America's quietest routes

What’s the least-traveled route in America?
Find the quietest routes in your state and get ready to hit the open road.

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- Most scenic
The quietest route in the USA
is the Dalton Highway in Alaska

Browse the top 10 most scenic, quiet routes

Photographer James Q Martin

As chosen by landscape photographer James Q Martin

I chose Alaska's Dalton Highway as my favorite, as it’s a road that reaches the top of the continent, and would literally allow you to see a polar bear in the right circumstances. All these roads offer so much. US 50 in Utah allows you to travel back through geological time, and Maine's Old Canadian byway is where human history unfolds around every bend. - James Q Martin

#1

Alaska

State Route 11

A map showing the most scenic route in Alaska
Photograph of State Route 11 in Alaska
Photograph of State Route 11 in Alaska
Photograph of State Route 11 in Alaska
Photograph of State Route 11 in Alaska Photograph of State Route 11 in Alaska Photograph of State Route 11 in Alaska Photograph of State Route 11 in Alaska

The Dalton Highway is one of America's harshest and most remote routes. We’re talking 240 miles between services and only a handful of small towns along the way. It’s mostly the "ice road truckers" who make the difficult journey along this gravel highway, travelling through Alaska’s boreal forests, across its vast mountain ranges, over the Yukon River, all the way to the Arctic Ocean.

What to see Arctic Ocean (tour only)
Yukon River
Northern Lights (August)

Route length 414 miles

Start to end Fairbanks -> Deadhorse

#2

Utah

US Route 50

A map showing the most scenic route in Utah
Photograph of US Route 50 in Utah
Photograph of US Route 50 in Utah
Photograph of US Route 50 in Utah
Photograph of US Route 50 in Utah Photograph of US Route 50 in Utah Photograph of US Route 50 in Utah Photograph of US Route 50 in Utah

This entire 3,000 mile route is dubbed “America’s Loneliest Road.” Route 50’s path cuts across the corner of Utah, passing by the Canyonlands National Park, the Arches National Park and through the vast emptiness of the Great Salt Lake Desert.

What to see Island in the Sky
The Needles (Canyonlands)
The Windows (Arches National Park)

Route length 335 miles

Start to end Nevada state line (east of Baker) -> Colorado state line (west of Fruita)

#3

Maine

US Route 201

A map showing the most scenic route in Maine
Photograph of US Route 201 in Maine
Photograph of US Route 201 in Maine
Photograph of US Route 201 in Maine
Photograph of US Route 201 in Maine Photograph of US Route 201 in Maine Photograph of US Route 201 in Maine Photograph of US Route 201 in Maine

"Old Canada Road" is a rural, tree-lined route following the Kennebec River through historic towns like Bingham, passing Wyman Lake all the way up to the Quebec border. It’s at its colorful best during the fall.

What to see Bingham
Fall leaves
The Forks

Route length 157 miles

Start to end Brunswick, Cumberland County -> Sandy Bay (Canadian border)

#4

Arizona

US Route 160

A map showing the most scenic route in Arizona
Photograph of US Route 160 in Arizona
Photograph of US Route 160 in Arizona
Photograph of US Route 160 in Arizona
Photograph of US Route 160 in Arizona Photograph of US Route 160 in Arizona Photograph of US Route 160 in Arizona Photograph of US Route 160 in Arizona

This isolated route runs through the deserted Navajo Nation. These "empty" stretches of highway are surrounded by sandy brush land, wind-worn sandstone canyons, an ancient Pueblo cliff village and unusual rock formations like the Elephant’s Feet, making this an incredibly scenic drive.

What to see Dinosaur tracks at Tuba City
Navajo National Monument
Elephant’s Feet rock

Route length 256 miles

Start to end Tuba City -> Teec Nos Pos, Apache County (New Mexico state line)

#5

California

State Route 139

A map showing the most scenic route in California
Photograph of State Route 139 in California
Photograph of State Route 139 in California
Photograph of State Route 139 in California
Photograph of State Route 139 in California Photograph of State Route 139 in California Photograph of State Route 139 in California Photograph of State Route 139 in California

This remote route skirts around the beautiful blue Eagle Lake, before cutting through the Modoc National Forest. It’s a great starting point for hikes around the rugged volcanic landscape of north eastern California.

What to see Eagle Lake
Modoc National Forest
Lava Beds National Monument

Route length 143 miles

Start to end Susanville -> Oregon state line

#6

Virginia

State Route 90003

A map showing the most scenic route in Virginia
Photograph of State Route 90003 in Virginia
Photograph of State Route 90003 in Virginia
Photograph of State Route 90003 in Virginia
Photograph of State Route 90003 in Virginia Photograph of State Route 90003 in Virginia Photograph of State Route 90003 in Virginia Photograph of State Route 90003 in Virginia

Better known as the Colonial Parkway, this nationally historic, scenic byway is bordered by trees and dotted with colonial-style red brick bridges and tunnels. Make a stop at the James River and York River at each end for the panoramic views, especially in the fall.

