3 of the Best Driving Roads in America
As the weather warms across the country, it’s time to start planning those summer road trips. There is no shortage of driving roads throughout America, and some get more attention than others. Find new places to explore with these three of the best driving roads in America.
Million Dollar Highway – Ridgway, Colorado
Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway is a short sprint – it takes as little as 45 minutes without traffic – but one well worth exploring. If you’re in the area of western Colorado, this stretch of scenic highway cuts north from Silverton to Ouray. Don’t let its length fool you – it’s one of the best driving roads in the state.
Myriad hairpins are an excellent opportunity to test the handling chops of a new Miata. Open sweepers are a chance to drop the top and enjoy the mountain air in a new Mercedes SL 55. Easily done in a day, this scenic drive is a great way to get to know both your car and the Rocky Mountains. Plus, natural stops like Red Mountain Overlook and Governor Gulch provide both photo and picnic opportunities to break up the journey.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Swain County, NC to Afton, VA
With 469 miles of overlooks, tunnels, and challenging switchbacks, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a supersized version of Tail of the Dragon. This ribbon of tarmac runs along the Appalachian mountain range, and the views don’t disappoint along the way. All told, it’s easily one of the best driving roads in America.
Take a detour from the highway to visit legendary NASCAR institutions like the North Wilkesboro Speedway or the Martinsville Speedway. If nature detours are your thing, you’ll have the Pisgah National Forest in the south and George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in the north.
Kancamagus Highway – Lincoln to Conway, NH
Stretching just under 60 miles across the width of New Hampshire, the Kancamagus Highway is a hotspot for fall foliage drives. And while the scenery is certainly something to behold, the road itself is a joy to drive as well. As it heads east out of lincoln, NH-112 sweeps past Loon Mountain with a set of gentle S-bends. The first section of this road features a range of high-speed sweepers. They’re perfect for feeling the perfect balance of a BMW M3 as you take in the mountainous landscape around you.
Just past the Otter Rocks Day Use park, things start to tighten up. A decreasing-radius left swings around the Greely Pond Trailhead before a straight shot takes you to the tightest hairpin on the pass. This surrounds Hancock Overlook, and is well worth the pitstop on the way past.
From here, the road sweeps past several marked and unmarked overlooks that are great photo opportunities. Another section of switchbacks follows, culminating in a right-hand bend past Lower Falls before the final, twisty jaunt into Conway.
Let us know some of your best driving roads!
These are just a few of the best driving roads in America. We know there are great gems hidden throughout the country. Let us know some of your favorite places to go for a joyride!
