One of life’s greatest pleasures is a drive through a nationally known scenic area. There are a lot of truly beautiful areas in this country and all it just takes a car and some time off to enjoy them. We spoke with Palmer Dodge of Roswell, GA, a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealer, and they suggested eight wonderful drives that are open for all to enjoy:
1) Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is a spectacular drive. In particular, the stretch of Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco is perhaps the most iconic stretch of highway in the country. You will likely recognize sections of this drive because Hollywood often uses the Pacific Coast Highway as a backdrop for movies and television shows.
2) George Parks Highway
The George Parks highway parallels the Alaska Railroad and is one of the most scenic roads in the world. It is the main route between the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks. Along the route you will have access to Denali National Park and the beautiful Matanuska-Susitna valley. The George Parks highway is 323 miles long so take a couple of days to explore it. of
3) Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile highway through the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 when Henry Flagler extended his railroad from Miami to Key West. The bridges along the route are major engineering accomplishments. and offer incredible sunsets to view. The Overseas Highway passes over the largest area of coral reefs on the U.S. mainland. Many of the islands along the route are home to exotic animals such as the Key deer.
4) Silverado Trail
The Silverado Trail begins near the top of San Francisco Bay and travels northward through the most famous wine growing region in America. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, you can stop along the way and enjoy wine tours and tastings at any number of the dozens of wineries that line the trail.
5) Tail of the Dragon
Also known locally as Deals Gap, the Tail of the Dragon is one of the curviest stretches of road in the U.S. Located in North Carolina, it’s only 11 miles long yet has 318 curves along its length. The Tail of the Dragon is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. There is no development along this stretch of road, ensuring that there is no intersecting traffic to contend with.
6) Utah’s Scenic Byway 12
Utah’s Route 12 is a trip through some of the most incredible geological formations you will ever see. For over 120 miles, you are treated to the awe-inspiring sights of Bryce Canyon and Dixie National Forest. Along Route 12, multi-hued limestone cliffs and red rock formations tower above the road. Seeing the sunset from just about anywhere on Scenic Byway 12 is an experience you will never forget.
7) Acadia’s Park Loop
Acadia National Park in Maine is a bucket list destination. The Park Loop travels around Mt Desert Island and offers breathtaking ocean views, rocky coastlines and crystal clear lakes that explode with color in the fall. Take trip up Cadillac Mountain in the early morning and you will see the first rays of sun that hit the United States.Utah’s Route 12 is a trip through some of the most incredible geological formations you will ever see. For over 120 miles, you are treated to the awe-inspiring sights of Bryce Canyon and Dixie National Forest. Along Route 12, multi-hued limestone cliffs and red rock formations tower above the road. Seeing the sunset from just about anywhere on Scenic Byway 12 is an experience you will never forget.
8) Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina are the most scenic in all of Appalachia. The Blue Ridge Parkway that was built through them connects Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains national park. It’s home to some of the best camping and fishing areas in the country.
Earthgarage – Greener Car. Fatter Wallet.