Top 19 'Lost Highway' Road Trip Routes to explore for a Glimpse of Pre-Interstate America This Year
There's a certain magic to the American road trip, a romance baked into the very asphalt of its oldest highways. Before the sweeping efficiency of the Interstate system, a web of two-lane roads connected the country. These were the arteries of America, pulsing with the lifeblood of commerce, migration, and discovery. They wound through the main streets of small towns, past quirky roadside attractions, and over landscapes that demanded you slow down and simply look.
Today, many of these routes are shadows of their former selves, bypassed by multi-lane expressways and forgotten by the rush of modern life. They are America's "lost highways." But for those willing to trade speed for soul, these roads offer an unparalleled glimpse into a bygone era. They are portals to a time of neon-lit motor courts, mom-and-pop diners, and the unshakeable optimism of the open road.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe the journey is just as important as the destination. It's about the feel of the road, the stories etched into the landscape, and the connection you make with the past. So, fill up the tank, grab your favorite playlist, and join us as we explore 19 of the best "lost highway" routes that will transport you back to pre-interstate America.
1. U.S. Route 66, Illinois to California
The Mother Road is the undisputed king of American road trips. Commissioned in 1926, this 2,448-mile ribbon of asphalt stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica, becoming the primary path for those migrating west during the Dust Bowl. It’s a living museum of classic Americana, a cultural icon celebrated in song, literature, and film.
While officially decommissioned in 1985, passionate communities have preserved vast stretches of the original road. You can still drive on much of the old alignment, stopping at restored gas stations in Illinois, marveling at the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, or staying in a classic wigwam-themed motel in Arizona. Driving Route 66 isn't just a trip; it's a pilgrimage.
Pro Tip: Don't rely solely on GPS. Grab a physical "EZ66 Guide for Travelers" by Jerry McClanahan. It provides invaluable turn-by-turn directions for following the original, often-unmarked, alignments.
2. The Lincoln Highway, New York to California
Before Route 66, there was the Lincoln Highway. Established in 1913, it was America's very first transcontinental highway, a bold idea to connect Times Square in New York City with Lincoln Park in San Francisco. It was less a single road and more a corridor of connected routes, a grand experiment in long-distance auto travel.
This route takes you through the heart of the country, from the dense forests of Pennsylvania to the wide-open plains of Nebraska and the daunting deserts of Nevada. Along the way, you'll find original brick-paved sections, vintage diners, and historic markers telling the story of the road's creation. It’s a more rugged and less-traveled alternative to Route 66, offering a deeper sense of discovery.
Pro Tip: Look for the original concrete markers, often featuring a small bust of Abraham Lincoln, which were used to guide early travelers. Finding one feels like unearthing a piece of history.
3. U.S. Route 6, Massachusetts to California
Often called the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, U.S. 6 is a coast-to-coast behemoth that offers a cross-section of America far from the tourist trail. Stretching from Provincetown, Massachusetts, to Bishop, California (it originally went to Long Beach), it’s a quieter, more introspective journey than its more famous counterparts.
The route meanders through forgotten industrial towns in Pennsylvania, vast farmlands in Iowa, and the breathtaking high desert of Nevada and Utah. It rarely sees an interstate, forcing you onto the main streets of towns that time seems to have forgotten. This is the road for those who want an authentic, unvarnished look at the American landscape and its people.
Pro Tip: The stretch through Nevada, just north of the "Loneliest Road," is exceptionally remote and beautiful. Ensure your vehicle is in top condition and you have plenty of gas, water, and snacks.
4. The Dixie Highway, Midwest to the South
The Dixie Highway wasn't a single road but an ambitious network of routes designed in the 1910s to connect the industrial Midwest with the sunny resorts of the South. Its main artery ran from Chicago to Miami, paving the way for the first wave of "snowbirds" seeking winter warmth in Florida.
Driving the old Dixie Highway today is a journey through American history, from the auto factories of Michigan to the battlefields of the Civil War in Tennessee and Georgia. You'll pass through charming southern towns with beautiful antebellum architecture and see remnants of the tourist camps and motor courts that sprung up to serve the first generation of automotive travelers.
Pro Tip: In Georgia, look for the scenic "Old Dixie Highway" loops that peel off the modern highways, often taking you through canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
5. The National Road (U.S. Route 40), Maryland to Illinois
This is where it all began. The National Road was the first major improved highway in the United States built by the federal government. Begun in 1811, it was the original gateway to the West, a vital artery for pioneers heading into the Ohio Valley. Today, much of it is signed as U.S. Route 40.
Traveling this historic route from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois, is like following in the footsteps of pioneers. You'll cross historic stone arch bridges, pass centuries-old taverns and inns, and see the iconic "S" bridges of eastern Ohio, engineered for horse-drawn wagons. It’s a tangible link to the nation's formative years.
Pro Tip: Stop at the National Road Museum in Zaneville, Ohio, for a fantastic overview of the road's construction and its impact on westward expansion.
