Oscar-winning screenwriter Callie Khouri once observed, “To everyone in this country, the car represents freedom, mobility, and the control you feel over your destiny/destination.” Nowadays, taking a road trip ensures safeguarding the health of those in the vehicle, so it is a good way to use vacation time. Further, those who own motor homes can travel safely rather than flying and staying in hotels where there can be health risks.

 

Here are some beautiful and scenic road trips that people can take in America.

 

Vermont’s Green Mountain Byway

Vermont is one of the best places to see fall foliage. When the leaves turn colors in early autumn, Green Mountain Byway is 11 miles of resplendent colors. Even in other seasons, the drive on this route provides a breathtaking view of the area.

 

Great Smoky Mountains Parkway

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountain range present a kaleidoscope of colors in Autumn. Among the 100 species of trees are the colorful maples, hickories, sweetgums and scarlet oak that display their Autumn beauty in the latter half of October and the first part of November when the middle and lower elevations change. The Great Smoky Mountains Parkway runs through the national park and is the main thoroughfare for the charming towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Other scenic drives that provide tourists views of the fall colors in the Smokies include Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Rome Road and the recently reopened Parson Branch Road.

 

Highway US 1 in California

This highway is one of the most scenic routes in the U.S. It runs along the Pacific coast and features the Big Sur, the Golden Gate Bridge and miles of awe-inspiring scenery. Drivers can go from Key Largo to Key West on this picturesque highway, crossing the impressive 7 Mile Bridge.

 

Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway

Taking a breathtaking drive on the Million Dollar Highway includes reaching the stunning Red Mountain Pass at an elevation of 11,018 feet. Black Canyon and two national parks are nearby.

 

Oregon’s Columbia River Highway

A drive through “green mansions,” the views along the highway are of trees adorned with dripping moss and gorgeous foliage tunnels.

 

Highway 90 and 145 in Colorado

Route 90 extends 42 miles from Utah’s border near the La Sal Mountains and toward the San Juan Mountains. At Naturita the road meets Highway 145 and weaves through awesome canyon scenery where snow-capped mountains can be viewed in the east and the west.