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With increasing worries over the Delta variant, and the reinstatement of mask restrictions in many places, a lot of us are itching to travel but still want to stay safe. Well, buckle up, because now is an excellent time to go on a classic all-American road trip. From byways that connect multiple adventure capitals to remote stretches that take you to stunning vistas far from the crowds, we’ve chosen our favorite scenic roadway in every state to help you plan your next drool-worthy drive.

Alabama

Lookout Mountain Parkway

Beginning atop Lookout Mountain, in , home to a roaring 90-foot high cascade, winds 93 miles through the wooded hills and impressive waterfalls of . The full drive spans three states, starting in Gadsden, Alabama, crossing through northwest Alabama, and ending in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where visitors can get their “Chattanooga Choo Choo” fix at the , or check out the area’s .

Alaska

Denali Park Road

OK, sure, you’ll have to win a to spin your wheels across , but the nearly guaranteed wildlife sightings alone are enough to put this��92-mile��drive atop your bucket list. Grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, moose, and Dall sheep all call Denali home. Add in the sweeping vistas of North America’s tallest peak, and it’s almost too good to be true. are available for those who would rather sit back and enjoy the ride.

Arizona

Kayenta to Monument Valley

Perhaps best known for its appearance in the film Forrest Gump, the stark, two-lane leading up to the towering red rock pinnacles of Monument Valley is truly a sight to behold. The 28-mile track stretches from the town of Kayenta, Arizona, deep into the heart of the in Utah, and passes colorful mesas and ridges before meeting the 100-foot craggy formations head-on.

Arkansas

Boston Mountains Scenic Loop

Following a former stagecoach route through the woodsy Ozark Mountains, this 42-mile combines two state-designated scenic byways (U.S. 71 and Interstate 49) to link��the to the historic buildings and of Fayetteville. Along the way, don’t miss kayaking at and world-class mountain biking on the Monument Trail at .

California

Pacific Coast Highway

We’d be remiss to leave out what is perhaps the best-known scenic drive in the country: California’s Highway 1. From and panoramic views of ��cliffs and coastal redwoods to whale-watching from countless seaside restaurants, this drive is the epitome of California living, with plenty of sunshine, mountains, and ocean for miles.

Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway

Running the high-altitude gamut from Ouray to Silverton, Colorado’s fabled offers incredible views of , in between hairpin turns and glimpses of black bears, elk, and mountain goats. History buffs won’t want to miss the spooky ghost town of , while wilderness seekers will fall in love with countless hiking and backpacking options off the highway.

Connecticut

Shoreline Drive

To explore the Constitution State’s 96 miles of pristine coastline, much of which is home to iconic New England towns, hit this . Start in New Haven and traverse Route 1 northeast to Stonington. Soak up the views at before basking in the sunshine on Connecticut’s largest shoreline park at .

Delaware

Red Clay Valley Byway

As you pass under wooden-bridge tunnels and through the tremendous fall foliage at , this will have you feeling like you just stepped out of a time machine. Spanning 27 miles of New Castle County roads, some of which date back to the early 1700s, this short drive is big on opportunities to stretch your legs with a side of learning, be it strolling through the botanical gardens of the or riding a vintage steam car at the .

Florida

Florida Keys Scenic Highway

Take your time—and try not to hit the —on this 110-mile that connects 43 of Florida’s southern islands, or keys, ranging from Ley Largo down to Key West. Along the way, you’ll cruise over brilliant aquamarine salt water, mangrove lagoons, and the warm, white-sand beaches of . Finish it all off with a slice of key lime pie at .

Georgia

Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway

Most people might not imagine big mountain views when they think of Georgia, but this 41-mile cuts through the hills and valleys of the southern Appalachian Mountains, offering access to hikes both short and long (Appalachian Trail, anyone?) and a phenomenal vista from the top of the Peach State’s highest mountain, 4,784-foot . Nestled in the verdant backwoods of the , this drive really comes alive in October, when fall colors are at their peak.

