Amazingly, I think either US 101 in Marin County or Interstate 280 in the bay area are. They really are simply beautiful through there.
280 is an excellent drive. Those sweeping curves demand to be done fast.
I'm gonna go with US-191 on the whole.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw8581.jpg&hash=a8904f0775d3f6d51c0029b5d81fcdc0bbf9a2a5)
Clifton, AZ
I'll go with I-70 through western colorado and Utah
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fc%2Fc9%2FColorado05.JPG&hash=4990652b2afdec996178552918f8243c52ef5c89)
Edited for image size. -S.
So many to choose from, it varies on region and terrain IMO.
But the stretch that tops it for me is:
(https://www.aaroads.com/west/utah070/i-070_wb_exit_129_09.jpg)
the aforementioned stretch of Interstate 70 through Utah.
Ooh... I'm siding with rawr here... We don't have anything that pretty back east... Though I suppose I-68 in Western Maryland's pretty scenic.
Washington State Route 410 at Cayuse Pass
OR
Washington State Route 129 near Astoin
I'd have to go with the aforementioned I-70 in Colorado. Also, US 50 in Colorado is pretty scenic in its own right, and as for non-mountainous, US 90 between Lafayette and Westwego, then from New Orleans East to the Mississippi-Alabama state line.
Yeah, I think Glen Canyon would win any kind of contest. What about 80 in UT when it goes into the Wasatch mountains?
Quote from: voyager on January 20, 2009, 01:57:10 AM
Yeah, I think Glen Canyon would win any kind of contest. What about 80 in UT when it goes into the Wasatch mountains?
that is excellent; as is Utah 24 and 95 in the southeast corner of the state... and 44 in the northeast. Here is 44:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw38792.jpg&hash=050227e0c64bb4d426b81e62f76cda722e66c73d)
and here is one of I-70 I found while looking for the 44.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.artistjake.com%2Flj%2Fw45472.jpg&hash=4f7ef3292b5eb281b86e3ed4302c4edb49c2e7a2)
One of the most scenic places to drive, in my opinion, is South Fulton Parkway, located in southwest Fulton County, Georgia. The eastern end, where the parkway begins, is the most built-up portion. It's a freeway from I-85/285 to just past US 29/SR 14 (Roosevelt Highway). From that point on, to just west of SR 154 (Cascade-Palmetto Highway), it's a four lane divided highway. There has been some development (a Publix shopping center) at the parkway's intersection with SR 92 (Campbellton-Fairburn Road).
Lastly, the highway was just designated the US 29 Alternate/SR 14 Alternate about a year or so ago, from US 29/SR 14 (its parent) to SR 154, where it continues as SR 70. The eastern end was the SR 14 Spur to I-85/285: now it's the SR 14 Connector.
I'll try and post some photos later.
Be well,
Bryant
I've never been west of I-35 so my favorite scenic highways are I-93 Through Franconia notch in NH and I-68 in Maryland. The West Virginia Turnpike is also very scenic.
Wow, that's beautiful. :nod:
Quite something different compared to my flat, flat home country...
I-70 in Breezewood. *ducks and covers*
On a more serious note, since I've never been far west of I-35, I'd have to go with either I-68 in MD/WV, I-79 in WV, or the Cumberland Parkway in Kentucky.
My mum likes I-15 in Arizona (through the Virgin River Gorge), and I think it is high on the list.
I-90 in western Washington
Almost any route that stays near a lake, river, beach, etc. This includes the aforementioned U.S. 90 and the section of the Natchez Trace Parkway when it is near the Ross Barnett Reservoir (much of the rest of the route looks just like any other rural Miss./Ala./Tenn. highway with a wide right-of-way and a slow speed limit of 50 m.p.h.).
Surprised nobody has mentioned the highways in Alaska...
indeed, especially the Alaska Highway.
http://agentsteel53.livejournal.com/283223.html (http://agentsteel53.livejournal.com/283223.html)
Thanks for those pics agentsteel, they are some really excellent ones. :biggrin:
I'd consider I-5 through the northern central valley to be pretty scenic, especially with the Mount Shasta views that it has.
