These secret U.S. road trips are closely guarded by those in the know. ‘They’ don’t want you to know about these trips because they are insiders — locals who know a good thing when they have it and don’t want too many people finding out about it.
While iconic routes like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway have earned their place in travel lore, these secret U.S. road trips are similarly spectacular yet quietly guarded by those in the know.
So, buckle up and see this confidential road trip guide you weren’t supposed to see. We figure ‘they’ will forgive us 😉.
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Once it’s built, you can easily customize it to add additional stops, spots to stay, and other attractions you want on your route.
Secret US Road Trip: The Turquoise Trail, New Mexico
What’s so secret about it? It’s off the beaten path from the ‘usual’ New Mexico trips and offers more solitude compared to the more famous road trips.
The Turquoise Trail stretches 50 miles between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It passes through historic mining towns, artistic enclaves, and dramatic landscapes.
Here are some of the best-kept secrets along this route:
- Madrid — A quirky town with eclectic shops, galleries, and the famous Mine Shaft Tavern.
- Cerrillos Hills State Park — Hiking trails with panoramic views and a chance to explore the remnants of old turquoise mines.
- Sandia Crest Byway: This detour takes you to the summit of Sandia Crest, featuring breathtaking vistas of the Rio Grande Valley.
A Solitary Secret: The Loneliest Road, Nevada
What’s so secret about it? A lonely road like this one sees few travelers. The ones who make it keep the experience close to their chest.
The Loneliest Road in America is a secretive route that’s slowly getting more known. U.S. Route 50 through Nevada offers a special sense of solitude and vast, unspoiled landscapes.
It has its share of hairpin turns but rewards the adventurous with an unforgettable experience.
These are our favorite stops along the way:
- Great Basin National Park: Home to ancient pine trees and Lehman Caves.
- Ely: A historic town with a vibrant art scene and the Nevada Northern Railway Museum.
- Austin: A small town with a rich mining history and nearby hot springs.
Top Secret: High Road to Taos, New Mexico
What’s so secret about it? Any route with this much history has plenty of secrets to tell to the brave souls who traverse it.
Connecting Santa Fe to Taos, this scenic byway takes visitors through traditional Spanish and Pueblo cultures, beautiful churches, and stunning mountain scenery. The High Road to Taos is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Secret stops along the way include:
- Chimayó: This historic pilgrimage site is known for the Santuario de Chimayó, a beautiful and historic Catholic Church that has been a source of peace and truth for countless visitors.
- Truchas: A picture-perfect village with incredible views of the Truchas Peaks.
- Picuris Pueblo: This tiny town is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S. Be sure to check out the local museum to learn about the Indigenous peoples from the area.
Covert Ops on The Cascade Loop, Washington
What’s so secret about it? It’s one of the most spectacular routes we’ve ever seen, yet few have traversed it. That makes it a secret road trip in our book.
A stunning and varied road trip, the Cascade Loop covers 440 miles of Washington State’s most diverse landscapes. This route offers a blend of coastal views, mountain passes, and charming small towns.
The Cascade Loop is a closely guarded secret for Washingtonians. Be sure to give it the awe it deserves when you roll out 🙂
Must-see stops along the way:
- Leavenworth: A Bavarian-style village offering a unique cultural experience. Oktoberfest here is one of the best in the U.S.
- Lake Chelan: Stop here for crystal-clear waters and award-winning wineries.
- North Cascades National Park: This shockingly under-visited park is one of the best-kept secrets in the entire system. Featuring the most Glacial views anywhere in the U.S. (outside Alaska), it can’t be missed.
Trails, views, and waterfalls: 10 stops along Washington’s North Cascades Highway
Secret Roamings on Scenic Byway 12, Utah
What’s so secret about it? Even though it’s one of the better known ones on this list, this route is a hidden gem that’s not nearly as frequented as other roads around Utah’s Mighty Five.
This might be the least secret US road trip on our list, but we imagine locals would still love to keep it under wraps.
That’s because this beautiful 124-mile span weaves through some of Utah’s most spectacular landscapes. The route is a dream for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Here are some not-so-secret highlights along the way:
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Famous for its unique hoodoos and stunning vistas, this place is also a hiker and mountain biker’s paradise.
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: This truly massive locale offers endless opportunities for hiking, canyoneering, and photography.
- Capitol Reef National Park: Soak in its colorful cliffs, canyons, and historic orchards.
Secret U.S. Road Trip: Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
What’s so secret about it? It’s a solitary road through secluded mountains that few know about. Welcome to the club of knower abouters 😀
A lesser-known gem in the White Mountains, the Kancamagus Highway (known locally as “the Kanc”) stretches 34 miles from Lincoln to Conway. This scenic drive is especially stunning in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
This US road trip provides a peaceful retreat with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing along the way.
