8 Incredible But Underrated U.S. Road Trips

You’ve traveled the world, adventured in exotic locations, and experienced things one could not even imagine ever existed. But did you know some of the most underrated adventures are the road trips found in your own backyard? These are hidden gems that few are aware of.

Here are some underrated U.S. road trips for your next adventure.

1. Oregon/Washington: Astoria – Long Beach

Silhouette of a person and dog walking on a beach at sunset, with sea stacks and colorful sky in the background. — Photo Credit: Chantelle Kincy.

My first time visiting the Oregon and Washington coasts was memorable! Astoria is a small town on the northwestern tip of the Oregon coast. In Astoria, you can see a couple of the locations for movies filmed here, such as: “The Goonie’s” jailhouse and “Kindergarten Cop” schoolhouse.

You must stop into The Rusty Cup and grab a chai tea latte. It’s delicious!

Be sure to visit the Astoria Column, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and walk along the Astoria Riverwalk. The Columbia River provides you with these picturesque backdrops throughout your riverwalk.

Enjoy listening to and seeing the sea lions barking along the boat docks, they were hilarious! Catch the sunrise or sunset of the Columbia River too! You’ll thank me later!

A few state parks nearby are worth visiting along with Cannon Beach, where the infamous Haystack Rock resides. A must-do on this underrated road trip is a drive across the Astoria-Megler Bridge from Astoria into Washington state. I remember looking ahead of my route and seeing how high and long this bridge was. It is incredible!

Once in Washington, go check out Cape Disappointment State Park. Are you a history buff? History is in abundance in this state park including two lighthouses you can view, the North Head Lighthouse, and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.

Don’t forget to visit Long Beach, Washington. Long Beach is part of the Pacific Ocean and if you’re not familiar, the water is ice cold! I dipped my toes in and that’s as far as I needed to go. Here you can walk on the boardwalk for sightseeing, rent a bike, fly a kite, or experience a boat tour.

2. Oregon: Hells Canyon Byway

Truck on a winding road leading to distant snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Another underrated road trip not known to most is the Hells Canyon Byway. I traveled along the Hells Canyon Byway multiple times and it never gets old.

Get your camera ready. The panoramic views, the endless mountain ranges, the solitude, every sunrise and sunset will hit you like it’s the first time you’re witnessing any of it. You will be off the grid for most of this road trip which forces you to be present in the moment. This makes this road trip that much more priceless in today’s world.

Follow the Hells Canyon Byway and you’ll find Joseph, Oregon. This small town boasts one of the best backdrops showcasing Wallowa Lake and snow-capped mountains that will steal every photo.

I’ve been to Joseph quite a few times. The town is very quaint and artistic. Every July, Joseph hosts Chief Joseph Days where you can witness the art and history of the city, parades, and rodeos, and enjoy live music and Native American dancing. It is a unique experience that I have yet to find anywhere else.

Lastly, visit Wallowa Lake. It is known for its beauty and wild animals that live and travel through the area. Imagine frigid glacier water and the views are beyond breathtaking in every direction when it snows,!

3. Montana: Columbia Falls – Kalispell – Anaconda

Two people stand on a lakeshore in front of snow-capped mountains, smiling and making peace signs with their hands. — Photo Credit: Chantelle Kincy.

Start your journey at Glacier National Park in Columbia Falls. This national park offers visitors endless hiking, outdoor activities, melting glaciers, and panoramic views that may make your other photos in your camera jealous! I remember driving through Glacier National Park and seeing bears all around. It was an incredible experience to witness as a first for me.

When you’re done adventuring in the national park, head South to Kalispell. It’s a small city in Montana but, worth the stop. It was quiet, with great views, abundant bodies of water to explore, and endless outdoor activities. It is a gem for souls who love to be outdoors and explore new areas.

Be sure to explore Flathead Lake State Park. It’s a large, serene lake that just took my breath away. You can easily choose to kayak or sit by the water, mesmerized by Mother Nature.

Head South to Anaconda, Montana. This small town is tucked away in the southwestern part of Montana in the mile-high valley of the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. The adventurous will find a home here. The area offers visitors several outdoor activities from zip-lining to hot springs to adventuring on an ATV, and so much more.

