Authored by Matthew Young

Ready for a break from the grind or to simply escape from the everyday norm? Why not explore one of the many famous highways America has to offer?

Whether you prefer cruising with the top down with the wind in your hair, or packing as much action as possible into your getaways, any one of the routes below promises to offer a multitude of unforgettable sights and experiences.

Possibilities include stunning natural views, unique museums, exciting recreational activities, intriguing bits of history, and uncommon cuisine.

Exciting U.S. Road Trips for Any Type of Traveler

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Ready for a break from the grind or to simply escape from the everyday norm? Why not explore one of the many famous highways America has to offer?

Ready for a break from the grind or to simply escape from the everyday norm? Why not explore one of the many famous highways America has to offer?

The Blues Highway

U.S. Route 61, part of which is otherwise known as “The Blues Highway,” offers blues enthusiasts many opportunities to explore the history of this iconic musical genre. The highway was travelled by famous blues musicians such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Bessie Smith and B.B. King.

U.S. Highway 61 itself runs all the way from New Orleans, Louisiana through Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Be sure to try some authentic southern cuisine in your travels, too!

Love music? More importantly, love jazz? March and April in the US brings plenty of jazz into the limelight, and New Orleans is at the heart of it all!

Love music? More importantly, love jazz? March and April in the US brings plenty of jazz into the limelight, and New Orleans is at the heart of it all!

Pig Trail Scenic Byway

The Pig Trail Scenic Byway portion of State Highway 23 in Arkansas is the perfect choice for the traveler who is yearning to get closer to nature. 19 miles of highway curve through dense, lush forests, magical waterfalls, one-of-a-kind rock formations, rolling mountains with beautiful wildflowers, and over the fertile Mulberry River.

Though perhaps you’re a history lover. The trail’s existence actually dates back to before the Civil War. There are some interesting speculations about the origin of the name of the trail, as well as its many past uses. The route runs from slightly north of Ozark, Arkansas to Brashears.

The Pig Trail Scenic Byway portion of State Highway 23 in Arkansas is the perfect choice for the traveler who is yearning to get closer to nature.

The Pig Trail Scenic Byway portion of State Highway 23 in Arkansas is the perfect choice for the traveler who is yearning to get closer to nature.

Rhode Island Route 77

Do you love the coast and all it has to offer? If so, touring Rhode Island Route 77 is the ideal trip for you. It can also be completed in as little as a half an hour. The route begins in the quaint historical town of Tiverton and ends in Sakonnet Point.

Along the way, if you’re hungry, you can stop and try some of the local coastal cuisine such as lobster or chowder while you watch robust waves crashing against pristine rocky shores. The route also includes numerous farms that grow a variety of fruits and vegetables and there is even a vineyard if you are into wine tasting!

You should also be able to spot numerous species of wildlife in the area such as deer, raccoons, and birds.

Vermont: Ethan Allen Highway – Fall Foliage Wonders from Burlington to Bennington

There is no better place to be in the fall if you want to see the leaves turning than Ethan Allen Highway between Burlington and Bennington.

The 138-mile-long route takes about 5 hours to complete and is unrivalled when it comes to viewing fall beauty. Enjoy picturesque covered bridges, charming farms, parks, museums and numerous historic towns and villages.

There is no better place to be in the fall if you want to see the leaves turning than Ethan Allen Highway between Burlington and Bennington.

There is no better place to be in the fall if you want to see the leaves turning than Ethan Allen Highway between Burlington and Bennington.

Historic Apache Trail

Have you always longed to go “out west?” If you have, you absolutely have to travel the Historic Apache Trail in Arizona.

The trail begins in Mesa and is a superb scenic passage through miles and miles of mostly uninhabited desert, ending in Globe. It’s 115 miles long and can be completed in about 7 hours.

It was built in the early 1900’s to route supplies for the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam which was built to supply water for Phoenix.

The Devil’s Backbone

Texas has many miles of vast, impressive terrain. Located in Texas Hill Country, the Devil’s Backbone is a great place to view the grand, scenic vistas.

To travel the Devil’s Backbone, go south on US-281 from Johnson City. The route will take you all the way to Blanco, almost making a complete loop from where you began.

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Ready for a break from the grind or to simply escape from the everyday norm? Why not explore one of the many famous highways America has to offer?

Ready for a break from the grind or to simply escape from the everyday norm? Why not explore one of the many famous highways America has to offer?

Matthew Young is a Boston based freelance writer. As an aspiring automotive journalist looking to make a name for myself in the industry, he is passionate about covering anything on 4 wheels.

When Matthew is not busy writing about cars or new emerging tech, he usually spends time fiddling with his camera and learning a thing or two about photography. Tweet him @mattbeardyoung

Photo credits: Pinterest image by Moyan Brenn. Devils Hollow Mulberry, Arkansas by Luke Cureton. Fall foliage by Anthony Quintano. All other photos by Mapping Megan.