A Top of the Quietest Roads in America
Most of us associate traveling by car with traffic, and this is not something that should surprise us. In 2015 alone, there were no less than 263.6 million registered vehicles in the US alone. Even more so, statistics show that in 2019, there are over 276 million vehicles that are operating on our roads.
However, contrary to what some might believe, not all routes and roads in America are packed with cars and consequently, stressful. If you want a change of pace, and you plan on going on a relaxing trip in the near future, here is a list of routes you should check out!
The Dalton Highway, Alaska
A lot has been said about the Dalton Highway. Many consider it one of the harshest roads out there and they avoid it because it is so remote. In fact, it is mostly traveled by ice road truckers. Even though the Dalton Highway is, undoubtedly, a remote road, it is also extremely beautiful and quiet.
If you decide to travel on it, you will get to go through the Alaska boreal forests, the Yukon River and its vast mountainous ranges. The Dalton Highway is 414 miles in length. It starts in Fairbanks and it ends in Deadhorse.
Because of its remote location, it is the perfect place to stop and look at the stars.
US Route 201, Maine
US Route 201, or the Old Canada Road as experienced drivers call it, is a tree-lined, beautiful rural road that goes through many historic towns, including Bingham. In total, it measures 157 miles and it is a pleasure to drive on it in the fall when the trees start changing their colors.
The scenery is definitely the most appealing part of this road. If you love exploring, you should know that, on this route, you can retrace the road taken by Benedict Arnold and his army when they attacked the British in Quebec.
US Route 50, Utah
Dubbed “America’s Loneliest Road”, route 50 passes through the Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the mesmerizing Great Salt Lake Desert. In total, route 50 measures 335 miles in length. It starts at the Nevada state line and it ends at the Colorado state line.
Here, you can see the Island in the sky, the Windows and the Needless. The reason why it is called the loneliest road has a lot to do with the fact that it is not very traveled and, of course, because of its emptiness. Route 50 is also known as the “backbone of America”, according to Times magazine. Its history starts over 200 years ago, and it took a lot of time to build.
US Route 160, Arizona
Another isolated road that you might want to explore is route 160 in Arizona. It runs through the Navajo Nation and it is surrounded by sandy land and sandstone canyons. Here, you can visit the famous dinosaur tracks at Tuba City, as well as the Navajo National Monument.
The Elephant’s Feet rock is another attraction point that numerous tourists like to visit. US Route 160 starts in Tuba City and it ends at the New Mexico state line.
State Route 90003, Virginia
Also known as the Colonial Parkway, this scenic byway features numerous red-brick tunnels and bridges that add to its appeal. The road is not that long, as it only measures 23 miles. It starts in Yorktown and it ends in Jamestown.
If you ever get to travel on State Route 90003, you should stop and visit Jamestown, Yorktown as well as Colonial Williamsburg, the biggest living history museum in America. If you have a couple of hours to spare, here you can shoot a flint musket or ride in a carriage. The James River and the beautiful York River are also two pit stops that you should not overlook.
The best time to come here is in the fall when the trees start changing their colors and the weather is still warm enough for you to explore the region. If you want to read more about the traffic here, you should access the Federal Highway Administration page, online.