back to the three meets I've hosted in California over the last couple years Caliente-Bodfish Road got the best reception.  It has views, a ghost town and is consistently fun to drive.   The Lions Trail segment approaching Caliente was the standout feature with the massive amount of curves, switchbacks and vistas. 
Did you ever do the loop off that through Loraine and Twin Oaks? If not, check it out next time you're in the area. It goes up a little higher.

You mean Piute Mountain Road?  If so, haven't done that one yet.  I recently looped through Caliente Creek Road on the same day I did Breckenridge Road.
According to Google, the loop is mostly Caliente Creek Rd, but then changes to Walker Basin Rd on the north side, at its intersection with the dirt Piute Mountain Rd, which I've never tackled. But the paved route is quite lovely, with nice variety. Watch for cattle, though.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 08:05:24 PM
Quote from: pderocco on September 07, 2025, 08:02:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 03:48:16 PM
Quote from: pderocco on September 07, 2025, 03:42:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2025, 11:07:00 AMThinking back to the three meets I've hosted in California over the last couple years Caliente-Bodfish Road got the best reception.  It has views, a ghost town and is consistently fun to drive.   The Lions Trail segment approaching Caliente was the standout feature with the massive amount of curves, switchbacks and vistas. 
Did you ever do the loop off that through Loraine and Twin Oaks? If not, check it out next time you're in the area. It goes up a little higher.

You mean Piute Mountain Road?  If so, haven't done that one yet.  I recently looped through Caliente Creek Road on the same day I did Breckenridge Road.
According to Google, the loop is mostly Caliente Creek Rd, but then changes to Walker Basin Rd on the north side, at its intersection with the dirt Piute Mountain Rd, which I've never tackled. But the paved route is quite lovely, with nice variety. Watch for cattle, though.

The designation changes from Walker Basin Road to Caliente Creek Road at Piute Mountain Road.  Even the Postmile paddles reference a different Kern County Roads.  The portion of Caliente Creek Road west of Loraine will get your tires screaming fairly easily. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: CoreySamson on September 07, 2025, 09:20:56 PM
I've gone out and driven many more roads ever since I first posted in this thread several years ago. Here are some of my new favorite impressive roads:

The North Central Expressway in Dallas, TX (US 75):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MpRyGsCZndZ5chez6

I love the design and overall look of this freeway between I-345 and the Loop 12 parclo (one of my favorite Texan interchanges). It is extremely unique for Texas (even with typical Texan design elements, such as the U-turns). I just love how compact and stacked it is (the feeders hang over the main lanes a bit in spots) and how it snakes through the tall buildings surrounding it. Moreover, I think the design of it has aged extremely well, even though it is almost 20 years old if I'm not mistaken (it still kinda looks brand new IMO). It carries an element of grandeur and style that many freeways just do not have. On a related note...
====
I-635 TEXpress, North Dallas:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xUTdL6VmVdq3C7Sy6

I've only been on the main lanes through here, but the stacked lanes and the amount of ramps snaking off in every direction are absolutely fascinating to me. And then there's the High Five interchange to top that off. Easily the single most impressive interchange I've ever seen. I can't wait to see the finished product that TxDOT is cooking up for I-635 east of US 75.
====
I-430 Arkansas River Bridge and approach, Little Rock, AR:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uswAnum48i2ow58K8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kw1hcVactKkCnrX1A

I was utterly shocked when I first drove this section NB earlier this year. I was not expecting such a massive drop into a river gorge in Arkansas, and I was not expecting the view in the first link. An unexpected gem that I was not aware of.
====
I-610 West Loop, Houston, TX
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4J6PkZKScBJEJ1TG7

I mentioned this in the last post I made in this thread, but this section of freeway (between I-10 and US 290) is so wild I had to include it twice. Definitely my favorite highway in Houston infrastructure-wise.
====
OK 375, Indian Nation Turnpike
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KPEhvnAc5me3aguv9

This is a personal favorite. 80 mph speed limit, fun terrain, little traffic? Not much to dislike here. Some of my favorite mountain views in Oklahoma are here.
====

US 412 near Arkansas River
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gL1Fq9iU8RJjq8Gj7

Keeping with the Arkansas River theme, I just like how US 412 on the west side of Tulsa has a great overlook of the Arkansas River (not to mention some great views of downtown Tulsa once you get close to the city).
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Henry on September 08, 2025, 10:42:11 PM
Here are my top picks from all 50 states:

AL: I-20 EB/I-59 NB through Malfunction Junction towards downtown Birmingham
AK: Tok Cutoff/Glenn Highway from Tok to Anchorage
AZ: Old Route 66 from  Seligman to Kingman
AR: I-49 through the Bobby Hopper Tunnel
CA: I-5 SB going into Los Angeles
CO: I-25 SB going into Denver
CT: I-84 through Hartford
DE: I-295 across the Delaware Memorial Bridge
FL: I-275 across the Sunshine Skyway
GA: I-75/I-85 SB going into downtown Atlanta
HI: H-3
ID: ID 75, Shoshone to Challis
IL: I-90/I-94 going into downtown Chicago from either direction
IN: I-65/I-70 going into downtown Indianapolis from either direction
IA: I-74 across the IL-IA Memorial Bridge
KS: Kansas Turnpike
KY: I-71/I-75 NB in Covington down the Cut in the Hill towards Cincinnati
LA: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
ME: US 1 from Brunswick to Van Buren
MD: I-395 going into downtown Baltimore
MA: I-93 going towards the Big Dig in downtown Boston from either direction
MI: I-75 SB going into downtown Detroit
MN: I-94 EB through the Lowry Hill Tunnel and into downtown Minneapolis
MS: Natchez Trace Parkway
MO: I-70 across the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge in St. Louis
MT: US 212 from Joliet to Yellowstone National Park
NE: US 75 through downtown Omaha
NV: I-15 through downtown Las Vegas
NH: I-93 through Franconia Notch
NJ: NJTP, from Exit 6 north
NM: I-25 or I-40 through the Big I
NY: I-278 EB in Brooklyn or I-495 WB in Queens towards Manhattan
NC: Blue Ridge Parkway
ND: Bismarck Expressway
OH: I-90 WB going around Dead Man's Curve into downtown Cleveland
OK: Tulsa Dispersal Loop
OR: I-5 through Portland
PA: I-95 SB into Philadelphia
RI: RI 138 across the Newport Bridge
SC: US 17 across the Arthur Ravenel Bridge in Charleston
SD: US 385 through the Black Hills National Park
TN: I-24 through Monteagle Pass
TX: I-10 Katy Freeway west of downtown Houston
UT: I-80 past the Great Salt Lake
VT: US 7 through the Green Mountain National Forest
VA: US 13 through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
WA: I-5 going into downtown Seattle from either direction
WV: US 48
WI: I-794 in downtown Milwaukee (including the Blues Brothers ramps and the Hoan Bridge)
WY: I-180 into downtown Cheyenne
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Quillz on September 08, 2025, 11:36:24 PM
Glenn Highway is hard to beat. Between Anchorage and Glenallen, you've got boreal forest, mountains, glaciers, and Mt Drum shows up towards the latter town. One of the most beautiful drives you can do. 
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Rothman on September 09, 2025, 07:07:58 AM
Quote from: Henry on September 08, 2025, 10:42:11 PMHere are my top picks from all 50 states:

AL: I-20 EB/I-59 NB through Malfunction Junction towards downtown Birmingham
AK: Tok Cutoff/Glenn Highway from Tok to Anchorage
AZ: Old Route 66 from  Seligman to Kingman
AR: I-49 through the Bobby Hopper Tunnel
CA: I-5 SB going into Los Angeles
CO: I-25 SB going into Denver
CT: I-84 through Hartford
DE: I-295 across the Delaware Memorial Bridge
FL: I-275 across the Sunshine Skyway
GA: I-75/I-85 SB going into downtown Atlanta
HI: H-3
ID: ID 75, Shoshone to Challis
IL: I-90/I-94 going into downtown Chicago from either direction
IN: I-65/I-70 going into downtown Indianapolis from either direction
IA: I-74 across the IL-IA Memorial Bridge
KS: Kansas Turnpike
KY: I-71/I-75 NB in Covington down the Cut in the Hill towards Cincinnati
LA: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
ME: US 1 from Brunswick to Van Buren
MD: I-395 going into downtown Baltimore
MA: I-93 going towards the Big Dig in downtown Boston from either direction
MI: I-75 SB going into downtown Detroit
MN: I-94 EB through the Lowry Hill Tunnel and into downtown Minneapolis
MS: Natchez Trace Parkway
MO: I-70 across the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge in St. Louis
MT: US 212 from Joliet to Yellowstone National Park
NE: US 75 through downtown Omaha
NV: I-15 through downtown Las Vegas
NH: I-93 through Franconia Notch
NJ: NJTP, from Exit 6 north
NM: I-25 or I-40 through the Big I
NY: I-278 EB in Brooklyn or I-495 WB in Queens towards Manhattan
NC: Blue Ridge Parkway
ND: Bismarck Expressway
OH: I-90 WB going around Dead Man's Curve into downtown Cleveland
OK: Tulsa Dispersal Loop
OR: I-5 through Portland
PA: I-95 SB into Philadelphia
RI: RI 138 across the Newport Bridge
SC: US 17 across the Arthur Ravenel Bridge in Charleston
SD: US 385 through the Black Hills National Park
TN: I-24 through Monteagle Pass
TX: I-10 Katy Freeway west of downtown Houston
UT: I-80 past the Great Salt Lake
VT: US 7 through the Green Mountain National Forest
VA: US 13 through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
WA: I-5 going into downtown Seattle from either direction
WV: US 48
WI: I-794 in downtown Milwaukee (including the Blues Brothers ramps and the Hoan Bridge)
WY: I-180 into downtown Cheyenne