Hawaii

Road to Hana

Full of ancient Hawaiian legends, tropical rainforests, and powerful waterfalls, this 64-mile drive that connects the towns of Kahului and Hana in east Maui is one of the most beautiful in the islands. In winter check out surfers riding some seriously massive waves at , sink your toes into the black-sand beach at , and hike the four-mile trail to Waimoku Falls in .

Idaho

Sawtooth Scenic Byway

Stretching between rolling hills and the resort towns of Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley, this two-lane spans 116 miles along some of the most jaw-dropping views of Idaho’s craggy . Follow in in Ketchum, scale a high peak in , and simply enjoy the scenery and a cold one at the , which dates back to the 1940s.

Illinois

Great River Road

Tracing the course of the Mississippi River for nearly 3,000 miles through ten different states, the has been designated one of the country’s best ��with good reason. Some of its prettiest sections lie along the western border of Illinois, giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy�� in the hills of Galena, take a riverboat cruise aboard the , and hike through the lush .

Indiana

Ohio River Scenic Byway

As one of the nation’s original 14 national scenic byways, is packed with activities for every member of the family. From�� and to the spires of ancient stalactites at , dinosaur lovers and water enthusiasts alike will find no shortage of attractions along this route.

Iowa

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

Created in the last ice age, the Loess Hills are a geological wonder at the western edge of the otherwise flat state, constituting 640,000 acres of undulating, golden hillsides. Along , learn about Iowa’s connections to the Underground Railroad at the , prance through flower fields at the , and go for a stroll in .

Kansas

Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway

Explore an area rich with centuries-old while cruising through unexpected landscape formations in the middle of the Great Plains. Home to rust-tinted tablelands, sky-high buttes, and ancient floodplains,�� is a true escape for anyone looking to discover the Midwest.

Kentucky

Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

Tucked into the greenery of , the Red River Gorge is one of the nation’s . Over the 46 miles, stop to paddle the famous Red River or hike the one-mile to check out one of the area’s largest stone arches.

Louisiana

Creole Nature Trail

What separates the 26-mile from other All-American Roads isn’t vast prairies, shorelines, and marshes, though it has those in spades, but rather the unique wildlife of the area. Slow down for street signs marking wild-alligator crossings as you explore small fishing communities and four wildlife refuges in an area often referred to as Louisiana’s Outback.

Maine

Schoodic National Scenic Byway

The is often thought of as the quieter side of Acadia National Park, but this 29-mile����through the heart of Maine’s rugged coastline is anything but boring. Pack a picnic and spread out on the grass at , which overlooks Frenchman Bay, before catching the sunset from at the northern end of the peninsula.

Maryland

Mountain Maryland Byway

Travel through western Maryland’s wild side on as it winds from the small community of Keysers Ridge to the city of Cumberland. The area is a haven for paddlers, anglers, and waterfall lovers, with dense forests, lazy blue rivers, and the state’s .

Massachusetts

Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway

Take in the state’s history on this byway, which parallels the soon-to-be-completed, 100-mile , a re-creation of a former Native American route that’s set to be a long-distance hiking trail��(34 miles of it is currently open, spanning woodland paths, rail trails, and paved roads). Along the 69-mile drive, you can hike or whitewater-raft down one of the byway’s five major rivers: the Millers, Connecticut, Green, Deerfield, or Hoosic.

Michigan

Tahquamenon Scenic Byway

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a vast wilderness area known for cascading waterfalls, the state park surrounding the , and its proximity to three of the Great Lakes. Explore the best of the North Woods on , which meanders past , miles of view-filled Lake Superior shoreline, and thundering .

Minnesota

North Shore All-American Scenic Drive

As the largest of the Great Lakes, the sapphire blue waters and waves of Lake Superior can often feel like a vast, unending ocean to a passing motorist. So hit the brakes and take some time to explore artsy towns (like quaint ) along and consider extending your road trip onto the connecting byway, 57-mile , which winds through before ending at the , a mecca for avid paddlers.