Here are some roads that I have been on that were pretty scenic!
California rte 9
Califorina rte 236
New Hampshire rte 16
New Hampshire rte 28
US 1 in Maine
I-89
I-93
I-95 in Maine
Pennsylvania rte 183
US 322 in PA (west of the Downingtown area)
New York rte 9N
US 4 in Vermont
US 7 in Vermont
I-87 (north of Saratoga Springs, NY)
Merritt Parkway in Connecticut
Connecticut rte 15 (c'mon, there are some pretty neat scenes on that road!)
New York rte 157 (you can view most of the Hudson Valley from there on that short road in the Helderberg Mts)
US rte 9 in New York
Sorry, no photos. yet!
i.c.
Yeah, CT-15's a pretty scenic route. Not much traffic either...
I-70 in Colorado - West of Denver - Not East.
US 50 in CO is pretty too.
I-10 West of New Orleans, elevated through the swamp is scenic in a non-traditional way, it definitely caught my interest the first and only time I've driven through it in 2007 (I regret not filming it too). Same for I-10 west of Baton Rouge (Atchafalaya Basin).
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on January 26, 2009, 10:09:35 PM
Not much traffic either...
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllll. Not necessarily. In the summer (time I usually travel it), there is a big number of vehicles. Though the vehicles travel at a normal pase, there are times where the traffic gets jammed (usually either someone getting puller over :angry:, or someone got in an accident which is usual on that narrow freeway with sharp curves)
i.c.
Minnesota Highway 61/Ontario Highway 61, Ontario Highway 17 are my picks for the Most Scenic Highway.
Both of them hug the coast of Lake Superior which creates a really beautiful view!
Quote from: un1 on January 27, 2009, 05:25:42 PM
Minnesota Highway 61/Ontario Highway 61, Ontario Highway 17 are my picks for the Most Scenic Highway.
Both of them hug the coast of Lake Superior which creates a really beautiful view!
excellent pick sir! :D :)
US 101 from WA-CA, very scenic
OK-19 west of Apache or so is pretty nice. Very isolated.
Wow; ok I'll try to keep it to under 10 as I have traveled quite extensively across the country and have been on quite a few very scenic routes.
US 101: Exiting Waldo Tunnel towards Golden Gate Bridge CA
I 70: West of Denver CO to Grand Junction CO and thru almost its
length of Utah
CA 1 Big Sur, 'nuff said :nod:
CA 88 Jackson CA E. thru the Sierras
I 80 Sacramento CA thru CA NV and UT
I 81 Wilkes Barre PA S. thru VA;; nice rural scenery, if you can see
thru the trucks :rolleyes:
US 11&15 Sunbury PA to Camp Hill PA; Very pretty route along the
Susquehanna River, Would be very relaxing except too much
traffic.
I 88 Binghamton NY to Albany NY Very scenic route thru farmland
and low mountains. Very little traffic, at least not 3 years ago
when I was last there.
US 30 Gettysburg PA to Pittsburgh PA Pretty route thru mountains of
So. PA; also route of the Lincoln Highway.
I 91 JCT. I 89 to VT. MA border, Very scenic route thru SE VT. Its
probably just as nice N. of I 89 but I have not been on that
part of the highway.
OK thats 10 and I will stop there altho there are many more.
My experiences say: (not in order)
US 322 Harrisburg to State College, PA
US 1 Calais to Bath, ME
MN 61 Duluth to Canadian Border, MN
I-70 Grand Junction, CO, to Fort Cove, UT (I drove Denver to Grand Junction at night... X-()
I-35 outside Duluth, MN
I-93 in NH
I-80 central PA
I'm going with Washington SR 129/Oregon Route 3 from Anatone to Enterprise
Sweeping Canyons like this abound
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidjcorcoran.com%2Fhighways%2F129%2F12toor%2F9.JPG&hash=ca2f90bd56f26056aa04d55df6735c818739f5a1)
I also like Idaho 55 along the Payette River a lot and Washington State Route 31 from Metaline Falls to the border, which is a short but gorgeous segment
It's insanely fun to drive in a small car too. Make sure you hit it up once you get your license, but make sure you're in the correct vehicle. I did it once in a Jeep Liberty and it was just kind of a hassle but I did it once in a little Dodge Colt Turbo hatchback and that was a bucket of fun hitting those twisties. I really want to do it in a motorcycle at some point
This is pretty scenic, I just remixed this video for those who may have seen it before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC6v80530tc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC6v80530tc)
Nice video...are ya doin' WA-20 anytime soon? 400 miles from bays to ferry to forests to mountains to plains to more forests to civilization. It passes by the Grand Coulee Dam.
