Discover the top 5 best road trips in the USA. These scenic, lesser-known drives offer breathtaking views, quiet escapes, and unforgettable weekend adventures.
Introduction:
Discover the Road Less Traveled
When most people think of road trips in the USA, routes like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway often steal the spotlight. But if you’re craving scenic drives without the crowds, this post is for you.
At EscapeByRoad.com, we’re all about uncovering the hidden gems that turn ordinary weekends into unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or planning your very first weekend getaway, these top 5 best road trips in the USA will surprise you with their beauty, culture, and serenity.
Table of Contents
1. The Talihina Scenic Drive (Oklahoma to Arkansas)
Location: Talihina, OK → Mena, AR
The Talimena Scenic Drive is one of the most peaceful and beautiful road trips in the central United States. Stretching for about 54 miles from Talihina, Oklahoma, to Mena, Arkansas, this drive follows the crest of the Ouachita Mountains and offers endless views of rolling hills, dense forests, and dramatic ridgelines. It is well-known for its quiet beauty, and many travelers call it one of the best fall foliage drives in America.
The road was specifically designed to showcase the natural scenery of the region. As you start in Talihina, you gradually climb into the Ouachita National Forest, a vast protected area filled with tall pines, oak trees, wildlife, and scenic overlooks. The drive feels calm and refreshing, making it perfect for travelers who enjoy slow, relaxed road trips. Unlike busy national park roads, the Talimena Scenic Drive offers long stretches of peaceful highway where you can simply enjoy nature.
One of the highlights of this drive is the number of viewpoints along the way. The Pike Scenic View, Panorama Vista, and Holson Valley Lookout give you wide, sweeping views of the mountains and valleys below. On a clear day, you can see miles of forests stretching into both Oklahoma and Arkansas. Each overlook has its own personality, making the journey feel like a collection of small experiences rather than just a single road.
Fall is the most popular time to visit, when the trees turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. The colors are especially vibrant because the route stays on high ridges, giving you an elevated view of the changing forest. But the drive is beautiful year-round: spring brings wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and winter creates a quiet, frosty landscape.
As you cross into Arkansas, the road leads you toward the friendly town of Mena, a great place to stop for food or explore local shops. Many travelers choose to combine the drive with short hikes along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which passes close to several points along the highway.
What makes the Talimena Scenic Drive special is its simplicity. It doesn’t try to overwhelm you with large tourist attractions or busy towns. Instead, it gives you a quiet, scenic escape surrounded by nature, mountains, and sky. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day trip, a photography outing, or a peaceful weekend drive, the Talimena Scenic Drive offers the perfect blend of beauty and calm.
Distance: 54 miles | Time: 2–3 hours (without stops)
Best For: Fall foliage lovers, mountain views, quiet escapes
Why It’s Hidden: Overshadowed by larger national parks, the Ouachita Mountains remain one of the USA’s best-kept secrets.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views from Queen Wilhelmina State Park
- Rich Mountain Fire Tower – a perfect photo stop
- Beautiful fall foliage (late October is peak season)
Local Tip: Pack a picnic and stop at Horse Thief Spring Picnic Area for a peaceful, crowd-free break.
2. The San Juan Skyway (Colorado)
Location: Durango → Silverton → Ouray → Telluride → Cortez
The San Juan Skyway in Colorado is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the United States. This 230-mile loop takes you through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, passing charming small towns, old mining routes, high-elevation passes, waterfalls, lakes, and some of the most dramatic mountain views in the entire Rocky Mountain region. It is often called the “Road to the Sky”, and once you drive it, you’ll understand why.
The route usually starts from either Durango or Telluride, but you can begin anywhere on the loop. As you leave Durango and head toward Silverton, the road climbs quickly into the mountains. This part of the drive is known as the Million Dollar Highway, famous for its steep cliffs, narrow turns, and breathtaking views. It’s a thrilling section, but the scenery makes it unforgettable.
Silverton is a small historic mining town surrounded by tall peaks. This is a great place to stop for lunch or explore old streets filled with Western-style buildings. From Silverton, the road winds even higher, often reaching above 10,000 feet as you approach Ouray, another beautiful mountain town. Ouray is known as the “Switzerland of America” because of its deep valleys and snowy peaks.
From Ouray, the skyway becomes calmer and more relaxed as you continue toward Ridgway, Placerville, and finally Telluride. Telluride is one of Colorado’s most famous mountain towns, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and luxury. The free gondola ride from Telluride to Mountain Village gives you stunning views across the valley.
