The best under-the-radar US road trips for a quiet escape

Off the beaten track

Many road-trippers make a beeline for America's famous highways like Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway. But beyond the big hitters there are some truly stunning lesser-known roads in the US just waiting to be explored. What’s more, you’re less likely to encounter lots of other travelers on these routes, so you can savor the feeling of being alone on the open road. Intrigued?

Click through this gallery to discover the best American road trips you've (probably) never heard of...

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, Oregon and California

True to its name, there’s plenty of dramatic scenery to be found along this volcano-to-volcano road trip. Starting at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, you’ll journey 500 miles south into northern California, encountering geothermal geysers, waterfalls, and (of course) volcanoes.

Be sure to drive the 33-mile rim road around the edge of Crater Lake (pictured), the caldera of Mount Mazama. With piercing blue waters, it's mesmerizingly beautiful and is also the country’s deepest lake.

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, Oregon and California

The route traverses the southern section of the great Cascade Range, a chain of active volcanoes that stretch from Canada to northern California. Reach the southern end and you'll be greeted by the stunning slopes of Mount Shasta, the tallest volcano in the state, and Lassen Volcanic National Park, with its steaming fumaroles, wildflower meadows, clear mountain lakes, and four different types of volcano.

Indian and Nine Mile Canyon trail, Utah

Scale canyons, admire ancient rock art, follow old trails of Indigenous peoples and early settlers, and discover historic mining towns on this 145-mile loop in central Utah. Starting from the little town of Duchesne, southeast of Salt Lake City, this drive combines the Indian Canyon Scenic Byway with the remote Nine Mile Canyon Scenic Backway.

Indian and Nine Mile Canyon trail, Utah

You’ll need to allow between three and four hours to drive along the unpaved 78-mile Nine Mile Canyon Backway deep into the desert.

Stop off along the way to see old coach stop Harper, now a ghost town, and to follow some of the old Native American trails into the wilderness to admire the area’s amazing and vast collection of petroglyphs and pictographs. The canyon is 40 miles long and lined with incredible art created by the Fremont people.

Southeast coast of Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii’s most famous road trip is the Road to Hana on Maui, a winding 52-mile journey along the island’s northeast coastline through lush rainforest, over little bridges, past trickling waterfalls, and around hairpin bends. But not many people venture along the road beyond Hana. Those that do will be rewarded with uncrowded seascapes and thrilling driving terrain.

Southeast coast of Maui, Hawaii

As you head on past the town of Hana, the road hugs the rugged volcanic coastline, passing flowing waterfalls and plunge pools. At times it's narrow and bumpy and sometimes impassable in extreme weather, so be sure to check ahead.

Must-sees on this remote route include the seven sacred pools at Ohe'o Gulch (bear in mind that swimming is prohibited) and a hike up the Pipiwai Trail to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls for spectacular views. As you drive past Kaupo, you’ll truly get an edge-of-the-world feeling.

Cheese Trail, Vermont

If you like artisan cheese then Vermont is the state to visit – its idyllic countryside is home to more than 45 artisanal cheesemakers. And one of the best ways to explore them is by following this 280-mile food odyssey from Plymouth Notch to Websterville. Be sure to leave room in your boot to stock up on produce along the way.

Cheese Trail, Vermont

One of the most scenic and interesting stops on the route is Shelburne Farms (pictured) on the shore of Lake Champlain. The 19th-century farmhouse is a National Historic Landmark and makes delicious and award-winning cheddar. Take a tour of the 1,400-acre property to work up an appetite for a meal at the inn.

Continuing through more picturesque farmland, you’ll finish at Websterville, where a trip to Vermont Creamery to try their range of aged and goat’s cheeses isn’t to be missed. The Vermont Cheese Council's website features a map that tracks when each cheesemaker is open.

Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

Forget about wildlife spotting, it's all about alien spotting on this weird and wonderful adventure along the Extraterrestrial Highway (aka Highway 375) in southern Nevada. A 470-mile loop from Las Vegas runs through areas that are steeped in mysterious sightings, including Rachel.

Known as the UFO capital of the world, this former mining town with a population of 48 draws alien spotters and UFO enthusiasts from around the US and beyond hoping to see some extraterrestrial activity.

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Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

Starting in Vegas, strike a route to Hiko, from where the ET Highway stretches into the stark Nevada desert. This lonely run of road earned its title thanks to hundreds of claims of UFO sightings, plus its proximity to mysterious former nuclear testing facility Area 51.

