Top 10 'Highway-Optional' Backroad Routes to try for Beginners Discovering America's Small Towns
There's a certain magic that happens when you peel off the interstate. The drone of the highway fades, replaced by the rustle of leaves, the hum of a small-town main street, and the satisfying crunch of gravel under your tires. For many of us, driving has become a means to an end—the fastest way to get from Point A to Point B. But what if the drive itself was the destination?
This is the philosophy behind "highway-optional" travel. It's a conscious choice to slow down, to trade multi-lane efficiency for two-lane discovery. It’s about finding those winding country roads and historic byways that connect the dots between America's most charming, authentic, and often-overlooked small towns. Here at Goh Ling Yong's blog, we believe the real soul of the country isn't found at a sprawling gas station off an exit ramp, but in a family-owned diner on a quiet courthouse square.
But where do you start? The sheer number of backroads can be intimidating for a beginner. That's why we've compiled this list of 10 incredible, beginner-friendly routes. These drives are well-paved, easy to navigate, and packed with enough scenic beauty and small-town charm to turn any novice into a seasoned backroad explorer. So, fill up the tank, grab your favorite playlist, and let's leave the highway behind.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
Often called "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect entry point for any aspiring backroad traveler. This 469-mile ribbon of road is a National Parkway, meaning no commercial trucks, no billboards, and a strictly enforced 45 mph speed limit. It’s designed for pure, leisurely driving.
The Parkway meanders through the Appalachian Highlands, offering breathtaking vistas at nearly every turn. You'll find hundreds of scenic overlooks, so plan to stop frequently. The route connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. While you can drive it in a couple of days, give yourself at least four or five to truly soak it in.
- Small Town Tip: Don't just stay on the Parkway! Dip down into charming towns like Blowing Rock, NC, for a walk on the famous "blowing rock" and a cozy lunch, or explore the vibrant arts scene and incredible food in Asheville, NC. In Virginia, the historic city of Roanoke is just a short drive off the parkway and offers a fantastic glimpse into railroad history.
2. The Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama & Tennessee
If the Blue Ridge is about mountains, the Natchez Trace is about history. This 444-mile parkway follows a historic forest trail once used by Native Americans, European settlers, and soldiers. Like the Blue Ridge, it's a two-lane, commercial-traffic-free road with a gentle 50 mph speed limit, making for a serene and relaxing drive.
The route is remarkably well-preserved and dotted with historical markers, ancient mounds, and sections of the original "sunken" trace. It's a journey through time, from the historic grandeur of Natchez, MS, with its antebellum mansions, to the musical heritage of Muscle Shoals, AL, and Nashville, TN. The drive itself is mostly flat and forested, offering a peaceful, green tunnel effect for long stretches.
- Beginner's Tip: The Parkway has no gas stations or restaurants directly on it. Plan your fuel and food stops in the towns just off the route, like Tupelo, MS (the birthplace of Elvis Presley), or Leiper's Fork, TN, a quirky and artistic little village just outside of Nashville.
3. Route 6A (The Old King's Highway), Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Forget the traffic-clogged main artery of Route 6. To experience the real, historic Cape Cod, you need to take its scenic sister, Route 6A. This winding, 65-mile road hugs the northern "bay side" of the Cape, passing through some of the oldest villages in America.
You'll drive under canopies of old-growth trees, past sea captains' homes, classic white-steepled churches, and countless antique shops. The pace is slow, the towns are impossibly quaint, and the ocean is never far away. This is the Cape Cod of postcards and paintings, a world away from the hustle of the mid-cape highway.
- Must-See Towns: Start in Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town, and visit the Heritage Museums & Gardens. Continue through Barnstable, Yarmouth Port, and Brewster, stopping for fresh seafood, a walk on the tidal flats at low tide, or to browse a local art gallery.
4. The Great River Road, Minnesota & Wisconsin Segment
The Great River Road is a massive network of roads that follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. For a beginner, tackling a smaller, more manageable section is key. The stretch from Minneapolis, MN, south along the Wisconsin border is a perfect choice.
Following US Highway 61 in Minnesota and State Highway 35 in Wisconsin, this route is dotted with picturesque river towns, towering bluffs, and wildlife refuges. You'll watch barges navigate the river's locks and dams and find plenty of spots to pull over and enjoy the view. The driving is straightforward, and the towns offer a warm, Midwestern welcome.
- Local Flavor: Stop in Red Wing, MN, home of the famous Red Wing Shoes and a beautiful historic downtown. Cross over to Wisconsin and visit Stockholm, a tiny village with a surprisingly delicious pie shop. Further south, La Crosse, WI, is a larger river town with great parks and a vibrant brewery scene.
5. Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Ready for a taste of the epic American West? Utah's Scenic Byway 12 is an "All-American Road" for a reason. This 124-mile paved route is your gateway to some of the most surreal and stunning landscapes on the planet, connecting Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
While the scenery is dramatic—think red rock canyons, vast plateaus, and "slickrock" deserts—the road itself is well-maintained and entirely manageable for a beginner. You'll drive over the famous "Hogback," a narrow ridge of road with steep drop-offs on both sides, but it's wider than it looks and perfectly safe. The reward is a 360-degree view that will leave you speechless.
