Top 9 'Once-Forbidden' Backcountry Routes to drive Now That They're Finally Paved in 2025
For years, the most epic driving adventures were reserved for those with lifted suspensions, knobby tires, and a healthy disregard for paint scratches. Legendary backcountry routes were spoken of in hushed tones—tales of axle-snapping ruts, impassable mud pits, and nerve-wracking cliff-edge passes. These were the roads that separated the casual motorists from the dedicated explorers.
But the world is changing. A quiet revolution in infrastructure, spurred by a global push for tourism and accessibility, has been happening in the background. As we roll into 2025, the results are finally here. Routes that were once the exclusive domain of grizzled overlanders and their rugged 4x4s have been tamed by the smooth, dark allure of fresh asphalt. The "once-forbidden" is now open for business, and the keys are in your ignition.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we live for the thrill of the drive and the discovery of a new, perfect road. This shift represents a monumental opportunity for every enthusiast with a passion for scenery and a love for the open road. We've compiled the definitive list of the top 9 formerly treacherous backcountry tracks that are now, finally, paved. It's time to update your maps and start planning your next great automotive adventure.
1. The Drover's Spine, Scottish Highlands, UK
For centuries, the Drover's Spine was a faint track etched into the moody landscape of the Scottish Highlands, used by hardy cattlemen to move their herds between remote glens. It was a notoriously difficult path—boggy, rocky, and often vanishing entirely under the infamous Scottish weather. Tackling it in a vehicle required a purpose-built Land Rover and a deep well of patience.
In a stunning feat of engineering completed in late 2024, this historic route has been transformed into a single-track paved road with regular passing places. It now winds seamlessly through Glen Affric and over to the Isle of Skye, offering a dramatic alternative to the main A-roads. You'll drive alongside shimmering lochs, through ancient Caledonian pine forests, and over heather-clad hills that look untouched by time. The pavement is new, but the soul-stirring wildness of the Highlands remains completely intact.
- Pro Tip: Drive this route in early autumn when the "purple haze" of the heather is in full bloom and the tourist crowds have thinned. The road is narrow, so be courteous and confident with the passing places. A compact, nimble car like an Alpine A110 or a Mini Cooper S is perfect for zipping through the twists and turns. Be sure to stop at the Clachan Duich viewpoint for an unparalleled view of the Five Sisters of Kintail.
2. The Fiordland Traverse, South Island, New Zealand
The road to Milford Sound is legendary, but deep within the heart of Fiordland National Park lay a secret: the Fiordland Traverse. This was a brutal logging track from the 1960s, long since abandoned and reclaimed by the temperate rainforest. Only the most serious off-road expeditions dared to venture down its washed-out, moss-covered path to see the hidden fiords beyond.
Thanks to New Zealand's new "National Park Access" program, the Traverse is now a breathtaking 75-kilometer paved highway. It feels like a road that shouldn't exist, carving a path through one of the planet's most dramatic landscapes. Expect cascading waterfalls that splash onto the road, tight corners that open up to jaw-dropping views of glacial valleys, and the constant feeling that you've driven into a prehistoric world. It connects Lake Te Anau to the rarely seen shores of Doubtful Sound, previously accessible only by boat or multi-day treks.
- Pro Tip: Fill up your tank in Te Anau—there are absolutely no services along this route. The weather can change in an instant, so be prepared for rain, even on a sunny day. The best vehicle for this is a grand tourer with a panoramic sunroof, like a Lexus LC 500 or a BMW 8 Series, to soak in the towering cliffs and dense forest canopy above.
3. The Moonshiner's Run, North Carolina/Tennessee, USA
Whispered about by locals for generations, the Moonshiner's Run was a network of treacherous dirt and gravel roads deep in the Appalachian Mountains. During Prohibition, bootleggers with souped-up cars would race along these paths in the dead of night, evading the law on hairpin turns and dangerously steep grades. Driving it required nerves of steel and intimate local knowledge.
Today, the core 60-mile stretch has been paved, preserving the character of the original route while making it safe for public enjoyment. Now officially designated a State Scenic Byway, the road twists and dives through dense, misty forests of hickory and oak. It follows rushing creeks and offers stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can still feel the history here; every blind corner seems to hold a story of a high-stakes chase from a century ago.
- Pro Tip: This is a driver's road, pure and simple. It's best experienced in a car with excellent handling and a responsive chassis. Think Porsche Cayman or Subaru BRZ. Drive it in the spring when the dogwoods are in bloom or in mid-October for peak fall foliage. Stop in the small town of Hot Springs, NC, for a well-deserved meal and a soak in the natural mineral baths.
4. The Klondike Shortcut, Yukon, Canada
During the Gold Rush of the 1890s, prospectors sought any advantage to get to the goldfields near Dawson City. The "Klondike Shortcut" was one such route—a brutal, often impassable trail over a high mountain pass that promised to shave weeks off the journey. For the next 120 years, it remained a muddy, punishing track for only the most rugged 4x4s.
As of 2025, the Shortcut is a pristine two-lane highway, a marvel of modern road-building in a remote landscape. This drive is all about scale and solitude. You can drive for an hour without seeing another soul, surrounded by the vast, raw beauty of the Yukon. The road climbs above the treeline, offering panoramic views of tundra and distant, snow-capped peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; caribou, grizzly bears, and moose are common sights.
- Pro Tip: The driving season is short, from late June to early September. Even in summer, be prepared for cold weather and potential snowfall at the summit. A reliable all-wheel-drive vehicle like a Subaru Outback or Volvo V90 Cross Country is ideal. There is no cell service, so download your maps and music in advance, and always travel with an emergency kit.