What to see Jamestown
Colonial Williamsburg
Yorktown

Route length 23 miles

Start to end Yorktown -> Jamestown

#7

Louisiana

US Route 65

A map showing the most scenic route in Louisiana
Photograph of US Route 65 in Louisiana
Photograph of US Route 65 in Louisiana
Photograph of US Route 65 in Louisiana
Photograph of US Route 65 in Louisiana Photograph of US Route 65 in Louisiana Photograph of US Route 65 in Louisiana Photograph of US Route 65 in Louisiana

This stretch of highway is part of the Great River Road. The Louisiana section of this scenic, state-crossing drive, tracks alongside the Mississippi River, into Arkansas and beyond; passing the strikingly clear waters of Lake Bruin along the way.

What to see Tugboats on the Mississippi River
Lake Bruin
Tensas National Wildlife Refuge

Route length 101 miles

Start to end Clayton, Concordia Parish -> Arkansas state line north of Gassoway

#8

Wyoming

US Route 212

A map showing the most scenic route in Wyoming
Photograph of US Route 212 in Wyoming
Photograph of US Route 212 in Wyoming
Photograph of US Route 212 in Wyoming
Photograph of US Route 212 in Wyoming Photograph of US Route 212 in Wyoming Photograph of US Route 212 in Wyoming Photograph of US Route 212 in Wyoming

The Beartooth Highway is Wyoming's highest route. It leads into Yellowstone National Park, and has incredible views of jagged mountains, pine forests, rocky peaks and alpine lakes. During the winter, the road is closed due to heavy snow, but usually opens back up by Memorial Day weekend.

What to see Beartooth lake
Absaroka Mountains
Fossil forests

Route length 35 miles

Start to end Montana/Wyoming state line

#9

New Hampshire

US Route 2

A map showing the most scenic route in New Hampshire
Photograph of US Route 2 in New Hampshire
Photograph of US Route 2 in New Hampshire
Photograph of US Route 2 in New Hampshire
Photograph of US Route 2 in New Hampshire Photograph of US Route 2 in New Hampshire Photograph of US Route 2 in New Hampshire Photograph of US Route 2 in New Hampshire

The long version of this scenic drive passes through several states. Here it winds alongside the Androscoggin River into the picturesque mountain ranges of New Hampshire. A detour takes you into the White Mountains National Forest and passes by the prominent Mount Washington.

What to see Mount Washington
White Mountains National Forest

Route length 35 miles

Start to end Maine state border -> Coos County (Vermont state border)

#10

Pennsylvania

State Route 32

A map showing the most scenic route in Pennsylvania
Photograph of State Route 32 in Pennsylvania
Photograph of State Route 32 in Pennsylvania
Photograph of State Route 32 in Pennsylvania
Photograph of State Route 32 in Pennsylvania Photograph of State Route 32 in Pennsylvania Photograph of State Route 32 in Pennsylvania Photograph of State Route 32 in Pennsylvania

Known as the River Road, this scenic drive follows the Delaware River as it runs alongside the New Jersey border. Historic stops along the way include the Washington River Crossing and the arts and crafts town of New Hope.

What to see New Hope
Washington River Crossing
Yardley Railroad bridge

Route length 41 miles

Start to end Falls Township -> Kintnersville, Nockamixon

back to the top

Alabama

State Route 5

Route length 198 miles

Start to end Thomasville, Clarke County -> Natural Bridge, Winston County

Alaska

State Route 11

Route length 414 miles

Start to end Fairbanks -> Deadhorse

Arizona

US Route 160

Route length 256 miles

Start to end Tuba City -> Teec Nos Pos, Apache County (New Mexico state line)

Arkansas

US Route 165

Route length 183 miles

Start to end Ashley County, Arkansas -> North Little Rock, Pulaski

California

State Route 139

Route length 143 miles

Start to end Susanville -> Oregon state line

Colorado

US Route 385

Route length 318 miles

Start to end Baca County (Oklahoma state line) -> Sedgwick County (Nebraska state line)

Connecticut

State Route 83

Route length 36 miles

Start to end Glastonbury, Hartford County -> Springfield (Massachusetts state line)

