Great Scenic Road Trips on the East Coast

Great Scenic Road Trips on the East Coast

• Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park in Maine -   Park Loop road is the shortest road on this list, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful and scenic options!  Clocking in at 27 miles and just an hour’s drive total, this iconic roadway takes you alongside the rugged cliff sides of the park with breathtaking views of the North Atlantic coastline, waves breaking on the rocky shores and beaches, and plenty of scenic overlooks.  It is located on the east side of Mount Desert Island, and it brings travelers to such destinations as Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, and Cadillac Mountain!  The road can get pretty crowded, so it’s best to go at off-peak hours, or come back later in the day when the area is full.  In the wintertime, be sure to check for road closures due to ice and snow, because usually Sand Beach Entrance Station to Otter Cliff Road is the only section open to the public.  Bring your camera and binoculars with you for some birdwatching and sightseeing!

• Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire - The prime time to drive this winding mountain roadway is in the Fall.  Keep a close watch on the foliage forecast, because during peak leaf-peeping season these rolling mountain sides are covered in blazing oranges, ruby reds, deep mustard yellows of the deciduous trees dotted with rich emerald greens of the evergreen trees.  It’s a great drive year round, too, winding its way up north through granite cliffs and boulders as glorious vivid green treetops roll along.  There are numerous stop-offs that are perfect for picnicking and family photos, too!
   

• US Route 6 in Massachusetts - Route 6 stretches from Massachusetts through to California!  Once known as the longest highway in America, it originally spanned a whopping 3,652 miles from Cape Cod to Long Beach; now it ends in Bishop CA, but it’s still the longest contiguous highway in America, crossing through 14 states.  Route 6A makes its way through the gorgeous coastal areas of Cape Cod and Provincetown, exploring local beaches, shore towns, historic landmarks, and plenty of fresh air.  If you’re interested in the arts and music, this is the perfect road trip for you!  Full of inspiring marshes, sand dunes, fishing towns, and gorgeous panoramic views of Cape Cod National Seashore, this is the creative traveler’s dream.
   

• Blue Ridge Parkway through the Carolinas and Virginia - This majestic, winding 500-Mile roadway snakes all through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as the Shenandoah National Parks.  The drive is worth making more than once, too, as this ever changing landscape is prime viewing in all seasons.  From the lush green canopies of the dense forest or rolling hills of fiery oranges, yellows, and reds in the autumn, to the wintertime hillsides dotted with ski slopes and snow capped mountainscapes, it’s never the same experience twice!  There’s no rush to get from one end to the other, as the speed limit is set to a blissful cruise speed of 45MPH for most of the duration, with other areas dropping to 25MPH!  Lots of time to stop and smell the roses and get in touch with nature by observing wildlife along the route.
   

• US 1  to the 7 Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys - US Route 1 passes through every single state on the coast of the Eastern US, and is 2,376 miles long! It stretches all the way down to Florida’s east coast, and connects Key Largo to Key West in the Florida Keys island chain.  Take US 1 all the way down and you’ll reach the 7-mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges on the planet!  Driving the Overseas Highway and 7-mile Bridge will take about 4 hours one way, and we highly recommend making a few stop offs along the way! The water underneath the bridge is crystal blue and runs from shallow depth up to 7 feet.  7-Mile Bridge was completed in 1912, and was once known as the “8th Wonder of the world” for being such an ambitiously large project.  The bridge has been reconstructed and improved for safety and longevity, but you can still view the old bridge as you drive along the modern updated one.  We recommend stopping off for a break at Bahia Honda State Park, and keeping your eyes peeled for the beautiful local wildlife such as sea turtles and pelicans!