The opportunities to explore this beautiful hidden gem are endless. You don’t want to skip this road trip!

4. Nevada: Route 50, “The Loneliest Road in America”

A car drives on a long, empty road through a vast desert with snow-capped mountains in the background. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

This underrated road trip has yet to be exploited to its fullest potential. U.S. Route 50, also known as “The Loneliest Road in America” in Nevada, offers scenic, unexposed views you can’t find anywhere else. It is here you find complete solitude.

Stop in at one of the least visited national parks in the U.S., Great Basin National Park. It boasts the 12-mile Wheeler Peak scenic drive where you experience driving through the desert and moving into a heavily forested terrain all while reaching a maximum elevation of 10,000 feet. Just imagine the views once you’re at the top!

You can also tour the Lehman Cave underground, hike and visit an alpine lake, or star gaze into the dark sky. Can you find the Milky Way?

The next stop is Ely, Nevada. It’s a miniature town with an artistic vibe that runs throughout. Here you can visit local art galleries, mountain bike, see Cave Lake State Park, or learn about the Shoshone Tribe.

If you’re brave enough, visit a real ghost town, the Osceola ghost town off Route 50.

Lastly, find your way to Austin, Nevada where hiking never ends, and open roads are your backdrop.

5. South Dakota: The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

Person in a car observes a herd of bison grazing in a grassy landscape. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Have you ever traveled along The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway in South Dakota? This gorgeous road trip brings visitors an abundance of wildlife sightings along with panoramic views only your camera can understand how to capture!

You can start your journey at Custer State Park. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love this state park. You can see herds of bison that freely roam within the park and will stop traffic. If you’re lucky you can also see pronghorn antelope, elk, wild turkeys, mountain goats, and possibly some mountain lions. Count me in!

Drive through Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road where you’ll be greeted with rock formations, tunnels, and cliffs. Here, you can see Mount Rushmore from different angles and capture it in all its glory!

This is a road trip for the soul who loves nature to its fullest!

6. Minnesota: The Great River Road

Scenic river view at sunset with a railroad track alongside, surrounded by lush autumn foliage. — Photo Credit: Illinois Office of Tourism.

The Great River Road expands through 10 different states offering you scenic views that vary as you travel alongside the Mississippi River. This drive isn’t for the faint of heart. It’ll easily take approximately 36 hours to complete the entire Great River Road.

In Minnesota alone, 12 state parks run along the Great River Road route you can explore each offering various outdoor activities. Most state parks include kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking.

Visit the Aiton Heights Fire Tower (think 115 steps up and back down but the views are worth it). Then hit The Eagle Center in Wabasha where you can learn about these majestic birds and possibly see one yourself.

7. Michigan: M-22 Scenic Byway

People walking and relaxing on sandy dunes by a blue lake under a clear sky. — Photo Credit: Paper and Lens Co / Shutterstock.

Whether you’re visiting in the spring or the fall, or driving along the M-22 in Michigan, you’ll see a lot of color and beautiful scenic views. M-22 is an underrated road trip that provides visitors with small-town warm welcomes at almost every turn and views that can’t go unnoticed.

A must-see along the M-22 is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The opportunities to have fun are endless at the lakeshore beach. You can kayak, fish, swim or just lay out and enjoy the lake views!

Are you ready to climb some towering sand dunes? The Sleeping Bear Dune Climb is a must! Love waterfalls? Canyon Falls is another must-see along your drive!

If visiting during the fall, check out Pierce Stocking Drive for incredible fall foliage views.

8. New Hampshire: The Kancamagus Highway

Aerial view of a winding road through a forest with vibrant fall foliage and mountains in the background. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Do you love a good solitary drive into the middle of nowhere? Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire might be just the road trip for you. This 34.5-mile drive offers you all of Mother Nature and nothing human-born.

There is no access to fuel, food, or any other amenities along this drive so be prepared before you start this journey.

This highway is tucked away within the White Mountains range of New Hampshire. Many are unfamiliar with this secluded road, making it more enticing to visit!

Picture waterfalls, hiking, wooden bridges, and a place so serene. A few must-sees along the way are the Sabbaday Falls, Sugarhill Scenic Overlook, and Diana’s Baths. This is another great road trip to take during the fall months to witness the fall foliage.