- Driving Tip: There are very few services along this route. Fill up your gas tank in Torrey (near Capitol Reef) or Panguitch (near Bryce Canyon). The small town of Boulder, UT, is a fantastic oasis in the middle, home to the acclaimed Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm—be sure to make a reservation far in advance.
6. A Texas Hill Country Loop, Texas
When people think of Texas, they often picture flat, arid landscapes. The Texas Hill Country will shatter that image. This region west of Austin and north of San Antonio is a beautiful area of rolling hills, spring-fed rivers, and fields of wildflowers (especially in the spring).
A perfect beginner's loop involves a network of "Farm to Market" roads that are a joy to drive. Start in the German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, known for its wineries and charming main street. Drive south to the quirky, legendary music hamlet of Luckenbach ("Where Everybody's Somebody"). Then head west through ranch land to Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World." The roads are smooth, the traffic is light, and the scenery is pure Texas charm.
- Best Time to Go: Visit from late March to early May to see the famous Texas Bluebonnets and other wildflowers in full bloom. The roadsides explode with color, making an already beautiful drive truly spectacular.
7. US Route 1, Coastal Maine
While I-95 can get you up the Maine coast quickly, US Route 1 is where you'll find the state's soul. This iconic highway traces the jagged, picturesque coastline, linking one charming fishing village to the next.
For a beginner-friendly segment, focus on the southern portion from Kittery to Rockland. You'll pass through famous towns like Kennebunkport, with its stately homes, and Ogunquit, with its beautiful marginal way cliff walk. Further north, the road winds through postcard-perfect harbors like Camden, where a fleet of historic schooners fills the bay.
- Insider Advice: Route 1 can get very busy during the peak summer months of July and August. For a more relaxed drive, plan your trip for June or, even better, September. The weather is still beautiful, the crowds are thinner, and you'll get a more authentic taste of coastal life. And yes, you must stop for a lobster roll.
8. The Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
Just east of Portland lies a road that changed America. The Historic Columbia River Highway was the first scenic highway in the United States, an engineering marvel designed specifically to showcase the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Today, it exists in sections parallel to the much larger I-84.
This is a short but unforgettable drive. You'll wind past a breathtaking succession of waterfalls, including the towering 620-foot Multnomah Falls. The road itself is a work of art, with moss-covered stone walls and graceful arches. Stop at the Vista House at Crown Point for one of the most iconic views in the Pacific Northwest.
- Planning Your Trip: The most popular section of the historic highway can get crowded. Try to go on a weekday or early in the morning. After your drive, continue east to the town of Hood River, a hub for windsurfing, craft breweries, and delicious farm-to-table food.
9. A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, Florida
For a dose of sunshine and a laid-back coastal vibe, it's hard to beat Florida's A1A. This 72-mile stretch from the northern boundary of St. Johns County down to Flagler Beach is a designated National Scenic Byway and the perfect antidote to the monotony of I-95.
This is easy, flat, and beautiful driving. For much of the route, the Atlantic Ocean is right outside your window, with miles of cinnamon-colored coquina-shell beaches. You'll pass through St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, and cruise by sleepy beach towns and protected nature preserves. Roll down the windows, feel the sea breeze, and just relax.
- Don't Miss: Spend ample time exploring the historic district of St. Augustine. Then, as you drive south, stop at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park to see the unique shoreline of coquina rock formations.
10. The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Known to locals as "The Kanc," this 34.5-mile scenic drive is the crown jewel of New England's White Mountains. Designated as an American Scenic Byway, it cuts through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, connecting the towns of Lincoln and Conway.
What makes the Kanc special is its purity. There are no gas stations, no restaurants, no hotels, no businesses of any kind along the entire route—just pristine forest, scenic lookouts, hiking trails, and the Swift River. The road climbs to nearly 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass, offering spectacular mountain views. It's a true immersion in nature. As my friend Goh Ling Yong often says, sometimes the best roads are the ones that lead you away from everything else.
- Pro Tip for Beginners: Because there are no services, make sure you have a full tank of gas before you start from either Lincoln or Conway. The drive itself is only about an hour without stops, but you'll want to budget at least half a day to pull over at the overlooks, take a short hike, and dip your toes in the river. It's an absolute must-do during the fall foliage season in late September or early October.
The interstate will always be there when you need to make good time. But the real stories, the memorable meals, and the unexpected moments of beauty are waiting for you on the backroads. These ten routes are just a starting point—a friendly invitation to explore the America that exists between the exits.
The best part is that you don't have to cross the country to start. Every state has its own scenic byways and quiet country roads. Pull out a map, look for those thin, squiggly lines, and see where they lead. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find just a few miles from your own home.
Now we want to hear from you! What are some of your favorite "highway-optional" routes? Share your best-kept secrets and small-town discoveries in the comments below. Happy travels!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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