A few summers ago I took a road trip to Colorado with my
girlfriend. It was a classic style road trip too. We took it easy, drove the
scenic routes, ate at the local spots, and stopped for dozens of photos along
the way. Doing so meant we spent more time on the road than at the destination,
but still to this day it is the trip we talk about most.
I figured I would put an end this hectic week with a short
list of some US roads to drive before you kick the bucket. This list isn’t in any
particular order of importance or significance. Also, I want to keep it going
so consider this a part one of a series of ongoing updates on roads you need
drive. So turn the SatNav off and
trade the monotonous freeway for the roads less traveled.
5.) Talihina,
Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas.
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| Photo by auvet via http://www.flickr.com/photos/auvet/8077044075/ |
Talihina Scenic Drive (Oklahoma 1) to Skyline
Drive (Arkansas 88). This tree lined road literally takes you from peak to peak
on a rolling mountain range. Long sweeping turns, constant elevation change,
and very little traffic makes this one of my favorite roads in the US. The road
itself is in pretty good shape and sits in the middle of a national forest.
There is an RV campground on the route so watch out for the occasional RV. Oh,
and keep an eye open for black bears.
4.) Tail of the
Dragon, South of Knoxville, Tennessee.
This stretch of scenic road boasts 318 curves in only 11 miles and is
continually rated as one of the best motorcycle/sports-car roads in the US. The
start of the route is located about an hour south of Knoxville, TN and starts
alongside the Chihowee Lake while running through the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. Consider reserving a
solid day of driving and continue the loop on North Carolina 28 to Asheville. Check out this great site to learn more about the Tail of the Dragon.
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| Photo by kingfishpie via http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingfishpies/3430168888/ |
3.) Branscomb Road,
California. Connecting US 101 to CA 1.
This is one of the many great connectors between the more popular US 101
and California 1. This road is an old logging path and gets pretty narrow at
times. Road quality is fair but the best part is the low traffic count. The
road is located about 4 hours north of the San Francisco/Oakland area and 2
hours south of Eureka.
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| Photo by bensonkua via http://www.flickr.com/photos/bensonkua/4932332761/sizes/l/in/photostream/ |
2.) Million Dollar
Highway, Colorado.
A great road that offers hairpin turns and beautiful scenic
overlooks. The route is US 550 which runs from Durango to the mining town of Ouray. Steep cliffs, lack of guard rails, and narrow lanes has made this
route one of the more dangerous in the US. I recommend dedicating an entire day
to driving and sightseeing; going from Albuquerque, NM to Aspen, CO.
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| Photo by lamouroux via http://www.flickr.com/photos/lamouroux/6281508706/ |
1.) Pig Trail,
Arkansas. AR 23.
A short route of only 20 miles that was used as a shortcut
between Fayetteville and Little Rock. The road cuts through the Ozark National
Forest and takes you on a journey through rolling hills and thick woods. Not as
challenging of a road compared to others on the list, but it is simply
breathtaking during autumn. This route is fairly popular so heads up for
adventurous RV/Camper and, of course, Arkansas State Police.
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| Photo by oakleyoriginals via http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakleyoriginals/4045358794/ |
To save me from any unnecessary trouble: Obey posted speed limits, wear your seat belt, and drive safely.
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