Mississippi

Natchez Trace Parkway

Take a trip through 10,000 years of history on the storied Natchez Trace Parkway. Once a travel corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, slave traders, and soldiers, the has a special focus on historical sites and outdoor recreation. Go for a walk in the woods or pitch a tent at , then stop to admire the prairie flowers and at milepost 261.8.

Missouri

Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway

Missouri’s only scenic byway, the ��bursts into life when fall colors arrive, usually in early October. Situated along a series of narrow ridgetops within��, the road skirts bright crimson and tangerine-hued leaves before winter arrives. Local residents host a with a BBQ and a music festival each year to celebrate.

Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Get an early start to beat the crowds and tour from the 1930s. Typically open from early July through mid-October, the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road bisects some of the most scenic sections of , with access to and , plus epic views of and . along the road are also available for those who’d rather sit back and relax.

Nebraska

Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway

Take your motorized covered wagon on across western Nebraska, a route made popular by pioneers. Plan a trip for mid-July to catch the , and don’t forget to make a stop at , an 800-foot-tall butte that towers over a grassy landscape.

Nevada

Valley of Fire Highway

It’s a rare treat when a park’s is also its most scenic. Located less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, will have travelers feeling like they’re driving through Mars. Plus, there are ample opportunities to get out and stretch your legs on short hikes to , ancient petroglyphs, and narrow sandstone canyons.

New Hampshire

White Mountain Trail

The White Mountains are a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts of all types, and this 100-mile��national scenic byway through the heart of it all offers travelers a little taste of everything. Check out the views on the at , saunter up the Appalachian Trail, and be sure to pull over at the viewpoints for waterfalls like Flume and Silver Cascades. Go in October for the fiercest fall foliage.

New Jersey

Delaware River Scenic Byway

This parallels one of the most famous rivers in the country and passes an array of Revolutionary War–era architecture. Those interested in American history will flip for and the , while nature lovers should bring their bikes for a ride along the , now a paved multi-use trail along the water’s edge.

New Mexico

Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway

Bright orange mesas and volcanic cliffs line , which is chock-full of Native history at must-see stopovers like and . Plan at least three days to fully experience this rugged loop, which travels from to the , home to the country’s largest caldera.

New York

Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway

Perhaps the most quintessential escape for New Yorkers, the are a stunning series of rolling, forested hills ready to enchant you with big vistas and quirky mountain towns. Before you head out on this 52-mile ride, grab some trail snacks at the climate-neutral before hiking to the summit of 4,190-foot or taking a lazy float around the .

North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway

When autumn rears its flaming head, the leaves surrounding the turn to breathtaking shades of marigold and orange. The of the famous parkway, which runs from the Virginia–North Carolina state line to milepost 217, blows across��some of the region’s most spectacular mountains, passing right through the town of (known for its arts scene and vintage bed-and-breakfasts) before hitting Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park–South Unit Scenic Drive

Wildlife, wildlife, wildlife. That’s the name of the game on through the colorful badlands and grassy river valleys that helped inspire Theodore Roosevelt’s love of the outdoors. Don’t miss the half-mile . As you make your way around the stunning loop, scan the horizon for bison herds, wild horses, and prairie dogs.

Ohio

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

is a bastion for Ohio outdoor addicts. Home to waterfalls, pockmarked cliffs, and sandstone caves, this 26-mile drive connects all of the park’s main sites and also allows visitors to explore the state’s historic Hopewell Culture, an archaeological era of Native Americans that lived in the Midwest between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D., with the option to side-trip to a .

Oklahoma

Talimena National Scenic Byway

Situated in the heart of Oklahoma’s Choctaw Country, the 54-mile bursts into life when its vibrant fall colors appear, usually toward the middle of October. Relish all the rustling leaves at one of the drive’s 22 designated vista points, and make a detour to camp and hike in .

Oregon

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

The deepest ravine in North America at 7,913 feet, is an oft-overlooked recreational area that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. Start at the Oregon Trail town of , pick a rustic campsite at , and grab your camera for the . The ends in Baker City, where you could keep rolling onto the .