There are numerous quirky roadside stops, including alien murals and the Big Alien – plus lunch at the Little A’Le’Inn (pictured), a Rachel motel stuffed with kitsch memorabilia.

Shipwreck Coast, Michigan

Set off from the southern shores of Lake Superior in Marquette and follow a roughly 150-mile route along the quiet roads around the lake to Whitefish Point. Twisting right along the shore at points, the views from the road are simply wonderful.

Take your time and stop off at some of the historic lighthouses along the way or opt for a boat trip onto the lake. It’s also well worth kayaking around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a stunning stretch of sand dunes, pristine beaches, and rocky cliffs.

Shipwreck Coast, Michigan

While it might look ultra-idyllic on a sunny day, if you visit during stormy weather you'll get to see the colossal winds that have earned this part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula its name. The intriguing Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (pictured) and lighthouse in Whitefish Point will fill you in on the shoreline's many shipwrecks – it’s thought that some 300 vessels have run aground on this treacherous stretch of the lake. 

Great Plains Adventure, Montana

Historic trading posts, ghost towns, riverside trails, and bison-filled prairies are all in store on this circular 400-mile road trip through central Montana’s badlands and beyond. You’ll start in the pretty little riverside town of Fort Benton, a former buffalo-robe trading post from the 1850s.

Before you get behind the wheel, go for a canoe along the river to get a sense of what the place must have been like during the frontier days, when gold was discovered here and fortune seekers, outlaws, and merchants flocked in.

Great Plains Adventure, Montana

As well as passing through typical western towns, you'll encounter some true wild west wildlife on this road trip, and it’s well worth taking a guided tour of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation’s buffalo reserve to see wild bison.

Then head into the badlands of the Charles M Russell National Wildlife Refuge. With a landscape that's hardly changed since it was outlaw country, it's home to a large range of species including coyotes, bald eagles, and elks.

Highway 395, California

One route that’s not to be missed in the Golden State is this beguiling journey between Lee Vining and Lone Pine, which follows Highway 395 as it winds through the Sierras. The 155-mile trip could be completed in a few hours, but you’ll want to leave at least a day or two to explore.

The town of Lee Vining sits on the shores of Mono Lake, so make sure you have a wander around the spellbinding lake and get a look at its mysterious limestone tufas before strapping in and hitting the road. 

Highway 395, California

Some of the gems you’ll encounter along the way include Devil’s Postpile National Monument, a striking rock formation composed of interlocking basalt pillars; McGee Creek, where you can hike trails surrounded by wildflowers; and the town of Bishop, which is popular for hiking and a range of outdoor activities.

Lastly, finish up in Lone Pine, where the Museum of Western Film History is well worth a visit. Consider doing this trip in September or October, when roads are quieter and you’ll get to see the Sierras in a rich palette of fall hues.

Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska

The 300-mile drive between Anchorage and Valdez encompasses once-in-a-lifetime scenery without the crowds on America’s more popular routes. Starting at Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway out of town, passing alongside the tranquil Eklutna Lake, the Reindeer Farm in Palmer (allow an extra couple of hours to get out and see these gorgeous creatures up-close), and the hulking Chugach Mountains.

Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska

Next you’ll reach Matanuska Glacier, where a stop to see the stunning mass of ice is essential (be sure to book a tour, as you cannot explore it alone). Stock up on gas at Glennallen, as it may be your last stop for a while, then join the Glenn Highway, where more picture-perfect mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers (such as Worthington, pictured) are in store before you reach your final destination, Valdez.

Enchanted Highway, North Dakota

An ideal journey for art fans or anyone traveling with kids, this 32-mile road trip from Gladstone to Regent in North Dakota can easily be completed in a day, with a few stops along the way.

What it lacks in length, it makes up for in excitement, as you don’t know what giant creation you’ll come across next as you drive the route, which is dotted with mighty scrap metal sculptures made by local sculptor Gary Greff. First up is Geese in Flight (pictured).

Enchanted Highway, North Dakota

There are giant grasshoppers, pheasants on a prairie, and the Teddy Roosevelt Rides Again sculpture (pictured), created in memory of the former president. What’s more, each sculpture has parking and picnic tables so you can admire them at your leisure.

Want to see more of the state? Join up with the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway (Highway 85) to venture into the rugged badlands of western North Dakota, through traditional cowtowns such as Medora and on to the Great Plains, one-time realm of hunters, trappers, and pioneers.