Quote from: ComputerGuy on February 01, 2009, 10:52:34 AM
Nice video...are ya doin' WA-20 anytime soon? 400 miles from bays to ferry to forests to mountains to plains to more forests to civilization. It passes by the Grand Coulee Dam.
Probably not in my lifetime :(
I'd be thrilled just to get to Seattle once.
Taylorrick (http://www.youtube.com/user/taylorrick) has a couple Seattle videos
I-81 near the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Talimena Drive in Oklahoma looks pretty exciting:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F105%2F290134301_7b543998cb.jpg&hash=74df52760ff607c8f6d4431f1614d09467137e6b)
US-16 from Buffalo to Worland, Wyo. I don't have any photos but I remember riding on it with my Dad back in 2001 and it was amazing.
Quote from: Chris on February 01, 2009, 03:38:37 PM
Talimena Drive in Oklahoma looks pretty exciting:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F105%2F290134301_7b543998cb.jpg&hash=74df52760ff607c8f6d4431f1614d09467137e6b)
Wow that is beautiful. Oklahoma?
Here's a video I made of me driving along South Fulton Parkway, which is signed with several different highway numbers (SR 14 Connector, US 29 Alternate/SR 14 Alternate and SR 70) along its westerly jaunt to the Chattahoochee River and the Douglas County, Georgia line.
The original music was provided by "The Man in Black;" however, there were some issues with the copyright, so I had to do an audio swap.
Anyway, enjoy the music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKrELFAyHwQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKrELFAyHwQ)
Be well,
Bryant
Here is another scenic route in Northern New Hampshire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGc4ImAwDS8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGc4ImAwDS8)
Quote from: voyager on February 01, 2009, 03:40:16 PM
Wow that is beautiful. Oklahoma?
Yeah, Oklahoma is not only about the "winds sweeping down the plains". :colorful:
In fact, I've read somewhere it's considered one of the most diverse states.
I just registered today - this is a great forum. I've been fortunate to have traveled in all of the "lower 48" states, I could list quite a few great roads. Two that stood out for me are the Blue Ridge Parkway (its entire length of 470 miles from I-64 in Virginia to its southern terminus right near Cherokee, North Carolina. Another great road - and one that's very lightly traveled, is West Virginia State Highway 20, from its junction with I-79 south of Fairmont, to its southern end near Princeton and Bluefield. Great winding two-lane road, well-paved, lightly traveled. It's particularly great if you drive a sports car.
I can't believe nobody's thought about U.S. 163 through Monument Valley, UT/AZ.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Finterfacelift.com%2Fwallpaper%2Fdownloads%2F01745_route163_1280x800.jpg&hash=ad4f1a9245685fd951cca6e383027bd0a51af5dc)
Omg, I can't believe I forgot that! One of the places I've always wanted to go...
Two I can't believe have yet to be mentioned.
I-84 through the Columbia Gorge in Oregon, gorgeous drive.
The "road to Hana" on the island of Maui. It take half a day to get to what's a disappointing tourist trap, but what a drive!
in Quebec, you have
-TCH-20 from Levis to Riviere-du-Loup there some nice views of the St-Lawrence River
-PQ-155 who follow the St-Maurice River from Shawinigan to La Tuque
-PQ-132 between Champlain bridge and Lafontaine tunnel you have a good view of the Montreal skyline
-Avenue Royale (PQ-360) between Quebec City and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, lots of historical houses along this highway
Quote from: voyager on February 01, 2009, 03:40:16 PM
Quote from: Chris on February 01, 2009, 03:38:37 PM
Talimena Drive in Oklahoma looks pretty exciting:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F105%2F290134301_7b543998cb.jpg&hash=74df52760ff607c8f6d4431f1614d09467137e6b)
Wow that is beautiful. Oklahoma?