Have you traveled these?
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Bickendan on September 09, 2025, 09:33:02 PM
I'm going to nominate NH 12/Belghoria Expressway's crossing of the Hooghly River (Ganges distributary) in Kolkata. At this point, the Hooghly's already about a half-mile wide.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QALYJCfEpxh1yv9z6
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Flint1979 on September 10, 2025, 08:52:26 AM
Quote from: Henry on September 08, 2025, 10:42:11 PMHere are my top picks from all 50 states:

AL: I-20 EB/I-59 NB through Malfunction Junction towards downtown Birmingham
AK: Tok Cutoff/Glenn Highway from Tok to Anchorage
AZ: Old Route 66 from  Seligman to Kingman
AR: I-49 through the Bobby Hopper Tunnel
CA: I-5 SB going into Los Angeles
CO: I-25 SB going into Denver
CT: I-84 through Hartford
DE: I-295 across the Delaware Memorial Bridge
FL: I-275 across the Sunshine Skyway
GA: I-75/I-85 SB going into downtown Atlanta
HI: H-3
ID: ID 75, Shoshone to Challis
IL: I-90/I-94 going into downtown Chicago from either direction
IN: I-65/I-70 going into downtown Indianapolis from either direction
IA: I-74 across the IL-IA Memorial Bridge
KS: Kansas Turnpike
KY: I-71/I-75 NB in Covington down the Cut in the Hill towards Cincinnati
LA: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
ME: US 1 from Brunswick to Van Buren
MD: I-395 going into downtown Baltimore
MA: I-93 going towards the Big Dig in downtown Boston from either direction
MI: I-75 SB going into downtown Detroit
MN: I-94 EB through the Lowry Hill Tunnel and into downtown Minneapolis
MS: Natchez Trace Parkway
MO: I-70 across the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge in St. Louis
MT: US 212 from Joliet to Yellowstone National Park
NE: US 75 through downtown Omaha
NV: I-15 through downtown Las Vegas
NH: I-93 through Franconia Notch
NJ: NJTP, from Exit 6 north
NM: I-25 or I-40 through the Big I
NY: I-278 EB in Brooklyn or I-495 WB in Queens towards Manhattan
NC: Blue Ridge Parkway
ND: Bismarck Expressway
OH: I-90 WB going around Dead Man's Curve into downtown Cleveland
OK: Tulsa Dispersal Loop
OR: I-5 through Portland
PA: I-95 SB into Philadelphia
RI: RI 138 across the Newport Bridge
SC: US 17 across the Arthur Ravenel Bridge in Charleston
SD: US 385 through the Black Hills National Park
TN: I-24 through Monteagle Pass
TX: I-10 Katy Freeway west of downtown Houston
UT: I-80 past the Great Salt Lake
VT: US 7 through the Green Mountain National Forest
VA: US 13 through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
WA: I-5 going into downtown Seattle from either direction
WV: US 48
WI: I-794 in downtown Milwaukee (including the Blues Brothers ramps and the Hoan Bridge)
WY: I-180 into downtown Cheyenne
I-75 NB going over the Rouge River bridge is cooler than going SB into downtown Detroit.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: mgk920 on September 10, 2025, 11:44:57 AM
Except for the part that is west of the Escarpment in the City of Fond du Lac itself, I have always liked the drive on WI 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, WI, both directions.

