17 Scenic American Road Trips That Justify Taking the Long Route
Condé Nast Traveler identifies 17 American road trips that reward the slower pace of travel. Routes range from New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains to the Badlands Loop in South Dakota.
America's road trip culture persists not because it's efficient, but because it invites travelers to slow down and absorb landscapes that exist between major cities.
Condé Nast Traveler has compiled 17 road trips across the country, each offering distinct terrain and stopping points. The routes span from designated scenic byways in the Northeast to cross-country itineraries and routes beyond the continental United States.
Northern Routes: New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire Route 112) stretches 34.5 miles between Lincoln and Conway, running through the White Mountain National Forest. The route climbs to a 2,855-foot pass and passes dense forests, rivers, and mountain vistas. In autumn, hardwood trees turn red, orange, and gold; summer brings swimming holes and wildlife sightings.
The highway is easily accessible from Interstate 93 and Route 16, making it one of New England's most accessible scenic drives. Littleton, positioned about 20 miles north on I-93, serves as a natural starting point.
Stops along the route include Sabbaday Falls and overlooks at CL Graham Wangan and Pemigewasset. The Swift River offers swimming areas during warmer months, while surrounding national forest trails range from leisurely walks to challenging peaks. Gateway towns at each end provide restaurants and lodging; services are sparse once you enter the forest itself.
Southern Routes: South Dakota's Badlands Loop
The Badlands Loop Road spans approximately 31 miles through Badlands National Park in southwestern South Dakota. The Indigenous Lakota people called the region "mako sica," or "land bad," due to the harsh living conditions the terrain historically imposed. Spring and fall offer the best conditions for driving this route.
Key stops include Big Badlands Overlook and Panorama Point, where bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs are commonly spotted. Wall Drug, a former small-town drugstore now an iconic roadside attraction, lies a few minutes north of the park.
From the Badlands, drivers can extend the trip 70 miles to Mount Rushmore National Memorial or continue through Black Hills National Forest. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offers waterfalls and foliage viewing depending on season. Spring Horse Memorial provides insight into contemporary Lakota culture and tradition. Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park allows viewing of bison herds and pronghorn antelopes, while Wind Cave National Park, 50 miles southwest, features underground caverns and prairie-forest hiking.
Planning Considerations
The best road trips combine scenic pull-offs, roadside diners, small-town amenities, and access to national parks or distinctive landscapes. Routes vary in length, difficulty, and seasonal appeal; the same drive offers different perspectives depending on when you travel.
Proper planning includes mapping stops, identifying where gas and food are available, and researching seasonal conditions. Many scenic byways have full-service gateway towns at entry and exit points, reducing the need to find services along remote stretches.
