7 Most Scenic Drives in The Southern United States

There is something incredibly soothing about taking to the open road through the Southern United States. The roads here, especially the scenic drives, take you along sparkling rivers, across historic bridges, and include landscape transitions that almost sneak up on you. If you want to experience nature, atmosphere, and history all while cruising down a long and winding road, the following routes are where you need to begin. Some are more challenging than others, but each one promises an exhilarating experience from start to finish.

Talladega Scenic Drive, Alabama

Alabama's Talladega Scenic Drive is a 26-mile stretch, also known as State Route 281, that runs through the heart of the Talladega National Forest and climbs towards the summit of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. The drive is accessible year-round, with each season bringing its own shade of natural beauty, from wildflowers in the spring to painted leaves in the fall.

Start at the intersection of US 78 and SR 281, which lies west of Heflin. From here, you will follow SR 281 through the forest and the Cheaha Wilderness. As you ascend, the stunning terrain unfolds beneath you. You will be able to see ridges, distant peaks, and hollows. Depending on the time of day, you might also catch morning mists lingering in the valleys.

You can drive the entire route in an hour, but it's recommended to plan for at least three. This gives you enough time to stop at overlooks like the one at Cheaha State Park, which provides magnificent views of the forested ridges. The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail also intersects near the byway, if you want to make a short detour for a bit of hunting, fishing, or even a night of camping under the stars. The drive ends with the pavement, where SR 281 meets Adams Gap Road and Forest Road 600.

Talimena Scenic Drive, Arkansas and Oklahoma

History and splendor await along the Talimena Scenic Drive, which connects Arkansas and Oklahoma. