America holds some of the best drives in the world, and almost any trip can result in an unexpected scenic view or a side-trip to a historic landmark.
No matter what region or state you find yourself in, whether you’re pulling your boat to the lake in your GMC Sierra, or just cruising in your Kia Optima, the drive you take can be an adventure all by itself.
If you’re looking for a few good drives this year, you have thousands of options, and we’d like to share a few. This is not a top-ten list or a best-of countdown; it’s just a few examples of the impressive drives and enjoyable routes that can be found in every part of every state.
Let start right here in Iowa, home to scenic farm country, attractive fall foliage, and dramatic river valleys. From the heartland we’ll travel to the four corners of the country, highlighting one drive that accents each region’s particular beauty.
Iowa
Iowa Valley Scenic Byway: Just west of Cedar Rapids, this 70-mile trip meanders through lush farms peppered with old-fashioned barns and fields.
Starting in Montour and heading east through towns such as Tama, Belle Plaine, and Morengo, travelers will then loop through the Amanas, getting the chance to browse unique items such as wooden, handcrafted furniture and traditional German-style restaurants.
Great River Road: Running parallel to the Mississippi River, this road runs the entire national length, but the Iowa portion covers about 326 miles through 10 counties.
Towering hills, soaring eagles, and powerful commercial barges make this drive worthwhile, and a stop at Effigy Mounds National Monument on the northern end will give you the chance to stretch your legs and take in a bird’s eye view of the Mississippi.
Now that we’ve covered Iowa, let’s travel around the country:
Northeast
Branywine Valley: Although it only traverses about 12 miles, tourists often give themselves two full days to take in these roads, which feature full gardens, colonial mansions, and historic museums.
This brief drive actually includes two states, Pennsylvania and Delaware, and runs near the site of the Battle of Brandywine, the largest land battle during the Revolutionary War.
Southeast
Natchez Trace Parkway: Traveling from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, this drive totals 450 miles, but it can also be taken in smaller portions.
Drivers and passengers can view sights like the Petrified Forest and Cypress Swamp (a great stop for catfish and bass seekers), before arriving in Nashville for a stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Along the way, travelers can make hundreds of side trips, including a short jaunt to the gravesite of Meriwether Lewis.
Southwest
Scenic Byway 12: Arguably the most scenic-dense part of the country, the southwestern United States holds thousands of amazing roads, including this grand drive in Utah.
Striking rock formations that were molded over millions of years make this trip a one-of-a-kind adventure. The imposing landscape shows why the area was one of the last uncharted spots in the continental United States.
Northwest
Going-for-the-Sun Road: If you want a breathtaking drive, you really can’t go wrong anywhere near the Rocky Mountains.
One of the most gorgeous drives is located in Montana’s Glacier National Park, curving along mountainsides and giving travelers a constant display of stunning landscapes, as well as the occasional peek at wildlife including big horn sheep and mountain goats.
These drives are just a few in the long list of roads that compose the American landscape. Whether you’re driving the whole family in a roomy Chevy Suburban, or taking a personal cruise in a Dodge Challenger, these drives will help you forget about red lights, honking horns, and congested traffic…
…at least, for a little while.
McGrath Auto has a Car for Your Next Drive
If you want a great car for your next trip, contact McGrath Auto.
We have a huge selection of new and used vehicles, including sporty coupes, comfortable sedans, roomy SUVs, and heavy-hauling trucks waiting to come along on your next adventure!