The Top 24 Best Roads for Driving Enthusiasts

Every one has favorite roads. These are ours.

Let’s start off with the definition: How you do define a great driving road? For us, the definition incudes curvy routes with, elevation changes, scenic beauty, not a lot of traffic (or law enforcement), a well paved surface (we’re not talking Jeep trails here) and an overall great driving experience. The following list includes some of the most renowned roads across the U.S. that are celebrated for their driving pleasure and stunning landscapes. This selection spans various regions, offering a diverse experience for driving enthusiasts:

Presenting our Top 24 Best Driving Roads list

1. Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap (North Carolina/Tennessee) – Famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles, it’s a mecca for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.
2. Pacific Coast Highway (California) – Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, particularly between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina) – Known for its scenic beauty, it runs for 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands.
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)– Located in Glacier National Park, this road offers stunning mountain landscapes.
5. Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)– Part of the San Juan Skyway, it features sharp curves and spectacular mountain views.
6. Pikes Peak Highway (Colorado) – A challenging road that climbs up to the summit of Pikes Peak, offering panoramic views.
7. Beartooth Highway (Montana/Wyoming) – A high elevation road offering dramatic views of the Beartooth Mountains.
8. Hana Highway (Hawaii) – Known for its lush landscapes and numerous curves, leading to the remote town of Hana on Maui.
9. Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi/Alabama/Tennessee) – Runs 444 miles through beautiful landscapes and historic sites.
10. Skyline Drive (Virginia) – Runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.
11. Highway 12 (Utah) – Known as “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” it passes through several national parks and stunning desert landscapes.
12. Big Sur Coast Highway (California) – Offers dramatic ocean cliffs and views along the central California coast.
13. Overseas Highway (Florida) – Connects the Florida Keys with the mainland, featuring long stretches of road over the ocean.
14. Cherohala Skyway (Tennessee/North Carolina) – A less crowded alternative to the Tail of the Dragon, offering high mountain vistas.
15. Route 66 (Illinois to California) – The historic cross-country route is known for its Americana and unique roadside attractions.
16. Columbia River Highway (Oregon) – America’s first scenic highway, offering waterfalls and gorges along the Columbia River.
17. Independence Pass (Colorado) – A high mountain pass through the Rockies, offering stunning alpine scenery.
18. The Loneliest Road (Highway 50, Nevada) – Offers unique desert landscapes and historical towns across Nevada.
19. Mount Washington Auto Road (New Hampshire) – Provides a challenging drive to the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S.
20. Route 1 (Alaska) – Offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and occasional wildlife along its path.
21. North Shore Drive (Minnesota) – Runs along Lake Superior’s north shore, featuring waterfalls and forested areas.
22. Scenic Byway 12 (Utah) – Winds through some of Utah’s most stunning, rugged landscapes, including Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks.
23. Snake Road (Illinois) – A lesser-known but beautiful drive through the Shawnee National Forest, especially during the fall.
24. The Twisted Sisters (Texas) – A series of roads in the Texas Hill Country known for their challenging curves and hills.

In our humble opinion, these roads offer a mix of challenging drives, breathtaking views, and unique landscapes, making them perfect for auto enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable driving experience across the United States.

Do you have a favorite?  Leave us a comment below, or email us with your favorite roads.