One advantage of being a truck driver is enjoying some of the most scenic drives in America. The United States is a beautiful country, and scenic highway travel can make doing your job significantly more pleasant. By the way, even if your scheduled routes don’t incorporate these areas, these road trip ideas can spark inspiration for your next vacation with family or friends.
Blue Ridge Parkway, The Carolinas and Virginia
The National Park Service calls the Blue Ridge Parkway “America’s favorite drive.” Running along the famous Blue Ridge Mountains, the parkway stretches for 469 miles. Not only does this drive take you through some of the most beautiful scenery the country has to offer, but the parkway itself also runs between Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. From Shenandoah, it turns into Skyline Drive, another scenic route.
The connection between state parks offers exceptional recreational activities, though there are plenty of campgrounds, historic sites, and hiking trails all along the route.
Route 6 Through Massachusetts
If you’d like to explore historic New England, U.S. Route 6, also known as the “Grand Army of the Republic Highway,” is an option. The route is just under 118 miles and connects Rhode Island to Cape Cod, New Bedford, and Fall River in Massachusetts. The length of this route makes it an ideal option for a day trip, as you visit the area’s towns and historic sites while also enjoying some breathtaking scenery.
Bozeman to Big Sky, Montana
Montana is already famous for its natural beauty, and many believe that the drive from Bozeman to Big Sky is the crown jewel of all that the state has to offer. However, you should be aware of a few things: While Bozeman is a college town (Montana State University calls Bozeman home), Big Sky isn’t. Instead, Big Sky is a census-designated place that spans two counties. It is a tourist area, but don’t let that put you off: The resorts, including ski resorts, are world-class, and there are plenty of entertainment and dining options.
However, all these things are secondary to the drive itself, which many travelers and drivers consider to be one of the best in the country. The route is only about 44 miles and takes less than an hour to complete if you don’t stop anywhere. You probably will, though, as it runs along a river and there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, photography, and exploration.
U.S. Highway 41 (Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive)
If you are looking for a drive that features urban scenery, you can’t do any better than the U.S. Highway 41, known as “Lake Shore Drive,” in Chicago. Twenty-six miles of road takes you through the city’s North Side and takes you to Jackson Park in the city’s South Side. The view of Lake Michigan is spectacular, as are the monuments and buildings that make up one of the world’s finest skylines. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy some of Chicago’s famed museums and restaurants during your trip.
While you may not always have the ability to pick and choose your routes, occasionally, the option of taking one of these scenic trips may come your way. Visit our blog for more travel tips and ideas that can help make your journey more comfortable and productive.
