Driving across the country is a very popular pastime in the United States. It’s a romantic way to see the entire country and to experience all the exciting history America has to offer. The routes are very different so they offer something for everybody. Some people want to only experience the beach while others want to get closer to nature. Here is information to help travelers who want to experience the country.
The Pacific Coast
The main road on the Pacific Coast is the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as PCH. The route is about 655 miles and runs right along central California’s coast. The whole route can be traveled leisurely in about 12 hours, and travelers will enjoy the gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also travel right along some very old cliffs.
Montana
to Arizona (US-93)
US-93 is a highway that goes from the Canadian border in Lincoln County, Montana to Wickenburg, Arizona. The route offers a stunning view of the country’s natural landscape from forests to deserts to even a few glimpses of the ocean.
The Road to Nowhere (US-83)
The Road to Nowhere is the fifth longest north to south route in the continental United States. Over 1,885 miles long, the route’s northern boundary is in Westhope, North Dakota, and its southern boundary is in Brownsville, Texas. During World War II the government decided to build a dam that would flood over 11,000 acres of land in Graham and Swain Counties. This left many families homeless. The government promised to build a road around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that they established and provide access to the 28 cemeteries they were cut off from. By 1969, 6 miles of road were finished, but the remaining 26 still remain unfinished. Thus, US-83 became known as a “road to nowhere.”
The Great River Road
The Great River Road was created in 1938 as a way to connect state, local, and federal roads. Abbreviated GRR, it runs straight along the Mississippi River from north to south. The road was expressly built to showcase the ten states that it touches, which makes it one of the most scenic routes on the country. There are forests, farms, wildlife refuges, and many different parks.
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail, officially named the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, extends between Mount Katahdin in Maine and Springer Mountain in Georgia. Possibly the most famous hiking trail in the country, it is around 2,178 miles long and it is mostly composed of wilderness trails. It’s most famous because many hikers try to cross all 2,000+ miles in a single season, which is a pretty difficult thing to accomplish.
The Atlantic Coast
When traveling the Atlantic Coast, most people opt to head between New Brunswick, New Jersey and Jacksonville, Florida, following the Ocean Highway. The route is designed to hug the Atlantic Ocean as closely as possible. It passes through many different areas that are famous, including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, the Great Dismal Shore, and Dover, amongst others. Compared to other routes, there is very little natural scenery until you get down far into Florida, which means it is more of a true tourist route in some ways.
The Great Northern (US-2)
US Route 2, sometimes called the Great Northern, spans 2,579 miles across northern United States. It begins in Everett, Washington, and ends in St. Ignace, Michigan. Due to its length, the routes provides a variety of scenery, covering everything from lakes to mountains to forests. Much of the route passes through only very small towns as well, making it one of the best routes for “getting away from it all” which explains its popularity.
Portland to Provincetown (US-20)
US Route 20 begins in Newport, Oregon and spans all the way to Provincetown, Massachusetts, a total of 3,365 miles. This makes it the longest route in the United States, which makes sense as it spans the entire continental United States. Originally, it ended at Yellowstone National Park, but it was extended in 1940.
The Loneliest Road in America (US-50)
Route 50 stretches from Ocean City, Maryland all the way to Sacramento, California. It used to extend all the way to San Francisco until 1972, when it was replaced by an interstate. The route is mostly composed of rural desert and mountains, which is where the title of “Loneliest Road in America” comes from. It appears that most of the ride, especially through Nevada, takes you through areas that are truly “dead.” The road is around 3,000 miles long, passing through 12 states.
Southern Pacific (US-80)
US Route 80, which used to be known as the Dixie Overland Highway, is a cross-country route from the Atlantic to Pacific. In recent years, the segment west of Dallas has been decommissioned and replaced by interstates and state highways. It now goes from Tybee Island, Georgia, to the border of Dallas and Mesquite in Texas. The route is largely rural and takes its travelers through deserts.
The Mother Road (Route 66)
Route 66 is perhaps the most famous route in the entire country. Known sometimes as the “Main Street of America” or “Mother Road”, it was first established back in 1926. It used to run from Chicago to Los Angeles, crossing through Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, a total of 2,448 miles. However, in 1985, the government removed the route from the United States Highway System because it had been replaced by the interstate system. This didn’t diminish the road’s mystique. There’s even been a song written about it that’s been covered by The Rolling Stones, Nat King Cole, and Depeche Mode. The trip takes you through many areas that are mostly desert and developed with many historical places along the way.