About 1/3 is in AR, the rest in OK. I literally grew up at the end of the drive and have driven it many times. It's a lot of fun in the right car, but if you aren't familiar with the road be careful or you'll end up running off the side of the mountain. An underrated scenic drive in the area is US 259 from its northern end to Broken Bow.
Other nice drives are I-40 across eastern Tennessee, US 441 through the Smoky Mountains, US 1 through the Keys.
The East-West Connector, between South Hurt and Fontaine Roads, is pretty scenic.
East-West Connector:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPyL0Z4KtSc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPyL0Z4KtSc)
Be well,
Bryant
Quote from: bugo on February 14, 2009, 02:13:47 PM
Quote from: voyager on February 01, 2009, 03:40:16 PM
Quote from: Chris on February 01, 2009, 03:38:37 PM
Talimena Drive in Oklahoma looks pretty exciting.
Wow that is beautiful. Oklahoma?
About 1/3 is in AR, the rest in OK. I literally grew up at the end of the drive and have driven it many times. It's a lot of fun in the right car, but if you aren't familiar with the road be careful or you'll end up running off the side of the mountain. An underrated scenic drive in the area is US 259 from its northern end to Broken Bow.
I like the Talimena Drive too. Apparently ODOT feels the same way, as they intentionally assigned it the SH-1 designation due to the scenery. (Upon crossing into Arkansas it becomes AR-88.) At the beginning and end of the drive, big red and white signs warn you that if you attempt to use it in the wintertime you will most certainly die in the gruesome manner.
If you're in a hurry, I-540 (someday to be part of I-49) between Fort Smith and Fayetteville is plenty scenic without all those annoying curves and hills. Plus you get to go through the Bobby Hopper Tunnel, which is cool.
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2009, 01:08:57 AM
I like the Talimena Drive too. Apparently ODOT feels the same way, as they intentionally assigned it the SH-1 designation due to the scenery. (Upon crossing into Arkansas it becomes AR-88.)
OK 1 east of US 271 was marked OK 88 on maps right after the drive was completed. It was soon converted to OK 1. Was it ever signed as OK 88 in the field?
Quote
At the beginning and end of the drive, big red and white signs warn you that if you attempt to use it in the wintertime you will most certainly die in the gruesome manner.
Here are the warning signs near the beginning of the drive on the Arkansas side:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi167.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu126%2Fbugo348%2Fwarning.jpg&hash=18578743a236018449a2561892d1d0932e074c8d)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi167.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu126%2Fbugo348%2Fcrookedsteep.jpg&hash=2dbe4e1938c5947f99314295d0b1834118e45677)
Quote
If you're in a hurry, I-540 (someday to be part of I-49) between Fort Smith and Fayetteville is plenty scenic without all those annoying curves and hills. Plus you get to go through the Bobby Hopper Tunnel, which is cool.
Yes it is a very nice drive. And the way it's constructed, it's way too easy (and fun) to drive well above the speed limit. Long downhill stretches make cruise control a must on this highway.
Other scenic routes in the Arkansas Ozarks are US 71 (parallels I-540), AR 7, AR 16, AR 23, AR 21, AR 5, US 62, US 412 and the incredibly underrated AR 123.
Quote from: Freewayjim on February 01, 2009, 01:40:11 AM
This is pretty scenic, I just remixed this video for those who may have seen it before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC6v80530tc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC6v80530tc)
Thats the speed my dad drives on that road :wow: !!!!!
Mobile-Tensaw River Delta (I-65):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4_6Pb55KJU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4_6Pb55KJU)
Be well,
Bryant
US 101 in Marin County has got to be the winner here.