Mike
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 10, 2025, 12:15:17 PM
Here's my favorite stretches of highway I've traveled (and can remember) by state:

AL: I-10 over Mobile Bay
AK: Denali Park Road
AZ: US60 at Salt River Canyon
AR: I-49 south of Fayetteville
CA: CA1 through Big Sur
CO: US550 between Silverton and Ouray
CT: I-95 over the Connecticut River
DE: DE16 by Broadkill Beach
FL: I-295 over the Dames Point Bridge
GA: I-75 just south of the Tennessee border
ID: ID55 between Cascade and Horseshoe Bend
IL: I-290 heading east into the Loop
IN: I-65 heading north into downtown Indy
IA: I-29 around Sioux Falls
KS: I-670 heading into downtown KC
KY: I-71/75 over the Spence Bridge heading into Cincy
LA: I-10 over the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
ME: UA1A by York Beach
MD: I-68 between Hancock and Cumberland
MA: I-93 heading south into downtown Boston
MI: Smoky Lake Road in the UP
MN: US61 between Wabasha and Winona
MS: I-110 in Biloxi
MO: US169 heading south into downtown KC
MT: Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP
NE: NE71 heading north into Scottsbluff
NV: Las Vegas Strip
NH: US302 through the White Mountains
NJ: I-95 over the GW Bridge
NM: NM17 north of Chama
NY: I-95 over the GW Bridge
NC: I-40 near the Tennessee border
ND: I-94 near Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
OH: I-71/75 split in Cincy
OK: I-44 near the KS/MO/OK tripoint
OR: I-84 through Columbia Gorge
PA: I-376 exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnel
RI: I-95 heading south into downtown Providence
SC: I-26 near the North Carolina border
SD: US16A
TN: I-24 near Lookout Mountain
TX: I-35E southbound into downtown Dallas
UT: UT9 heading westbound into Zion NP
VT: I-89 near Bolton
VA: US13 on the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel/Bridge
WA: 1) I-5 northbound in downtown Seattle and 2) I-90 through Issaquah Pass
WV: I-64/77 concurrency
WI: WI55 through the Menominee Reservation
WY: US212 (Beartooth Highway)
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Dough4872 on September 10, 2025, 07:29:33 PM
Of all the roads I have traveled on, I would have to say the most impressive stretch I've been on is US 36 heading west into Estes Park, Colorado.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Henry on September 10, 2025, 09:44:55 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 10, 2025, 12:15:17 PMHere's my favorite stretches of highway I've traveled (and can remember) by state:

AL: I-10 over Mobile Bay
AK: Denali Park Road
AZ: US60 at Salt River Canyon
AR: I-49 south of Fayetteville
CA: CA1 through Big Sur
CO: US550 between Silverton and Ouray
CT: I-95 over the Connecticut River
DE: DE16 by Broadkill Beach
FL: I-295 over the Dames Point Bridge
GA: I-75 just south of the Tennessee border
ID: ID55 between Cascade and Horseshoe Bend
IL: I-290 heading east into the Loop
IN: I-65 heading north into downtown Indy
IA: I-29 around Sioux Falls
KS: I-670 heading into downtown KC
KY: I-71/75 over the Spence Bridge heading into Cincy
LA: I-10 over the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
ME: UA1A by York Beach
MD: I-68 between Hancock and Cumberland
MA: I-93 heading south into downtown Boston
MI: Smoky Lake Road in the UP
MN: US61 between Wabasha and Winona
MS: I-110 in Biloxi
MO: US169 heading south into downtown KC
MT: Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP
NE: NE71 heading north into Scottsbluff
NV: Las Vegas Strip
NH: US302 through the White Mountains
NJ: I-95 over the GW Bridge
NM: NM17 north of Chama
NY: I-95 over the GW Bridge
NC: I-40 near the Tennessee border
ND: I-94 near Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
OH: I-71/75 split in Cincy
OK: I-44 near the KS/MO/OK tripoint
OR: I-84 through Columbia Gorge
PA: I-376 exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnel
RI: I-95 heading south into downtown Providence
SC: I-26 near the North Carolina border
SD: US16A
TN: I-24 near Lookout Mountain
TX: I-35E southbound into downtown Dallas
UT: UT9 heading westbound into Zion NP
VT: I-89 near Bolton
VA: US13 on the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel/Bridge
WA: 1) I-5 northbound in downtown Seattle and 2) I-90 through Issaquah Pass
WV: I-64/77 concurrency
WI: WI55 through the Menominee Reservation
WY: US212 (Beartooth Highway)
So all that's missing from your list is HI? That's not a bad list either!
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 11, 2025, 08:47:46 AM
Quote from: Henry on September 10, 2025, 09:44:55 PMSo all that's missing from your list is HI? That's not a bad list either!

I've technically been to Hawaii, but only as a layover at HNL. I haven't driven or ridden in a car there alas.
Title: Re: Best, coolest, or most impressive stretches of highways
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 11, 2025, 09:34:52 AM
I would think most people here would pick H3 for Hawaii.  Me personally I was more impressed by Pali Highway since it had stunning overlook from the ruins of the original road.  Hana Highway is my personal favorite and feels like it is from an earlier era which barely clings to stability.