As you continue the loop, the landscape changes again near Cortez and the Mesa Verde area, where desert landscapes meet mountain terrain. This part of the Skyway gives you a peaceful and wide-open feel, making the loop even more diverse.
What makes the San Juan Skyway special is how quickly the scenery changes—from sharp mountain cliffs to quiet forests, from high passes to historic towns. Whether you visit in summer for wildflowers, in fall for bright golden aspens, or in winter when the mountains are covered in snow, the Skyway always looks incredible.
The San Juan Skyway is perfect for road-trip lovers who want a full day or weekend adventure with plenty of stops, short hikes, and photo spots. It’s one of those drives where every turn feels like a postcard.
Distance: 233 miles (loop) | Time: 6–7 hours drive-time
Best For: Mountain lovers, photographers, ghost towns
Why It’s Hidden: It’s often skipped in favor of the Rocky Mountain National Park, yet offers equally stunning views.
Highlights:
- Million Dollar Highway between Silverton & Ouray
- Ancient ruins at Mesa Verde National Park
- Hot springs in Ouray — the “Switzerland of America”
Local Tip: Stop by Silverton for an old mining town experience and grab coffee at a local café.
3. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Oregon)
Location: Bend → Elk Lake → Lava Lake → Mount Bachelor
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is one of Oregon’s most beautiful and relaxing mountain drives. Stretching for about 66 miles from Bend to the foothills of the Cascade Range, this scenic route takes you past sparkling alpine lakes, dense pine forests, and stunning views of snow-capped volcanic peaks. It is a perfect road trip for travelers who love nature, photography, and peaceful outdoor adventures.
The journey begins in Bend, a popular outdoor town known for its breweries, mountain views, and hiking trails. As you head west, the road quickly rises into the mountains, and soon you are surrounded by tall pines and clear blue lakes. Some of the highlights along the byway include Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, Devils Lake, and Cultus Lake. Each lake has its own unique charm, whether it’s calm water perfect for kayaking or wide-open views that make for beautiful photos.
One of the most iconic landmarks on this route is Mount Bachelor, a massive volcanic peak that towers above the road. In summer, you can enjoy scenic chairlift rides or explore hiking trails around the mountain. In winter, this area becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
The byway is especially beautiful in early summer when the lakes melt and wildflowers begin to bloom. Fall also brings golden colors to the forests, creating a peaceful and colorful drive.
What makes the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway special is its mix of easy access and breathtaking scenery. Whether you want to stop for a picnic, swim in a lake, take photos, or simply enjoy a calm drive through Oregon’s mountain landscape, this byway offers a perfect escape into nature.
Distance: 66 miles | Time: 2 hours drive-time
Best For: Lakeside drives, outdoor adventurers, kayakers
Why It’s Hidden: Tucked away in central Oregon, this drive is often missed by tourists visiting the Oregon coast.
Highlights:
- Jaw-dropping views of Mount Bachelor
- Calm, blue waters of Elk Lake and Sparks Lake
- Great for hiking, paddleboarding, and quiet fishing spots
Local Tip: Start early and enjoy sunrise at Sparks Lake — it’s a photographer’s dream.
4. The Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)
Location: Lincoln → Conway, NH
The Kancamagus Highway, often called “The Kanc,” is one of the most famous scenic drives in the northeastern United States. Stretching for about 34 miles along New Hampshire’s Route 112, this beautiful road runs between the towns of Lincoln and Conway, passing through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Known for its stunning mountain views, peaceful rivers, and bright autumn colors, the Kancamagus is a favorite for road-trip lovers and nature photographers.
The drive climbs steady mountain slopes and takes you through quiet forest areas where you can enjoy the fresh mountain air. Popular stops along the highway include Sabbaday Falls, a short and easy waterfall hike; Rocky Gorge, a dramatic river gorge with a footbridge; and Albany Covered Bridge, one of New Hampshire’s classic wooden bridges. Each stop provides a great opportunity for photos, picnics, or short nature walks.
Fall is the most famous time to visit. During late September and early October, the entire route transforms into a colorful landscape filled with red, orange, and yellow leaves. The Kancamagus Highway is often listed among the best fall foliage drives in the world because the views are wide, open, and completely natural. There are no houses, shops, or billboards along the road, making the drive feel pure and peaceful.
But the highway is beautiful year-round. In summer, you can enjoy hikes, river spots, and mountain viewpoints. In winter, the snow-covered mountains offer a quiet, magical atmosphere.
The Kancamagus Highway is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, relaxing, and scenic road trip that showcases the natural beauty of New Hampshire.