Never been on this stretch of Interstate 26 North of Asheville, but it looks like it would be nice drive, especially in the fall
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F%5Burl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.gribblenation.com%2Fncpics%2Fi-26%2Fi26nc-overlook-curley.jpg%255Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.gribblenation.com%2Fncpics%2Fi-26%2Fi26nc-overlook-curley.jpg%255B%2Furl%255D&hash=63639f15ad7bfca05250197b9d7dbac7470bd298)
QuoteUS 101 in Marin County has got to be the winner here.
You got a great point with that one, though I'd now add CA-1 at Big Sur to the mix.
I'm going to Hawaii in June, and think I'm going to try and take some pictures of HI-19/HI-11, which encompasses the entire island. Very scenic, not to mention diverse!
Quote from: Road Warrior on February 23, 2009, 08:37:44 PM
Never been on this stretch of Interstate 26 North of Asheville, but it looks like it would be nice drive, especially in the fall
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F%5Burl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.gribblenation.com%2Fncpics%2Fi-26%2Fi26nc-overlook-curley.jpg%255Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.gribblenation.com%2Fncpics%2Fi-26%2Fi26nc-overlook-curley.jpg%255B%2Furl%255D&hash=63639f15ad7bfca05250197b9d7dbac7470bd298)
You are missing out on what is probably the best part of Interstate 26. Smooth roadway with sweeping mountain vistas. Looks good even when inclement outside.
I personally like the Northway beginning with the Kuzciusko (I don't know how to spell it) Bridge, and going north. Great vistas.
my fav is US 101 northern calif. wish i had time to go though OR & WA.
Larry :sombrero:
Quote from: yanksfan6129 on February 25, 2009, 10:24:33 PM
the Kuzciusko (I don't know how to spell it)
Kosciuszko, it's a Polish name. It's pronounced differently than most locals do. Polish is a very hard language to pronounce correctly for non-speakers, try to pronounce Szczecin, Szczebrzeszyński or Bydgoszcz for instance.
Quote from: yanksfan6129 on February 25, 2009, 10:24:33 PM
I personally like the Northway beginning with the Kuzciusko (I don't know how to spell it) Bridge, and going north. Great vistas.
Just make it easier on yourself and call it the Twin Bridges like all the locals do. When I lived in Albany, I was a frequent traveler on the Northway.
I really enjoy I-64 in WV and VA. Very scenic. And I-44 West of St. Louis is also very nice and rolling. Not pictures though. Sorry.
Dr Zoidburg: Try driving that road in Test Drive Unlimited...even more scenic!
Anyone else agree that CA 24 is a very scenic highway between Oakland and Walnut Creek?
California 24 (http://www.westcoastroads.com/california/ca-024.html) does offer quite a contrast between the two. Even more of a contrast is the temperature difference during the warmer months west of the Caldicott Tunnel and east of it.
My choices (in no particular order)
I-5 in northern CA near Mt. Shasta
US-550 between Ouray and Silverton, CO (beats I-70 or US-50 hands down for scenery).
TCH-16 between Hinton, AB and Mt. Robson, BC
BC-37A
H-3 has to be the winner. It looks so beautiful, regardless of the time of year. :biggrin:
Just last week, I took a trip to Flagstaff (from my home in Phoenix) and I used Arizona 89A between Flagstaff and Prescott, through Sedona, Cottonwood and Jerome.
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2009, 01:08:57 AM
I like the Talimena Drive too. Apparently ODOT feels the same way, as they intentionally assigned it the SH-1 designation due to the scenery. (Upon crossing into Arkansas it becomes AR-88.) At the beginning and end of the drive, big red and white signs warn you that if you attempt to use it in the wintertime you will most certainly die in the gruesome manner.
I've been on the mountain several times where the highway department had salted AR 272 from the US 270 junction and its end at AR 88, and AR 88 between AR 272 and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. 272 and that segment of 88 were clear, but 88 was covered with a thick sheet of ice from the 272 junction east.
Rich Mountain often gets wintry precipitation when none falls in the valleys below. Many times I've seen snow on top of the mountain, when Mena itself was completely snow-free. Mena's elevation is around 1100 feet above sea level, while the top of Rich Mountain is over 2600 feet.