6. Historic Columbia River Highway (U.S. Route 30), Oregon
America's first planned scenic highway is a masterpiece of landscape architecture. Built between 1913 and 1922, the Historic Columbia River Highway was engineered not for speed, but for beauty. It gracefully winds through the stunning Columbia River Gorge, revealing one breathtaking vista after another.
While a section was destroyed to make way for Interstate 84, over 70 miles of the original road have been preserved for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. Drive this route and you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views from Crown Point, the cascading beauty of Multnomah Falls, and the engineering marvel of the Mosier Twin Tunnels. It's proof that sometimes, the old way is the best way.
Pro Tip: Travel on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like Multnomah Falls. The drive is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so plan for plenty of stops.
7. The Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
Following the course of the mighty Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Great River Road is a collection of federal, state, and local roads that collectively form one of the greatest drives in America. This isn't one highway, but a guided tour through the heart of the nation.
The scenery changes dramatically as you head south, from the northern pine forests to the rolling bluffs of Wisconsin and Iowa, the blues-soaked Mississippi Delta, and finally, the bayous of Louisiana. Each bend in the river reveals a new story, a different culture, and a unique flavor of America. It's a journey for the senses.
Pro Tip: The route is marked by a green-and-white sign depicting a steamboat wheel. Keep an eye out for these markers to ensure you’re staying on the designated path, which often deviates from the main highways.
8. U.S. Route 1, Maine to Florida
The original East Coast artery, U.S. Route 1 runs from the Canadian border in Fort Kent, Maine, all the way to Key West, Florida. Long before I-95 became the dominant corridor, this was the road that connected the major cities, coastal towns, and industrial centers of the Atlantic seaboard.
Driving its full length is a massive undertaking, but tackling sections reveals incredible diversity. Experience the rocky coast of Maine, the historic cities of Boston and Philadelphia, the southern charm of the Carolinas, and the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys. It’s a route that showcases the entire spectrum of East Coast life, often just a mile or two away from the interstate bustle.
Pro Tip: The most famous stretch is the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys (see #11), but the coastal section through Maine is equally stunning and far less crowded.
9. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
While not a commercial "lost highway," the Blue Ridge Parkway was conceived and built in the 1930s as a pre-interstate style scenic drive. It's a testament to the idea of driving for pleasure. With a strict 45 mph speed limit and a complete ban on commercial traffic, it is the ultimate slow road.
Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the 469-mile parkway is a rolling ribbon of asphalt that hugs the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. The views are endless, the air is crisp, and the experience is meditative. A perfect drive for a classic roadster, like one you might see profiled by Goh Ling Yong, this is a route designed for pure driving enjoyment.
Pro Tip: Travel in late spring for the vibrant rhododendron blooms or in mid-October for some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the world.
10. The Loneliest Road in America (U.S. Route 50), Nevada
In 1986, Life magazine gave the Nevada portion of U.S. Route 50 the moniker "The Loneliest Road in America," and the state embraced it. This 287-mile stretch from Ely to Fernley traverses a series of vast, empty basins and high mountain passes, offering a profound sense of solitude and scale.
This is the old West, untamed and sparsely populated. The road passes through historic mining towns like Austin and Eureka, where the pace of life is slow and the stories are rich. The beauty here isn't in lush landscapes, but in the stark, powerful emptiness and the brilliant, star-filled night skies.
Pro Tip: Pick up an official "Highway 50 Survival Guide" at a visitor center. Get it stamped in the five main towns along the route and you can mail it in for a certificate proclaiming "I Survived The Loneliest Road in America."
11. The Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1), Florida
The final 113-mile stretch of U.S. 1 is arguably its most spectacular. The Overseas Highway connects the Florida mainland to Key West, island-hopping across a series of 42 bridges that seem to float over the turquoise water. It’s a tropical dream road.
Built on the foundation of Henry Flagler's "railroad that went to sea," which was destroyed by a 1935 hurricane, the highway is an engineering marvel. The highlight is the Seven Mile Bridge, where the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico surrounds you. It feels less like driving on a road and more like skimming across the surface of the sea.
Pro Tip: Drive it at sunrise or sunset for truly unforgettable views. And be sure to stop at the old, disconnected section of the Seven Mile Bridge at Bahia Honda State Park for a great photo op.
12. The Turquoise Trail (New Mexico State Road 14), New Mexico
Before I-25 provided a direct shot between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the Turquoise Trail was the path. This 50-mile scenic byway winds through the Ortiz and Sandia Mountains, passing through quirky, revived ghost towns and artist communities.
The route is named for the precious stone that was mined here for centuries. You can explore the old mining towns of Golden, Madrid (pronounced MAD-rid), and Cerrillos, which now bustle with art galleries, unique shops, and cozy cafes. It's a creative, colorful, and much more interesting alternative to the interstate.
Pro Tip: Stop in Madrid, a former coal town turned artist haven. It's a great place to stretch your legs, grab lunch at the old Mine Shaft Tavern, and browse the eclectic galleries.