5. Ruta de los Glaciares Escondidos, Patagonia, Argentina
Argentina's Ruta 40 is famous, but the true heart of Patagonia was hidden along unmapped gaucho trails. The "Route of the Hidden Glaciers" was one of these, a rough track connecting a series of remote estancias and offering fleeting glimpses of lesser-known glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. It was a punishing route of sharp rocks and fierce crosswinds.
The newly paved road is an absolute masterpiece. It's a smooth, flowing ribbon of blacktop through a landscape of impossible color—the turquoise of glacial lakes, the emerald green of the lenga forests, and the stark white of the ice fields. The road provides access to trailheads and viewpoints for glaciers you've likely never heard of, but which are every bit as spectacular as the famous Perito Moreno. This is a route that I, Goh Ling Yong, have been dreaming of driving for years, and it has exceeded all expectations.
- Pro Tip: The Patagonian wind is a powerful force. Be prepared for strong, sudden gusts, especially on exposed sections. A vehicle with good stability is recommended. Drive south to north to keep the iconic Fitz Roy massif in your windscreen for the final, spectacular leg of the journey. Pack a flask of hot tea and some empanadas—the new designated picnic spots are world-class.
6. The Samurai's Path, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Hidden in the Japanese Alps, the Samurai's Path was an ancient mountain pass used by feudal warlords and their armies. In the modern era, it became a narrow, crumbling gravel road, notoriously prone to landslides and impassable for most of the year. Its tight, unsighted hairpins made it a true test of skill and courage.
The road was completely rebuilt and paved in 2024, and the result is driving nirvana. Think of it as Japan's own Stelvio Pass, but with perfectly manicured asphalt, bamboo forests, and views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The engineering is impeccable, with sweeping, banked corners and perfectly placed overlooks. It’s a technical, engaging drive that rewards precision and focus, all while immersing you in the serene beauty of the Japanese countryside.
- Pro Tip: The road is best enjoyed on a weekday to avoid crowds. In Japan, it's all about the right tool for the job—a lightweight Kei car like a Honda S660 or a classic Toyota AE86 would be an absolute joy here. Stop at one of the small, family-run soba noodle shops in the villages along the route for an authentic and delicious lunch.
7. The Lofoten Sky-Road, Nordland, Norway
The Lofoten Islands are already a premier driving destination, but the westernmost islands were connected by a series of rough coastal tracks and unreliable ferries. The "Sky-Road" project has changed everything, replacing the treacherous gravel paths with a series of breathtaking bridges and tunnels that hug the dramatic coastline.
Driving here feels like floating between the mountains and the sea. The road vaults from one impossibly scenic island to the next, with jagged green peaks plunging directly into the turquoise Arctic water on one side and charming red fishing villages (rorbuer) on the other. It's a relatively short drive in terms of distance, but you’ll want to allow a full day to stop for photos at every turn.
- Pro Tip: Drive this route during the Midnight Sun (June-July) for endless daylight and magical lighting conditions. An electric vehicle is a great choice here, as Norway has an excellent charging infrastructure, and the silent running enhances the serene atmosphere. Pack a warm, waterproof jacket, as the weather is famously unpredictable.
8. The Red Centre Way Link, Northern Territory, Australia
Completing the "Red Centre Way" loop around Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon used to involve a section of notoriously rough, corrugated dirt road that was a rental car company's worst nightmare. Many travelers were forced to backtrack hundreds of kilometers to avoid it.
The final section was sealed in mid-2024, finally creating one of the world's greatest paved driving loops. This new stretch takes you through the heart of the Outback, a landscape of ancient red earth, desert oaks, and vast, open skies. The heat haze rising from the new blacktop creates a surreal, shimmering effect. It's a meditative drive that connects you to the immense scale and deep history of the Australian continent.
- Pro Tip: Avoid driving during the hottest part of the day in the summer (December-February). A sturdy, comfortable vehicle with excellent air conditioning is a must. Carry at least 5 liters of water per person. The drive is most magical at sunrise or sunset when the desert colors are at their most vibrant.
9. The Prospector's Folly, Colorado, USA
Known to local off-roaders for decades, the Prospector's Folly was a bone-jarring 4x4 track that climbed over the San Juan Mountains. It was littered with sharp rocks and featured terrifyingly narrow shelf sections. Its name came from the countless 19th-century miners who supposedly lost their wagons on its unforgiving slopes.
The "Great Colorado Paving Initiative" has transformed this into the state's newest and highest scenic byway, cresting at over 12,500 feet. The road is now a serpentine masterpiece of smooth asphalt with well-designed pull-offs. You get all the million-dollar views that were once reserved for modified Jeeps, but now you can enjoy them from the comfort of your favorite sports car. It connects the ski town of Telluride with the remote valleys near Ouray, creating a spectacular high-altitude loop.
- Pro Tip: The road is only open from late June to early October due to snow. Drive it from west to east in the morning for the best light. This road begs for a car with a great engine note to echo off the canyon walls—a naturally aspirated V8 or a high-revving flat-six would be perfect. Remember that at this altitude, both you and your car will be down on power, so take it easy and enjoy the view.
The world of driving has been redrawn in 2025. These newly accessible routes prove that adventure doesn't have to mean abuse on your vehicle. It’s about the journey, the scenery, and the pure joy of guiding a machine along a perfect piece of road. So, get out your maps, plan your trip, and be among the first to lay fresh tracks on these once-forbidden legends.
Which of these routes are you adding to your driving bucket list? Did we miss a newly paved gem in your corner of the world? Let us know 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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