Top 5 USA Scenic Drives

Top 5 Scenic Drives in American National Parks

A visit to a national park in America doesn’t need to be all about camping, hiking and wildlife watching (although those are, undeniably, some of the major attractions). There are many amazing scenic drives in American national parks that make it perfectly possible to explore these places on four wheels as well.

Whether you rent a motorhome or a car, you’ll be able to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the following national parks from your vehicle. That said, though, make sure to get out as well—don’t limit your national park experience to containment within a metal box with windows. Go for a walk, breathe the air, smell the flowers!

Top 5 USA Scenic Drives by RV Rental

5. Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park’s Park Loop Road takes in nearly all major attractions in the park. Apart from Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, all other places of interest lie along this beautiful circuit drive. Make sure to stop at Sand Beach and Jordan Pond, and drive up Cadillac Mountain.

4. Rim Drive, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

The Rim Drive is the main road in Crater Lake National Park. Looping for 33 miles around America’s deepest lake, it offers spectacular views of the water, island and encircling mountain peaks—from every possible angle. The drive itself takes no more than two hours, but the many overlooks and scenic trails make this a full-day excursion.

3. Main Park Road, Arches National Park, Utah

One of the most exceptional parks in America, Arches National Park is also among the most easily explored. There’s only one road through the park and it happens to be extremely scenic. The Main Park Road starts at the visitor center and ends at Devils Garden. Essentially all highlights, or occasionally the trail leading to them, are found along this road. These include Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, the Garden of Eden, Delicate Arch and Fiery Furnace. With its length of 36 miles, the road takes just over an hour to complete. However, the abundance of sights makes this a day-long drive.

2. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Skyline Drive follows the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park is and is one of the most pleasant and scenic drives in American national parks. This 105-mile road features over 70 overlooks while numerous hiking trails line the road. This drive is all about jaw-dropping views, almost guaranteed wildlife sightings and local history.

1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana

There’s no question that Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is the most spectacular road in any national park in the US. It’s just sensational. Winding its way for 50 miles across the Continental Divide’s crest, it is stunning. The actual drive doesn’t take overly long, but you’ll spend many hours admiring the views and exploring attractions along the way.

These top 5 scenic drives in American national parks offer you the convenience of exploring some of the world’s greatest landscapes from the comfort of your vehicle. Often, the drives themselves are considered a highlight.