Here are the can’t-miss stops:
- Sabbaday Falls: A short hike leads to this picturesque waterfall. This part of the road trip isn’t so secret because it’s one of the most popular waterfalls in New Hampshire, with good reason.
- Albany Covered Bridge: A historic wooden bridge that’s perfect for a photo stop.
- Rocky Gorge Scenic Area: Offers beautiful views of the Swift River and surrounding forests.
The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota
What’s so secret about it? It’s not one of the usual routes to the major attractions in The Black Hills so it’s not as often talked about, but that makes it no less stunning.
Winding through the Black Hills, the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway springs up in spectacular fashion just the other side of the Midwestern plains. It’s a 70-mile loop that captures several of South Dakota’s most iconic places.
Here are the must-sees along the route:
- Needles Highway: Those who seek tunnels and towering granite rock formations will get there fill along this road that was once thought impossible to build.
- Iron Mountain Road: Pigtail bridges and tunnels mark this route that frames Mount Rushmore in the distance.
- Custer State Park: Known for its legendary bison herds and picturesque lakes, this spot rivals some national parks.
Scary Name: Hells Canyon Byway, Oregon
What’s so secret about it? Far off the beaten path and with a frightening name, few are brave enough to traverse this road. The ones who do don’t regret it and keep the secret safe.
An adventurous and remote road trip, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway stretches 218 miles through the rugged landscapes of eastern Oregon. It features dramatic vistas that will keep you jaw-dropping the whole way.
- Hells Canyon National Recreation Area: Home to the deepest river gorge in North America.
- Joseph: A small town known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning backdrop of the Wallowa Mountains.
- Wallowa Lake: Offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.
Covert Routes: The Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee/N.Carolina
What’s so secret about it? It’s a relatively short detour that is lesser known than other byways in the area.
Winding through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, the Cherohala Skyway offers 43 miles of breathtaking views and pristine landscapes.
Must-stops along the way:
- Santeetlah Overlook: Provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Hooper Bald: An easy hike that leads to stunning vistas.
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: Home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the eastern United States.
Rollin on the River Road Scenic Byway, Minnesota
What’s so secret about it? The Twin Cities are really good at having amazing stuff that’s (almost) criminally underrated and unkown. This road is one example.
This local favorite doesn’t make many national lists, but that’s not because it isn’t spectacular. If you go, keep our secret under wraps so we can keep this route special and secluded.
This river road runs along the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities to the Iowa border. It offers stunning river views and charming river towns.
- Lake Pepin: A naturally occurring lake on the Mississippi River, perfect for boating and fishing.
- Red Wing: A historic town known for its pottery and boots.
- Wabasha: Home to the National Eagle Center, offering close-up views of these majestic birds.
Quiet Rolling on Route 100, Vermont
What’s so secret about it? This is another of the ‘more’ well-known on this list, but it’s still packed with secret hamlets, secluded pull offs, and enough mystery to make the cut.
This road runs north-south through the heart of Vermont, offering some of the most picturesque scenery in New England. This 216-mile route takes you through quaint towns, rolling farmland, and epic views of Vermont mountains.
Fall is one of the best times to hit this route because the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning backdrop for your journey.
Be sure to check out:
- Stowe: A charming town known for its ski resort and scenic beauty.
- Warren Falls: A popular swimming hole with crystal-clear water and natural rock slides.
- Green Mountain National Forest: Offers countless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Meanderings on Michigan’s M-22 Scenic Drive
What’s so secret about it? Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, yet few make the trip. That’s why this route is a secret that few know about.
Winding through the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan’s M-22 offers 116 miles of stunning views along Lake Michigan. This reclusive route takes you through cool towns, solid vineyards, and pristine beaches.
And Fall driving along the M-22 is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant foliage contrasting against the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan.
Stops on the route:
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Offers towering sand dunes and breathtaking lake views.
- Leland (Fishtown): A historic fishing village with charming shanties and unique shops.
- Glen Arbor: A quaint town perfect for a relaxing stop with art galleries, restaurants, and access to the Crystal River.
These secret U.S. road trips offer a chance to escape the crowds and discover untouched beauty and rich history on your next trek. And besides, who doesn’t want to bring an inside scoop into trip planning?
The routes above are more than just roads; they’re journeys through time, nature, and culture. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a deeper connection to communities, these secret road trips provide the perfect escape. So, pack your bags, fuel up, and set out on an adventure that few have experienced but all will treasure.
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