Mendocino to Redwoods National Park, California

The Pacific Coast Highway is the quintessential California road trip, but head north along the shoreline to enjoy beguiling scenery and lesser-visited roads. This 240-mile trip from Mendocino to Redwoods National Park takes you along Highway 101, winding alongside rugged coastline and through towering redwood forests as you go.

Although this drive could be completed in a day, you’ll want to leave at least two or three to make time for all the spectacular sights on the way.

Mendocino to Redwoods National Park, California

Be sure to stop at Fort Bragg, making time for a stroll on Glass Beach to check out the seaglass it’s known for before heading into its lively downtown for a bite to eat. We also recommend getting out of the car at Redwoods National Park to admire the tranquil forest, stopping at Eureka to enjoy the restored Victorian Old Town (pictured), and taking a scenic detour to drive through the Avenue of the Giants.

High Road to Taos, New Mexico

For a fascinating journey through New Mexico’s Indigenous and colonial past, take the 105-mile High Road to Taos. Your journey begins at Ranchos de Taos, where it’s worth taking a moment to admire the 18th-century San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church and wander through the town’s galleries and shops.

Heading westwards towards Peñasco, you’ll drive through around 30 miles of ultra-scenic Carson National Forest before reaching Las Trampas.

High Road to Taos, New Mexico

There are plenty more historic churches to explore along the rest of the route, including the 225-year-old San Jose de Gracia in Las Trampas, San Antonio de Padua in the wood carving village of Cordova, and the San Miguel Mission (the oldest chapel in the US, pictured) in Santa Fe. As you finish your drive at this storied city, be sure to check out some of its world-class galleries and museums before heading home.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Camden, Maine

The I-95 is one of America’s oldest highways and stretches right along the eastern coast, from Maine to Florida. Yet one of its prettiest – and least-explored – stretches is the short section between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Camden, Maine.

It’s also an ideal road trip to do in a day, with just three hours’ driving time. Kicking things off at Portsmouth (pictured), leave plenty of time to check out the quaint historic houses at the Strawbery Banke Museum before hopping in the car and heading north.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Camden, Maine

The road meanders past idyllic fishing ports, beaches, and dainty towns before reaching Portland, Maine (pictured). Aside from being stunning to look at, this coastal city is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat: French bakeries, fish and seafood markets, craft breweries, and fine dining can all be found here.

Hop back in the car and enjoy bucket-loads of gorgeous coastal vistas as you branch off onto US Route 1 to reach Camden, your final destination.

Coastal Highway US 17, Virginia to Florida

If you’re after a slow and scenic way to experience the beauty of the South, look no further than this stunning route through Georgia’s Low Country. The Coastal Highway US 17 stretches for 1,200 miles from Winchester, Virginia down through Jacksonville, Florida, passing alongside tidal marshes, rivers, estuaries, and the Atlantic Ocean along the way.

There's plenty of history to sink your teeth into, especially in Savannah's historic center and the charming country towns you'll putter past, including New Bern, Little Washington, and Mount Pleasant. 

Coastal Highway US 17, Virginia to Florida

Stop off at The Plains, Virginia and wander its historic streets before journeying on through horse country; make the most of it by booking a riding lesson or watching a polo match at the Great Meadow Equestrian Center. Next, head onto the port of Brunswick, which is the hub of Georgia’s shrimp industry and home to incredible seafood.

Finally, wend your way down to Jekyll Island, the state's southernmost barrier isle which you can access via the Sidney Lanier Bridge (pictured). It’s a dreamy place to end your trip, with its wide-open beaches and unspoiled marshes thronging with seabirds. 

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Texas

At just 30 miles, this stunning drive through west Texas packs plenty of scenery into a short stretch of road. Starting at Maverick Drive, you’ll skirt along the western slopes of the Chisos mountains, with the road reaching up to 20% gradient as you climb to the Sotol Vista overlook. Stop here and take in the awe-inspiring vistas before shimmying alongside the Rio Grande until you reach the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Texas

To make this trip a little longer, take the 14-mile Old Maverick Road back to Highway 118. Fair warning though: this maintained dirt road isn’t suitable for RVs or low-clearance cars, plus it can become dangerous in wet weather so check ahead. If you do venture down the bumpy track, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across Brewster County with the Chisos Mountains looming in the distance.

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