Taking a summer road trip is a national rite of passage in the U.S.
While many people stick to a planned out route, some decide to stray
from their voice-activated navigation systems and take unexpected
detours. Check out the following for a list of scenic destinations that stray off the
beaten path.
Columbia River Scenic Highway, Ore.
Unlike most
highways, this nearly century-old route was built purely for scenery,
and it truly delivers big time. "It's just a fantastic drive and the
landscape is breathtaking," Jensen says. The 75-mile winding ride from
The Dalles to Troutdale starts east of Portland, taking in the sights of
the Columbia Gorge. Along the way, passengers are treated to
waterfalls, mountain views and plenty of pull-offs, so the driver can
enjoy it too.
Route 66, Illinois to California
From the
Grapes of Wrath to
pop music to the early days of television, the Mother Road is linked to
the American psyche. "It touches on some of the greatest mythology in
American," Jensen says. "It's Manifest Destiny." While much of the
Midwest-to-Pacific route has been swallowed up by interstates, many
places still preserve the original two-lane highway. "The scenery is
inspiring," Jensen says, particularly the portion across the Southwest.
"Every other street scene reminds you of
Rain Man or some other movie."
Hill Country Hideaways, Texas
This
central region of the Lone Star State provides the Texas the world
knows from the movies, with deep canyons, swift rivers and undulating
sagebrush plains. "It's wonderfully winding roads and proper two-lane
highways," says Jensen, who recommends making a loop of state highways
335, 336 and 337. "It's the middle of nowhere. It's an elemental
landscape."
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
There's
no better way to appreciate the power of the mighty Mississippi River
than driving its length from north to south. "From Mark Twain to Bob
Dylan to Muddy Waters, it has a place in the national psyche. It's where
the West begins," Jensen says. He suggests breaking up the trip into
pieces, from the unexpected hilly terrain in Wisconsin and Iowa, to the
Delta region from Memphis to New Orleans.
Pacific Coast Highway, San Luis Obispo to Monterey, Calif.
While
California's Route 1 runs most the length of the state, Jensen calls
this middle section the sweet spot, featuring the stunning scenery of
Big Sur, where it twists through seaside cliffs. The stretch also passes
near the wine country of Paso Robles, and the arty town of Carmel.
"There are mountains, oceans and thin strip of asphalt in between,
that's it. You feel like you have the whole continent at your back when
you watch the sunset over the Pacific." The trip works either way, but
the driver will have the best view if you head south to north.
Overseas Highway, Miami to Key West, Fla.
Driving
this 120-mile route connecting the Florida Keys with bridges and
causeways is like piloting a hovercraft across the ocean, Jensen says.
Originally developed for the Florida East Coast Railway, the route was
wiped out by a hurricane in 1935 and converted to a highway. "It's you
and the water half the time. You feel like you're floating. It's a
wonderful sensory experience." Although it can be driven in just a few
hours, take your time to stop at seafood dives and tourist traps along
the way. "There are fish and chips and cold beer and that's always a
pleasure."
Million Dollar Highway, Silverton to Ouray, Colo.
This
section of U.S. Highway 550 climbs more than two miles above sea level
as it twists its way between two historic gold-mining towns. Some say
the route's nickname comes from the road's fill dirt, which came from
mine waste later discovered to contain gold ore. , while others insist
it cost a million dollars a mile to build. "It's literally breath-taking
because of the attitude, but it's a beautiful part of the world, an
amazing drive with a great name and it deserves it," Jensen says. The
road is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, offering the chance
for more exploration.
Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
This
Appalachian beautyfest starts just two hours west of Washington, D.C.,
and slowly winds its way along ridge lines and near historic towns as it
traces the mountain range. With low speed limits, you have time to soak
in the scenery along the 105-mile drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Then connect with the parkway, which continues for another 469 miles on
the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The highlight for many
is the famed Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that winds through
the treetops along the road's highest section.
The Loneliest Road, NevadaThe
section of U.S. Highway 50 earned its name because it passes through a
largely barren uninhabited region. However, the road offers plenty of
distractions as it follows the Pony Express route, skirting mining camps
and crossing mountain ranges covered with juniper and pine forests.
"The actual driving surface is excellent. And there are gas stations and
cafes along the way." Jensen says.
****usatoday.com