A couple of scenic roadways I have been on, not mentioned previously:
US 259 in southeastern Oklahoma, especially in the Broken Bow area.
I-64 in South-Central Indiana.
Alaska SR 1 between Anchorage and Seward.
ME 9 is a very nice ride east of Bangor out to Calais. Surprisingly not on the scenic routes marked on the Maine state map, although ME 11 at the top of the state is. US 1 is also scenic north of Calais to Houlton - I wouldn't recommend it south of Calais along the coast though. Fort Kent at sunset is a view I won't forget for a long time.
Lake Mead Drive is a very nice ride along the western shore of the lake. It's really hard to believe that a half hour away is the sprawl and lights of the Vegas strip and its surroundings.
Quote from: RoadWarrior56 on May 28, 2009, 08:57:23 PM
A couple of scenic roadways I have been on, not mentioned previously:
US 259 in southeastern Oklahoma, especially in the Broken Bow area.
US 259 between Broken Bow and Page is one of the most underrated scenic routes in the country.
My favorite part is the part over Kiamichi Mountain, roughly from Big Cedar to Octavia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNHtPaxhJAY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNHtPaxhJAY)
Be well,
Bryant
VA 5 between Richmond and Williamsburg is quite scenic especially in Charles City County.
FL 17 through the spine is nice. US 98/319 in Franklin County. FL/CR 2 in the Panhandle.
US-61 along the Mississippi in Minnesota is pretty interesting.
I'm surprised no one's mentioned US 212 over the Beartooth Plateau in WY/MT. Here's some scenery:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi572.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fss166%2Fxonhulu%2F254BeartoothPlateau.jpg%3Ft%3D1248068316&hash=b83e5d0f265484600571e35bd4effb83cb37ae86)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi572.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fss166%2Fxonhulu%2F255BeartoothPlateau.jpg%3Ft%3D1248068393&hash=b7a7e5e90fb9315a21cbe3f136f4f0b93d3ea87a)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi572.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fss166%2Fxonhulu%2F256BearsTooth.jpg%3Ft%3D1248068435&hash=2ff3c5d3da8f1f92573bec15295660da3ca8bb0a)
I took CA 70 down the Feather River Canyon back in 2000. Wow! :wow:
one of the most scenic drives I've ever been on : Greenwood Reservoir /Greenwood Mine Rd in Marquette County, Michigan. Road needs to be repaved however.
US 41 from Calumet to Fort Wilkins State Park.
The former M-107 and South Boundary Rd. in Ontonagon County
US 45 from Bruce Crossing to Ontonagon, Mi.
US 129 from Andrews, NC to Maryville, TN.
US 14/16/20 from Cody, WY to Yellowstone N.P.
US 180/AZ 64 from Flagstaff, AZ to Grand Canyon N.P.
US 385 in the Black Hills, SD
M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village
Florida 19 from Umatilla, FL to Palatka, FL.
US 2 from St. Ignace , Mi to Naubinway, Mi.
often you don't hear of interstates being scenic routes but I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is one.
US 40 in Colorado esp around Berthoud Pass (sp?)
US 34 (Trail Ridge Road) through Rocky Mountain National Park - driving at 13,000 feet - SUV may be required. I drove it in 2002 - using a Jeep Laredo. Had the 4wd on for half the time.
MT Secondary 471 and NFD 9 through Thompson Pass - MT/ID
Snoqualmie Pass
CA SR 1 - nuff said
That is all.
M-26 between Copper River and Copper Harbor
The most scenic route I've been on is US 15.
Here are some pictures from AlpsRoads, north of Williamsport:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fpa%2Fus_15%2Fscene1.jpg&hash=2d72fc20bde7617fc49ae12d47e9165404fb4a6a)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fpa%2Fus_15%2Fscene2.jpg&hash=533bcd0343ffb1c80999bc1246e38db8130e31e7)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fpa%2Fus_15%2Fscene3.jpg&hash=54639cf9b8c4e9cd494aaca780798e0bd60e546e)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fpa%2Fus_15%2Fnnew2.jpg&hash=cddae31de5ff39c67dc2cd4fc855aa3f17281c69)
For more, go to AlpsRoads' page on US 15 north of Williamsport (http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/pa/us_15/0.html).
