The Best Driving Roads in America

Ready to trade the boring interstate for an unforgettable Driving Experience? America is an unparalleled canvas for the car culture enthusiast, offering everything from technical mountain passes to stunning coastal views. This episode of DriveContact podcast is your essential guide to planning the ultimate road trip, highlighting iconic routes that prioritize technical skill and scenic beauty over pure speed.

Three Iconic Roads Prioritizing Skill and Scenery

We focus on three premier destinations that offer a true test of driving ability and sensory delight, defining the ultimate Enthusiast Trip:

• The Tail of the Dragon (US Route 129, Appalachians):
  • A legendary 11-mile, 318-curve pilgrimage through the mountains.
  • It is a pure, intersection-free driving laboratory that demands intense focus and respect for the road.
  • Ideal for testing vehicle handling and driver concentration.
• The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) – Big Sur, California:
  • A breathtaking route along the dramatic, rugged coastline.
  • We reveal why driving North to South is essential to place the vehicle on the ocean side of the highway, maximizing panoramic views.
  • The route features sweeping curves, elevation changes, and abundant scenic overlooks.
• The Beartooth Highway (Montana/Wyoming):
  • An unforgettable, high-altitude Enthusiast Trip through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains.
  • The road climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, featuring sharp switchbacks and alpine panoramas.
  • It offers massive scenery that rivals Europe; however, it is open only during the summer months due to heavy snow.

The Meditative Journey and Planning Essentials

For those seeking a different pace, and for all travelers, smart planning is non-negotiable for a safe and successful journey:

• Bonus: Blue Ridge Parkway:
  • A 469-mile scenic drive connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.
  • Designed for leisurely cruising and appreciating pastoral vistas and mountain panoramas.
  • It offers a meditative kind of road trip, emphasizing landscape appreciation over aggressive performance.
• Seasonal Planning and Safety:
  • Always check road conditions before departing, as mountain passes like the Tail of the Dragon and the Beartooth Highway can be dangerous or closed in winter.
  • Routes like the PCH are prone to closures due to weather events and rockslides, demanding flexibility in your itinerary.

Pack your bags, check your tires, and let’s hit the road less traveled! Don’t just drive—truly experience the road!