Distance: 34 miles | Time: 1 hour (without stops)
Best For: Leaf peeping, forest lovers, waterfall hunters
Why It’s Hidden: Known locally as “The Kanc,” this drive is often overlooked for more famous East Coast routes.
Highlights:
- Sabbaday Falls – a short hike to a magical waterfall
- Rocky Gorge Scenic Area – perfect for photos
- Iconic New England fall foliage (mid-September to mid-October)
Local Tip: Bring a drone or camera – the tree canopy views are epic in fall.
5. The Great River Road (Iowa Section)
Location: Lansing → Davenport, IA
he Iowa section of the Great River Road is one of the most peaceful and scenic river drives in the Midwest. Running along the western edge of the Mississippi River, this route covers more than 300 miles from the town of Lansing in the north to Keokuk in the south. It passes through charming river towns, rolling hills, wildlife-rich wetlands, picturesque bluffs, and historic viewpoints. The road is part of the larger Great River Road that stretches across 10 states, but the Iowa portion stands out because of its calm beauty and small-town charm.
The drive begins near Lansing, a quiet river town where the Black Hawk Bridge stretches over the Mississippi. This area gives you your first taste of the river’s power and beauty. As you begin driving south, you’ll pass through Harpers Ferry and Marquette, where you can stop to explore Effigy Mounds National Monument. This park protects ancient Native American burial mounds shaped like animals and offers scenic trails overlooking the river valley.
Next, the route leads you to McGregor, a historic town with old brick buildings and antique shops. Just across the river lies Prairie du Chien, but staying on the Iowa side keeps you close to hidden viewpoints and river overlooks. Nearby, Pikes Peak State Park is one of the most popular stops on the entire drive. From its cliffside viewpoint, you can see the Mississippi River split around islands and stretch far into the distance.
As you continue south toward Guttenberg, the scenery becomes a mix of rolling farmland, limestone bluffs, and peaceful river areas. Guttenberg itself is a beautiful riverfront town, perfect for a food break or a walk near the water. The town’s lock and dam system offers a great place to watch boats pass through.
Farther south, the drive reaches Dubuque, one of Iowa’s oldest cities. Here you can visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium or ride the Fenelon Place Elevator for panoramic city and river views. Dubuque combines history, culture, and nature, making it a highlight along the route.
Continuing the journey, you will come across smaller, quieter river towns such as Bellevue, Clinton, and Muscatine. Each town has unique riverfront parks, historic streets, and peaceful viewpoints. This section of Iowa showcases the Mississippi River at its calmest, with slow-moving water, wetlands filled with birds, and forests that change color dramatically in the fall.
The Iowa portion of the Great River Road ends in Keokuk, the southernmost town in the state. Here, you can explore river history, old architecture, and the impressive Keokuk Lock and Dam. The sunsets from this area are especially beautiful, with wide-open views across the water.
What makes the Great River Road in Iowa special is its relaxing, unhurried nature. It’s not a fast highway or a crowded tourist route. Instead, it offers a slow and scenic journey through river landscapes, small towns, and historic sites. Whether you’re looking for photography spots, peaceful drives, or family-friendly stops, this route gives you a perfect mix of nature, culture, and classic Midwestern charm.
Distance: 250+ miles | Time: Multi-day road trip
Best For: History lovers, riverfront views, peaceful country drives
Why It’s Hidden: Often mistaken as a “Midwest farm route,” this part of the Mississippi River is surprisingly scenic and full of charm.
Highlights:
- Effigy Mounds National Monument
- River views from Pikes Peak State Park
- Quaint river towns like McGregor and Guttenberg
Local Tip: Visit the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque — fun for families and solo travelers alike.
Bonus Tips for Weekend Road Trippers
Whether you’re hitting the road solo or with family, here are a few quick tips to make the most of your hidden getaway:
- Download offline maps — Some areas have no signal
- Book accommodations early — Hidden routes often have limited lodging
- Pack snacks and water — Hidden = fewer rest stops
- Start early — Catch sunrise and beat any local traffic
Why Choose Hidden Road Trips?
Hidden road trips are more than just scenic drives — they offer:
- Peace away from tourists and crowds
- Connection with nature and local communities
- Surprise stops that aren’t listed in guidebooks
- Affordability with fewer tolls, tickets, and high prices
At EscapeByRoad.com, our mission is to help you uncover real-world travel experiences that feel personal, calm, and unforgettable.
👉 “Planning a short escape? Check out these perfect weekend getaways in the USA.”
