Hidden Gems to Discover on Your Next Road Trip

The best road trips take you off-beat. Here, you’ll discover undiscovered beauty and incredible history often overlooked by travelers.

Discover America like never before on these hidden road trips. Hike to waterfalls or gaze upon stars under an unpolluted sky; these scenic drives will leave you with unforgettable memories that won’t soon fade from memory.

1. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Area (HCNRA) draws outdoor adventurers from all across the United States to its rugged landscape, boasting beautiful vistas, world-class whitewater rafting and wildlife viewing opportunities galore – an absolute road trip paradise.

From La Grande to Baker City, Oregon Drive 88 takes in the Wallowa Mountains and Snake River corridor, offering stunning vistas at every turn – hair-raising rapids, breathtaking rock formations and historic pithouse villages are among its highlights. Additionally, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) provides hikers and backpackers alike a wealth of trails – ranging from easy strolls to strenuous multi-day backpacking journeys; additionally hikers may explore ancient pictographs or even Hells Canyon itself!

Travelers on the HCNRA will also find unique accommodations and eateries at various stops along its route, from Holbrook’s kitschy Wigwam Motel with its concrete teepee beds, to Jerome Grand Hotel on Cleopatra Hill offering breathtaking views over Verde Valley; Oatman also is one of these hidden gems, boasting free-roaming wild burros as well as quirky Gold Rush history – not forgetting Oatman!

If you want to make your road trip even more unforgettable in 2025, try adopting eco-friendly travel practices. Pack reusable water bottles, utensils and bags in order to reduce waste. Also download a navigation app with real-time road conditions for better navigation; that way you’ll avoid unexpected closures or detours. Also ensure your car meets safety standards by checking tire pressure, oil level and brake condition prior to hitting the highway; that way both yourself and the planet can have peace of mind on this epic adventure! Happy travels!

2. Cherohala Skyway

If you appreciate natural beauty, then Cherohala Skyway should be on your travel bucket list. A National Scenic Byway and National Forest Byway connecting Tellico Plains Tennessee and Robbinsville North Carolina respectively, its 43 miles feature spectacular vistas, hiking trails, cascading waterfalls and cascades – perfect for spring when wildflowers bloom and forests wake from winter’s nap!

One must-see stop on the Skyway is Bald River Falls. Set among lush rock formations covered with moss-covered rock faces is this 100-foot waterfall, ideal for photography and picnicking. Take a short hike from the parking area to experience this gorgeous sight up close or discover its trail leading up the hill behind it – photographers often flock to its vicinity between sunrise and sunset to capture this magical scene; but its beauty can be enjoyed throughout the day as well.

Visit Turkey Creek Overlook for an even more breathtaking panorama, approximately 16 miles west of Tellico Plains and 3.8 miles northeast of Indian Boundary Campground on Skyway. At 5,390 feet above ground, this overlook offers a 360deg panorama of Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests.

Cherohala Skyway offers several campgrounds that make enjoying its gorgeous scenery easy from your campsite. Hike, camp and fish along the way; wildlife such as black bears can often be spotted roaming these forests; just be sure to practice safe camping practices such as not harassing wildlife or leaving food out!

3. Twin Cities Road

Hidden gems can range from local hangout spots and restaurants, quirky museums, or hotels that you don’t see listed in a travel guide – yet still feel the urge to visit due to being special and unique – right across America. Here are a few gems you should discover on your road trip.

Road trips offer great freedom. You can personalize them to meet your own needs by stopping at desired spots and altering routes accordingly. For instance, if driving through western North Carolina has been devastated by Hurricane Florence, considering visiting other sections that still need rebuilding can bring tourists money back into affected areas while showing support and showing solidarity.

Crosby, Minnesota, is an ideal weekend road trip destination two hours outside the Twin Cities. Offering outdoor adventure, historical sites and charming small-town charm – Crosby makes the ideal weekend escape from Minneapolis whether exploring nature or hitting up some shopping sprees!

Vermont’s 216-mile scenic byway boasts secret hamlets, remote pull offs, breathtaking mountain vistas, and some of the most breathtaking fall foliage scenes in America – it should not be missed by nature lovers! This byway must be on everyone’s bucket list.

The Fox Cities in Wisconsin are an ideal family road trip destination, offering both outdoor adventure and charming small-town vibes. Visit Baumgartner’s for its delicious Limburger sandwiches or visit Hackberry General Store – an old time capsule packed full of Route 66 memorabilia and nostalgic items.

4. New Hampshire Scenic Byway

New Hampshire may be small in terms of land area, but it packs a powerful punch when it comes to natural beauty and road trips. Renowned for its granite formations and breathtaking landscapes, New Hampshire boasts an abundance of scenic byways and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are one of the state’s iconic road trip destinations, making an unforgettable road trip experience for visitors from across New England. A popular area for hiking, camping and viewing the vibrant fall foliage displays. The Kancamagus Highway offers visitors a picturesque 100-mile route through some of New Hampshire’s breathtaking mountain scenery such as Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway – offering one-of-a-kind mountain experiences along its 100 miles route!

This family-friendly drive makes the ideal autumn foliage road trip, particularly between September and October when the colors are at their brightest. Beyond stunning scenic vistas, travelers will also discover hiking trails, waterfalls and campgrounds along the route; additionally there’s also the Albany Covered Bridge and Russell-Colbath Historic Site to help them step back in time and gain a deeper appreciation for this historic region.

As part of your road trip planning in New Hampshire, be sure to research weather conditions and road closures ahead of time. When driving through rural areas be mindful of wildlife; speed limits may differ depending on your surroundings; drivers should also be alert for bicyclists as New Hampshire is an extremely popular biking destination; be courteous when passing them and use extra care when driving in snowy or icy conditions.

5. The Black Hills Scenic Byway

This scenic byway links many must-see attractions in the Black Hills area, from waterfalls and excellent hikes to trout-filled pools and secret swimming holes – providing something for every traveler along its route.

Travelers can explore a wide variety of activities along the route, ranging from mountain biking and hiking to horseback riding and deer hunting. Additionally, local events like wildlife viewings and cultural festivals also take place here – for optimal experiences make sure you visit during spring or fall when the views are at their most vibrant!

On a road trip through the Black Hills, most visitors have Mount Rushmore as the focal point. But there’s so much more to discover! Take time off the beaten path to discover hidden gems such as Wonderland Cave – with underground passageways leading deep below Nemo Road and Dalton Lake hidden within an expansive forest not 10 miles away – two offbeat gems hidden from view that may surprise.

Other hidden gems of note in the Black Hills include Cathedral Spires Pullout, which provides an ideal spot for enjoying views of their majestic spires, Needles Eye Tunnel and Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway – two spectacular attractions offering visitors unique experiences.

Road trips offer the ideal opportunity to discover breathtaking vistas and charming small towns while creating memorable experiences. Their beauty lies in being flexible and spontaneous – you decide where and when you go based on what interests you most! 2025 promises an abundance of memorable journeys along its open roadways!