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Route 6

The 394-mile is packed with small-town charm and adventure opportunities. From the metal trestles and panoramic vistas of the and the narrow slopes of the (referred to as Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon) to quaint like Towanda, it’s impossible to see it all in one trip.

Rhode Island

The Coastal Route

Rhode Island may be the country’s smallest state, but its 1,214 square miles are home to a ton of enchanting colonial towns and scenic coastlines. Head along Block Island Sound to take in the views at��, surf��, and hike the rugged cape of .

South Carolina

Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway

Traverse the southernmost stretch of the and check out South Carolina’s most action-packed state park, , on , which extends from Interstate 85 near the North Carolina border to the Georgia state line. At the park, you’ll find lakes, rivers, and beaches for every kind of water sport. Plus, waterfall chasers won’t want to miss , a stunning 100-foot cascade.

South Dakota

Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway

One of the best ways to see —especially in the sweltering heat of summer—is via a that’s also the park’s main loop. Stretch your legs at the Big Badlands Overlook and the Saddle Pass Trailhead before grabbing lunch at , a zany roadside attraction that’s been a piece of South Dakota history for 90 years.

Tennessee

Foothills Parkway

Undulating through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Foothills Parkway has been around��for 75 years and stretches from to Highway 321, just south of , a family-centric tourist town and gateway to the . It’s a fantastic way to see the wildlife and woodlands without the traffic and crowds often found in the area. If you’ve got more than a day, tack on the 143-mile for even more fun along Tennessee’s winding back roads.

Texas

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Out of the way? Yes. Worth it? You bet. The 30-mile is easily one of the prettiest stretches of national-park road you’ve never heard of. Slicing through Big Bend National Park, the narrow, two-lane road curves through cliffs of volcanic tuff and past Wild West ranches, ending at the spectacular 1,500-foot limestone walls of . Go at sunrise to watch the canyon erupt into the most spectacular colors.

Utah

Highway 12

The 123-mile spans the distance between two of the state’s most incredible national parks: Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. Learn about the area’s bright red hoodoos and Native American legends at the parks before hopping into the car and cruising through the ruins of , the electric orange fins of , and the magnificent slot canyons of .

Vermont

Mad River Byway

From the (home of ) to the tufted green hills of , Vermont’s has as much scenery as it does history. The ��is ideal for a leisurely day or weekend—you’ll have plenty of time to check out the quaint hillside farm stands and hiking trails in . If you’re making this drive in the winter, hit the slopes at local skill hill .

Virginia

Skyline Drive

Taking in both the peaks and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive is just what it sounds like: a winding, with expansive viewpoints of�� and its neighboring farmland. If you’re looking to hike, visit the , which has three trails with stunning views of .

Washington

Cascade Loop

Skirting the coastal cliffs of , glaciated peaks of , turquoise waters of , and ski slopes of , the 400-mile combines the best of the state’s scenic byways into one massive road trip. It’s a perfect weeklong route for mountain lovers looking to escape the hordes visiting nearby parks and take in a bit of locals-only Washington.

West Virginia

Midland Trail National Scenic Byway

Visit America’s newest national park, New River Gorge, and cut through 199 miles of rolling pastures and past rushing waterfalls on West Virginia’s stunning . Be sure to pull over for a photo-op at , and drive across the Western Hemisphere’s longest bridge, the . Paddlers will want to plan their trip for October, when is in full swing.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway

Skirting the second-largest lake in the world, Lake Superior,�� is a journey into wooded wilderness. Camp and kayak along the tree-topped cliffs of the , visit a sandy beach at Frog Bay, the first-ever tribal national park, or go birding in the , part of��.

Wyoming

Beartooth Highway

Wyoming is no slouch when it comes to good looks, and the 68-mile showcases some of the most epic snapshots of the state’s mountainous scenery, ending at the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Named after a Crow phrase, na piet say, which means “the bear’s tooth,” this high-altitude road travels across alpine tundra, past jagged Granite Peak, and around the edge of glacier-carved .