Why You Should Take the Scenic Route on Your Next Road Trip
When planning a road trip, it's tempting to choose the quickest route to your destination. However, if you're looking to truly embrace the journey, consider taking the scenic route. Scenic highways offer more than just a means to get from point A to point B—they provide a richer, more immersive travel experience. Let's explore why you should venture off the beaten path and what you can gain from it.
The Charm of Scenic Routes
Scenic routes are roads that wind through areas of natural beauty or historical significance. They're designed to be driven slowly, appreciated not just for their destinations but for the journey itself. These routes often feature breathtaking views, charming towns, and numerous opportunities for memorable adventures.
Benefits of Taking Scenic Routes
Unparalleled Views: These roads offer some of the most spectacular landscapes that you’d miss on the interstate.
Exploration Opportunities: Access to smaller cities and towns provides a glimpse into local culture and history.
Enhanced Travel Experience: The journey becomes a part of the destination itself, enriching your overall trip.
Many scenic routes, including parts of Route 66 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, run through or near national parks. These parks often feature their own scenic drives, which boast numerous overlooks and trailheads. For example:
Adding a scenic drive through a National Park: Incorporate drives like the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah or the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park into your itinerary.
Notable Scenic Routes
Blue Ridge Parkway: Known as America's favorite drive, this route offers stunning views of the Appalachian Highlands.
Route 66: The most iconic road in America, it tells the story of the country's western migration.
Pacific Coast Highway: Famous for its dramatic coastline, this highway is a must-drive for its cliffs, beaches, and forests.
Next time you plan a road trip, consider taking the scenic route. It might add a little time to your journey, but the rewards are worth it. From stunning views to unexpected discoveries, the road less traveled often leads to the most unforgettable experiences.
