Beyond Route 66: Discover America's Hidden Road Trip Gems
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the iconic American highway stretching from Illinois to California. While this historic route deserves its legendary status for showcasing diverse landscapes across eight states, it is far from the only option for an unforgettable US road trip. Numerous alternative routes offer equally spectacular experiences, often with fewer crowds and more unique attractions, from musical journeys to alien hunting expeditions.
Route 65: From Chicago to New Orleans
Often considered Route 66's southern sibling, Interstate 65 begins near Chicago but heads south through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama before culminating in New Orleans. This nearly 900-mile journey blends urban excitement with cultural depth. Start with Chicago's architectural boat tours and Willis Tower views, then progress to Indianapolis for racing heritage. Louisville offers bourbon tastings, while Nashville provides honky-tonk music crawls. In Alabama, Birmingham serves up legendary barbecue, and Montgomery explores civil rights history. The trip concludes in New Orleans' French Quarter, alive with blues and jazz. Travelbag offers a 19-day package including flights, accommodation, and car hire from £2,299 per person.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Washington DC to North Carolina
Spanning 469 miles between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway is celebrated as America's most scenic drive. Designed purely for aesthetic pleasure, it winds along Appalachian Highlands crests, delivering continuous panoramic vistas free from commercial traffic. With over 250 stopping points, travelers can admire valley sweeps, mountain ridges, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows. Hiking trails might reveal black bears or white-tailed deer, while pit-stops include Charlottesville, home to Thomas Jefferson, and Roanoke with its massive Mill Mountain Star. Original Travel provides an 11-day road trip from £1,980 per person, covering flights, accommodation, and car hire.
Scenic Byway 12: Utah's Natural Wonder
No Utah adventure is complete without traversing the 124-mile Scenic Byway 12, designated an All-American Road for its exceptional beauty. Connecting US 89 near Panguitch with SR 24 near Torrey, this route winds through majestic rock formations and stunning landscapes, praised for its smooth asphalt quality. It climbs into Dixie National Forest, curves past Grand Staircase-Escalante, and rolls alongside the red rock of Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Subalpine firs and aspen trees frame the journey, with numerous scenic viewpoints enhancing the experience. North America Travel Service offers a 10-night motorhome itinerary from £1,469 per person, including flights, campsite fees, and vehicle hire.
Nevada's Loneliest Road and Extraterrestrial Highway
For those seeking solitude and mystery, Nevada's Highway 50—dubbed "the loneliest road in America" by Life magazine—and the Extraterrestrial Highway (Highway 375) offer an eerie, expansive journey. The stretch between Ely and Lake Tahoe features vast, empty deserts where hours may pass without another soul. The Extraterrestrial Highway gains its name from proximity to Area 51, a secretive air force base near Las Vegas, fueling alien conspiracy theories. Bon Voyage provides a 12-night trip covering Nevada and the Loneliest Road from £2,395 per person, with flights, accommodation, and car hire included.
Oregon Film Trail: Cinematic Landscapes
Oregon's dramatic scenery has made it a Hollywood favorite, and the Oregon Film Trail allows exploration of iconic movie locations. From lush forests and rugged coastlines to vibrant cities, this trail blends natural beauty with pop culture. Over thirty sites reference films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Goonies. Twilight enthusiasts can visit Cannon Beach and St Helens, while wildlife sightings include wild sea lions. Bon Voyage offers an eight-day package from £2,345 per person, including accommodation, flights, and car hire.
Great Lakes Road: Urban and Natural Splendors
Starting in Chicago, the Great Lakes Road follows the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, mixing urban vibrancy with small-town charm and breathtaking vistas. Begin in Detroit, exploring musical history at the Motown Museum, then drive through Michigan's Mackinac County to experience "the jewel of the great lakes." Mackinac Island, though car-free, offers lush forests and limestone formations, while Sleeping Bear Dunes provide spectacular views of sea caves and rock formations. Trailfinders has a 14-night trip from £1,745, covering accommodation and car hire.
These alternatives to Route 66 prove that America's road trip possibilities are vast and varied. Whether chasing scenic beauty, cultural depth, or quirky adventures, these hidden gems offer unforgettable journeys with the open highway largely to yourself.