Delaware

State Route 18

Route length 19 miles

Start to end Federalsburg (Maryland state line) -> George Town, Sussex County

Florida

State Route 29

Route length 76 miles

Start to end Carnestown, Collier County -> Palmdale, Glades County

Georgia

State Route 24

Route length 222 miles

Start to end Statesboro -> Watkinsville

Hawaii

State Route 19

Route length 100 miles

Start to end Hilo -> Kailua-Kona

Idaho

US Route 89

Route length 44 miles

Start to end Bear Lake -> Geneva (Wyoming state line)

Illinois

State Route 96

Route length 141 miles

Start to end Kampsville -> Lomas

Indiana

State Route 145

Route length 45 miles

Start to end Tell City -> French Lick, Orange County

Iowa

State Route 4

Route length 146 miles

Start to end Panora -> North of Estherville (Minnesota state line)

Kansas

State Route 383

Route length 74 miles

Start to end Selden -> Woodruff (Nebraska state line)

Kentucky

State Route 10

Route length 118 miles

Start to end Alexandria, Campbell County -> Greenup, Scioto County

Louisiana

US Route 65

Route length 101 miles

Start to end Clayton, Concordia Parish -> Arkansas state line north of Gassoway

Maine

US Route 201

Route length 157 miles

Start to end Brunswick, Cumberland County -> Sandy Bay (Canadian border)

Maryland

US Route 219

Route length 48 miles

Start to end Red House (West Virginia state line) to Grantsville (Pennsylvania state line)

Massachusetts

State Route 32

Route length 61 miles

Start to end Monson (Connecticut state line) -> Royalston (New Hampshire state line)

Michigan

US Route 45

Route length 55 miles

Start to end Watersmeet -> Lake Superior

Minnesota

State Route 32

Route length 145 miles

Start to end Tansem Township, Clay County -> Greenbush, Roseau County

Mississippi

State Route 57

Route length 91 miles

Start to end McLain -> Gautier

Missouri

US Route 136

Route length 240 miles

Start to end Alexandria, Missouri -> Brownville (Nebraska state line)

Montana

State Route 19

Route length 21 miles

Start to end Grass Range -> Roy

Nebraska

State Route 71

Route length 170 miles

Start to end Kimball County (Kansas state line) -> Crawford, Dawes County (South Dakota state line)

Nevada

State Route 360

Route length 23 miles

Start to end Dyer -> Mina

New Hampshire

US Route 2

Route length 35 miles

Start to end Maine state border -> Coos County (Vermont state border)

New Jersey

State Route 49

Route length 54 miles

Start to end Pennsville Township, Salem County -> Upper Township, Cape May County

New Mexico

US Route 56

Route length 94 miles

Start to end Springer -> Clayton (Oklahoma state line)

New York

State Route 812

Route length 81 miles

Start to end Lowville, Lewis County -> Ogdensburg, Canada / US border

North Carolina

State Route 172

Route length 39 miles

Start to end Folkstone -> Starling, Onslow County.

North Dakota

State Route 24

Route length 211 miles

Start to end Fort Yates -> Solen

Ohio

State Route 571

Route length 50 miles

Start to end Union City, Indiana state line -> Bethel Township, Clarke County

Oklahoma

US Route 287

Route length 41 miles

Start to end Texas state line -> Cimarron County (Colorado state line)

Oregon

US Route 395

Route length 385 miles

Start to end New Pine Creek -> Columbia River (Washington state line)

Pennsylvania

State Route 32

Route length 41 miles

Start to end Falls Township -> Kintnersville, Nockamixon

Rhode Island

State Route 102

Route length 44 miles

Start to end Wickford, Washington County -> Slatersville, Providence County

South Carolina

US Route 321

Route length 217 miles

Start to end Hardeeville -> Bowling Green (North Carolina state line)

South Dakota

State Route 73

Route length 255 miles

Start to end Lemmon (North Dakota state line) -> Martin (Nebraska state line)

Tennessee

State Route 104

Route length 114 miles

Start to end Milan -> Saltilo

Texas

State Route 49

Route length 61 miles

Start to end Mount Pleasant -> Louisiana state line (near Trees)

Utah

US Route 50

Route length 335 miles

Start to end Nevada state line (east of Baker) -> Colorado state line (west of Fruita)

Vermont

State Route 103

Route length 42 miles

Start to end Rockingham, Windham County -> Clarendon, Rutland County

Virginia

State Route 90003

Route length 23 miles

Start to end Yorktown -> Jamestown

Washington

State Route 127

Route length 27 miles

Start to end Garfield County -> Dusty

West Virginia

State Route 93

Route length 33 miles

Start to end Davis, Tucker County -> Mineral County

Wisconsin

State Route 80

Route length 163 miles

Start to end Hazel Green -> Marshfield

Wyoming

US Route 212

Route length 35 miles

Start to end Montana/Wyoming state line