South of Selinsgrove, from m-plex.com:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.m-plex.com%2Froads%2Ftrips%2F08192002_us11us15%2Fus1115s_firstallturns.jpg&hash=1e19b7d2500dee6caad8e228ae1e86f141eef642)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.m-plex.com%2Froads%2Ftrips%2F08192002_us11us15%2Fus1115s_sofpa34_2.jpg&hash=1be37ef0fb106b6e36ddb99b7132000d8125f300)
More at m-plex.com (http://www.m-plex.com/roads/trips/us1115_rural.html).
Along the Susquehanna River, from AlpsRoads:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fpa%2Fus_15%2Friver2.jpg&hash=6e9fc1cf17d7e2aeceb968840c2e00b1ec5f6281)
More here (http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/pa/us_15/11.html).
I don't have any pictures :( but Tx 118 in Big Bend National Park is very scenic, also both Texas 21 and I-35 in Iowa in the Autumn are AMAZING
Highway 17-Ontario
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onthighways.com%2Fhwy_17_images%2F17_cl_670_south.jpg&hash=e96bc27dc968fddcd33bc6a5b710c75e07394460)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onthighways.com%2Fhwy_17_images%2F17_cl_707_north.jpg&hash=e7e1c36fa2e8088d55ebde28236f9f33c737060a)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onthighways.com%2Fhwy_17_images%2F17_cl_730-2_north.jpg&hash=c9befeb038f35028acfe4c59b689e0c925d8f459)
Having just passed through those areas recently, I'll add another vote for I-70 west of Denver, and US 212/Beartooth Highway.
I'll also submit Utah 128 for nomination. You basically wind through a canyon with the Colorado River literally next to your door. Plus you get to see what's left of the Dewey Bridge.
I do have some pictures but I haven't posted any (yet).
I'd like to second 74/171's comment on VA-5, and add VA-14 out in Mathews County too. I drove it the other day, and it got really pretty once you really got out in the coastal marsh (despite being stuck behind an RV that couldn't make 55 and an alternating lane closure :banghead:). But if I'm going to mention that, there's also NC/fmr VA-615 down from Princess Anne to Knotts Island, straddling the border. More gorgeous marsh scenery.
QuoteThe most scenic route I've been on is US 15.
U.S. 15 is a fantastic drive heading north from Williamsport. I have photos of it northbound between I-180 and the state line that I'll post at some point.
^^^ For some reason, US 15/Future I-99 doesn't stick in my mind as a scenic drive. But, my memories of it are more of driving it when it was two lane and super-2 freeway most of the way and you couldn't take the time to look around.
Quote from: mefailenglish on August 13, 2009, 09:35:31 AM
I'll also submit Utah 128 for nomination. You basically wind through a canyon with the Colorado River literally next to your door. Plus you get to see what's left of the Dewey Bridge.
I'll second that. The first time I drove that route I was a little tired and punchy. Not for long! The adrenalin started pumping when I saw I was going to end up in the Colorado River if 1 wheel left the pavement. Woke me right up! I was still a little apprehensive about the drive, but I had a big old motorhome right in front of me so I figured if he could could negotiate the road I could.
The route through Zion National Park (forgot the route number and my atlas is in the car) is also a very scenic drive.
I may have already mentioned it (and I'm sure plenty of other people have), but I'm gonna give a shout-out to I-68, just because I was on it again last Saturday.
ca 163 thru balboa park
ca 1
az 89a
id 75
us 93 in Idaho
us 12 in Idaho
I second the ID-75/US-93 pair. 75 is an old 93 alignment, and the current 93 used to be 93A. They split at Shoshone and rejoin at Challis. 75 follows the Salmon River, and I'm not sure what 93's route is aligned with.
93 remains quite scenic into Montana, and also further south in Nevada and Arizona. Its continuation north, British Columbia provincial highway 93, is excellent as well.
