Long-Haul Truck Drivers Share The Most Scenic Drives in America

Anybody who has driven for hundreds of miles in this huge country with its 4-million+ miles of highways and byways has their favorite routes. You may love being near the ocean, the magnificent mountains, or lush landscapes with endless green. Whether it's passing through the Smoky Mountains, driving on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or cruising on the 7-mile bridge in Key West, we all have our personal favorites.

But, what about the truck drivers who spend their lives on the road traveling to deliver the goods and necessities that we consume every day? Although they may get road-weary, there are routes or attractions that they look forward to seeing. We were wondering what are the most beautiful states and drives in the United States, so we took the liberty to research this. Read what our long-haul truckers say are the most scenic drives in America.

The Best and Worst States for Drivers, According to WalletHub

According to the personal finance website WalletHub, they released a report on 2020's Best & Worst States to Drive In. They determined the most driver-friendly states in the U.S. through 31 key metrics such as average gas prices, the share of rush-hour traffic congestion, and road quality.

Truckers, do you agree with the list? Let us know in the comments, and share your experiences on what it's like driving through the best states or through the worst states. Continue reading to learn the best drives in America:

Coastin' Through The California Coast

Driving through the routes of California includes scenic routes and attractions that you're going to want to savor every moment. Truckers recommend that you drive north through the state of California as this state has several soaring panoramic views. The first route is driving through Highway 101, and you may have heard of this being a popular and iconic drive. Viewed as a motion picture ride, this drive consists of incredible national parks, a front seat view of the coastline, and charming towns and communities!

Another popular route to take is Highway 1 where you'll be near the Pacific Coast throughout the whole drive. With approximately 655 miles of noteworthy views, you're bound to take a million pictures! Some attractions that you can plan for are the Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Read this great overview of Highway 1 if you're planning to go there soon.

Don't Miss Out on the Seward Highway in Alaska

Have you noticed when you drive a couple hours, you get bored because it's a dull ride? Not this route. You will never lose interest as you cruise along this two and a half-hour exciting drive.

The Seward Highway can provoke familiar feelings of the California Coastline, and it will feel like the views that you see in movies. As you continue to cruise, you will see breathtaking mountains that you haven't seen before, miles full of animal life, and great beaches. The drive from Anchorage, Alaska to Seward is a trip everyone must take at some point in their life!

Take a Weekend Driving the Appalachian Trail to the Gulf of Mexico

For 72 hours, you can experience Central Park and drive down the Gulf of Mexico. If you ever get to drive this distance, you're destined to love it. As you drive down through multiple states, you will see memorable scenic views and attractions such as the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you schedule plenty of time for this route, truckers recommend that you go swimming in the Gulf.

Although there are likely dull sections along the way, it's the change from a place like Central Park, New York to driving down towards the Gulf of Mexico that makes the trip worthwhile. You're going to notice differences in several states, and you will find those changes intriguing.

Take an Entire Day to Experience the Beautiful San Juan Byway in Colorado

If you just want a full day to experience a beautiful drive, go to the San Juan Byway. You won't be bored and disappointed. It consists of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, quaint mining towns, and the most exhilarating twists and turns. You're never going to want the drive to end.

You will feel like you're in a movie because the landscape will transition. One moment you're seeing green surrounding you, to a landscape that almost looks like a dessert, to then seeing snow-capped mountain peaks. We've heard that you must visit the delightful small mountain towns.

Keep in mind that the roads wind, so don't get too wild and just take your time driving carefully and slowly.

Take I-70 into Utah and Colorado in the Summertime

If you're planning a trip to see the most astonishing and thrilling high deserts and rock formations in the summer, the route to 1-70 into Utah and Colorado is the riveting trip that you won't be able to see anywhere else. With deep red canyons around every bend and beautiful parks to stop at, you'll be amazed at how wonderful nature is.

Not only that, Utah might as well be known as a huge national park. We're not joking, read how Utah could just be the most beautiful state in the country.

The Landscapes of West Virginia

Ever saw landscape paintings and you thought to yourself that you wished you could see it in person? You can finally see it in person by driving on I-64 in West Virginia! When you hit a specific mile marker, you're suddenly coming upon valleys that resemble paintings of natural, lush landscapes. You'll suddenly realize you're being covered in never-ending beauty.

You'll find the most charming towns as you drive through the route, and we recommend taking the opportunity to admire Lake Tahoe. During the winter where there is still snow, you will be at eye level with people on the ski lifts as you're driving down the mountain! For people who do not see snow often or have never seen snow, this will be an amazing experience for you.

Go West from Montana to Idaho

We can agree that when you're driving hundreds of miles, you're bored and itching to arrive at your destination. People who have driven any westbound route from Montana to Idaho can assure you that this will be the most peaceful, beautiful, memorable 700-mile drive in the country.

With only two-lane routes between the two states, you'll discover mountain peaks, meadows, national forest with green that goes on endlessly. Even if you're driving through it, you get a vibe that you are actually a part of nature is surrounding you.

Get on the Road and Share Your Experiences!

If you have a longing desire to put some wheels on the pavement and explore the most beautiful drives in America that our truckers have driven around, make sure to take one of these unforgettable routes! Get your car inspected and fill up your gas tank, and don't forget to pack plenty of snacks and drinks.

Let us know about your experiences on the road, and which route is your favorite. If there are other amazing routes that were not on this list, tell us in the comments!

On the road and looking for things to do to keep you entertained? Read 5 fun things for truckers to do when on the road.

At US Cargo Control, we care about our customers and getting them what they want, when they need it. If you have any questions about our products, give our a team a call at 866-444-9990.