13. The Beartooth Highway (U.S. Route 212), Montana & Wyoming
Charles Kuralt called it "the most beautiful drive in America," and he wasn't wrong. The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile masterpiece, switchbacking its way to an elevation of 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass. It's a high-altitude thrill ride through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains.
This road is a destination in itself, connecting the town of Red Lodge, Montana, with the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. You'll travel through alpine tundra, past glacial lakes, and see dramatic, snow-capped peaks at every turn. Due to extreme snowfall, it’s only open from late May to mid-October, making a trip here a special seasonal event.
Pro Tip: The weather can change in an instant. Even on a warm summer day, bring layers of clothing as it can be cold and windy at the summit.
14. The Mohawk Trail (Massachusetts Route 2), Massachusetts
One of the first official scenic auto-touring roads in the country, the Mohawk Trail follows a historic Native American trade route through the rolling Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. It's a quintessential New England drive, especially during the fall foliage season.
The 69-mile route is famous for its hairpin turn in the east and the stunning views from the summit of Whitcomb Hill. Along the way, you'll find charming small towns, historic sites, and plenty of opportunities to pull over and soak in the pastoral beauty.
Pro Tip: Don't miss the Hail to the Sunrise Monument in Charlemont, a beautiful and moving tribute to the Mohawk people who first blazed this trail.
15. U.S. Route 2, The Great Northern
Stretching from Everett, Washington, to St. Ignace, Michigan (and continuing in the East), U.S. Route 2 is the country's northernmost cross-country highway. It parallels the Great Northern Railway, passing through some of the most remote and ruggedly beautiful landscapes in the lower 48.
This is the road for those who love mountains, forests, and solitude. It skirts the southern edge of Glacier National Park in Montana, crosses the vast plains of North Dakota, and hugs the shores of the Great Lakes in Wisconsin and Michigan. It's a true escape from the modern world.
Pro Tip: The section over Stevens Pass in Washington's Cascade Mountains is particularly scenic, offering incredible mountain views and access to numerous hiking trails.
16. The Moki Dugway (Utah Route 261), Utah
For the truly adventurous, the Moki Dugway is a must-drive. This three-mile stretch of road in southeastern Utah is a series of graded gravel switchbacks carved directly into the face of the Cedar Mesa cliff. It climbs 1,200 feet from the valley floor with an average grade of 11%.
The road was built in the 1950s to transport uranium ore, and it remains a thrilling, white-knuckle drive today. The views from the top, looking out over the Valley of the Gods, are absolutely otherworldly. It's a short but unforgettable piece of pre-interstate style engineering.
Pro Tip: This road is not recommended for large RVs or vehicles towing trailers. Drive slowly, use a low gear, and be prepared for one of the most incredible views of your life.
17. The Apache Trail (Arizona State Route 88), Arizona
The historic Apache Trail is a 40-mile, mostly unpaved road that winds through the dramatic Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix. Built in the early 1900s to facilitate the construction of Roosevelt Dam, it follows a path used for centuries by Apache tribes.
This is a rugged and challenging drive, with tight curves and steep drop-offs, but the rewards are immense. You'll pass by the shimmering Canyon Lake, the quirky hamlet of Tortilla Flat (population: 6), and the stunning Fish Creek Hill. It’s a true Arizona adventure.
Pro Tip: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though not always required. Check road conditions before you go, as sections can close due to weather.
18. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Carved into the mountains of Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Historic Landmark and an engineering marvel. Completed in 1932, it's the only road that traverses the entire park, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.
Driving its 50-mile length is an experience unlike any other. You'll pass weeping walls, glacial valleys, and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. The views are so grand they almost seem unreal. Like the Beartooth, this is a seasonal road, typically open from late June to early October.
Pro Tip: Due to its popularity, a vehicle reservation system is in place during peak season. Plan well in advance and book your entry ticket online to avoid disappointment.
19. U.S. Route 83, The Road to Nowhere
Often called the "Road to Nowhere" or the "Mexican Border to the Canadian Border Highway," U.S. 83 is a long, lonely highway that runs straight up the gut of the country. From Brownsville, Texas, to the Canadian border in North Dakota, it cuts through the heart of the Great Plains.
This route is the antithesis of a flashy coastal drive. It’s about subtle beauty: the vastness of the Texas Hill Country, the endless horizons of the Nebraska Sandhills, and the quiet dignity of small-town agricultural life. It’s a meditative drive that connects you to the hardworking, often-overlooked center of America.
Pro Tip: Embrace the solitude. Stop in the small towns, eat at the local cafes, and talk to people. This road's greatest attraction is its authenticity.
Your Adventure Awaits
The interstate will get you there faster, but these lost highways will give you something far more valuable: stories. They remind us that the journey itself is the destination. They connect us to the past and show us an America that's still there, waiting to be rediscovered just off the main road.
So next time you're planning a trip, pull out a real map. Find that thin red line that runs parallel to the thick blue one. Take the road less traveled. You’ll be rewarded with experiences and memories that an expressway could never provide.
What's your favorite lost highway? Do you have a story from one of these classic routes? Share your road trip adventures in the comments below
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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