Quote from: BigMatt on August 10, 2009, 05:00:17 PM
I don't have any pictures :( but Tx 118 in Big Bend National Park is very scenic, also both Texas 21 and I-35 in Iowa in the Autumn are AMAZING
Iowa I-35? In what way is that road scenic? Maybe if you like cornfields. I was on the length of I-35 in IA last week and most of it is a total snoozer. I can't imagine the few trees visible along I-35 in vivid colors making it that much more scenic. I-29 Iowa is more scenic than I-35 because of the Loess Hills, and that's not saying a lot.
Ontario Highway 35 South of Dorset:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onthighways.com%2Fhwy_30-39_images%2F35_cl_160_south.jpg&hash=1b15b13c57b1ac6b4c7158c6025ef2bc340a894d)
Some unique views, some at specific times:
The Long Island Expressway (NY 495) westbound, an elevated section just prior to dropping down into the toll booths and entering the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. Optimum viewing time would be around 4:30 pm when we return to standard time in late-October, early November. All of Manhattan is laid out before you, with all of the magnificent skyline lights of New York on in the early evening as offices and businesses are still open.
NY 9D from Cold Spring, NY to the Bear Mountain Bridge across the Hudson River.
Interstate 26 westbound from Hendersonville, NC to Asheville, NC.
FL A1A Palm Beach County, FL
Not a site, but a scent, Interstate 95 in Indian River County, FL during the months of January, February and early March, orange and grapefruit trees laden with fruit and blossoms.
US 41 Tamiami Trail through the Everglades, Miami-Dade and Collier Counties, FL
If you would like an idea what the old two-lane Alligator Alley must have looked like before it became Interstate 75, try FL 82 west from Fort Myers to FL 29 just north of Immokalee.
Interstate 77 north of Mt. Airy, NC to Galax, VA as dawn begins and the sun rises. You will understand why the Blue Ridge Mountains are blue.
The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.
Interstate 275 and US 19, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from St. Petersburg to Bradenton.
Interstate 75 north of Atlanta, GA and to Interstate 24 west from Chattanooga to Nashville, TN.
US 1, the Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West, FL. In many areas, the Highway itself has only the Florida Straits and Florida Bay on either side of the shoulder. You have never seen more colors of ocean in your life.
Mark Alan
Quote from: mightyace on July 20, 2009, 02:01:54 AM
I took CA 70 down the Feather River Canyon back in 2000. Wow! :wow:
My brother lives not far from there. I took a hike up the Pacific Crest Trail from California 70 once.
Quote from: Terry Shea on August 17, 2009, 08:59:35 PM
The route through Zion National Park (forgot the route number and my atlas is in the car) is also a very scenic drive.
Slightly old reply, but I have to agree with the drive through Zion NP...absolutely beautiful. BTW, it's Utah State Route 9.
Quote from: Master son on August 10, 2009, 10:04:20 AM
US 34 (Trail Ridge Road) through Rocky Mountain National Park - driving at 13,000 feet - SUV may be required. I drove it in 2002 - using a Jeep Laredo. Had the 4wd on for half the time.
Nothing special required for some very special and scenic driving. Did it in my 4 cylinder Malibu a couple weeks ago.
Great pics. This thread mainly serves to remind me there's so much of the US I still haven't seen :-/
Here are some of my picks:
* US 101 in WA, OR and CA
* US 199 (northern segment of Redwood Hwy)
* US 26 near Mt. Hood
* US 395 south of Reno
* I-84 in OR
* I-25 in CO and NM
* OR 6 (Wilson River Hwy to the coast)
* OR 31 (interesting high desert scenery)
* OR 242 (McKenzie Pass)
* OR 138 (Umpqua River Hwy)
* OR 62 (Crater Lake Hwy)
* CA 120 (main east-west route through Yosemite)
* WA 504 (to Mt. St. Helens, very unique to say the least)
* Several of the Costa Rican highways heading north out of San Jose over the mountains are incredibly scenic, but the crazy drivers and lack of guardrails are another thing altogether :-o