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The Most Scenic Roads in America – The Road Less Traveled

With the warm summer season quickly approaching, people will soon be hitting the open roads. Travelers will be exploring the unparalleled geographical range and biodiversity the United States has to offer. Many states provide some of the most visually stunning routes in the world, and while road trips may be a special occasion for many, for H&M Bay’s network of independent truckers, experiencing the country’s natural beauty is an everyday occurrence. H&M Bay delivers across the continental United States, servicing much of the country, conducting 7,000+ shipments and transporting 20 million pounds weekly. According to the American Trucking Association, trucks move “roughly 72.2% of the nation’s freight by weight” with over 3.49 million truck drivers employed across the country. Our independent drivers traverse across states, through the elements, and across countless beautiful habitats.

Here are seven of some of the most scenic routes America has to offer:

The 17 Mile Drive – California’s Coastal Gem

The road from Pacific Grove to Carmel, more famously known as the 17-mile drive, provides classic California views of coastal cliffs, powdery beaches, and delicate greenery. Drivers take the road through the famous golf courses at Pebble Beach, then to the alabaster Carmel beaches. You will see the Lone Cypress, the over 250 year-old Cypress tree which sits upon a cliff in the sea. The fall and spring seasons bring the best views and weather, with clear skies abounding in the afternoons.

The Sun Road – Montana’s Ticket to the Sky

The Sun Road takes visitors over 50 miles through Glacier National Park in the picturesque state of Montana. The Road provides travelers with majestic views of glaciers, valleys, mountains, waterfalls and an abundance of vibrant wildflowers. The Road finds its roots in 1921, when the Glacier National Park received funding from Congress to construct the then-named Transmountain Highway. The road then opened to the public in 1933 and to this day, remains a display of engineering genius. Due to its mountainous landscape, the road is often only open from late June to early October, with the warm summer weather bringing the most visitors.

Trail Ridge Road – Welcome to the Rockies

The highest continually paved road in the United States is found in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park where the Trail Ridge Road takes you from the town of Estes Park, Colorado to Grand Lake, Colorado. The “Highway to the Sky” was completed in 1933, ascending to 12,183 feet. Drivers are offered sweeping views of the Rockies, the Trail Ridge tundra, and the impressive Continental Divide.

Route 12 – Red Rocks Abound

From Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park, travelers take Route 12 where red rocks and canyons abound. From Wayne County to Garfield County, drivers take the scenic byway through Dixie National Forest. Then drivers move through Capitol Reef National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park. In between, drivers can stop off and see the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Lower Calf Creek Falls, and the Escalante Natural Bridge. Free roaming bison may accompany you on your 124 mile drive through the stunning red rocks Utah is known for.

Blue Ridge Parkway – From Virginia to North Carolina

Taking us to the Southern and Central Appaclacians is the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is found lying between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. Visitors take the 469 mile road to see the highest mountain peak in the eastern United States. You will also see Mount Mitchell, the oldest river in North America, the amusingly-named New River, and the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon, the Linville Gorge. The parkway is known for its remarkable biodiversity with numerous different habitats. The floral and fauna of Virginia and North Carolina, alongside the states’ monumental geological features are sights to behold.

The Pacific Coast Highway – California’s Delight

The Pacific Coast Highway takes you from Los Angeles to northern California with over 500 miles of ocean views, surf-beaten bluffs, and classic California wildlife. Highway 1 runs through Big Sur, San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Los Angeles, and the coast in between. The migrating elephant seals sunning on San Piedras Beach, the sea lions hanging around San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, and the sea otters famously found floating in the Monterey Bay showcase the coastal animal life uniquely found in California. The drive can span several days with stops in seaside towns with dazzling views and shining sunny weather.

Hana Highway – Maui’s Greatest Adventure

Drivers take the Hana Highway along the coast of the island of Maui, all around the isle. The lush rainforest, along majestic cliffs, and past gushing waterfalls are included in the drive. The road is dotted with mile markers to help visitors along their way. At Twin Falls, found at Mile Marker 2, visitors can pull over and hike to spectacular waterfalls which fall into a large swimming hole for hikers to cool off in. ‘Ula’ino Road, off of Mile Marker 31 leads to the Hana Lava Tube, a spectacular geographic site. Wai’anapanapa State Park and Honomanu Bay beaches offer beautiful ocean and greenery views. Freshly baked banana bread and fresh fruit stands found along the route offer sustenance to travelers on their way. Mile Marker 42 brings you to Haleakala National Park to explore ancient Hawaiian ruins, the Seven Sacred Pools and Waimoku falls. The drive is a full day activity with exploring, adventuring, and miles of views unlike any you’ve ever seen.

Sources:

https://roadtohana.com/sights.php 

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/pacific-coast-highway-itinerary

https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/wildlife-along-the-parkway/

https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/about-the-parkway/

https://www.myutahparks.com/road-trips/scenic-drives/utah-scenic-byway-12/  

https://capitolreef.org/scenic-byway-12/

https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/road-trips/scenic-drives/tour-trail-ridge-road/

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_ridge_road.htm

https://www.glacierparkcollection.com/plan-your-trip/going-to-the-sun/ 

https://www.wellplannedjourney.com/going-to-the-sun-road-guide/ 

https://www.tripsavvy.com/17-mile-drive-1478474

https://koa.com/blog/north-america-scenic-drives/ 

https://www.trucking.org/economics-and-industry-data

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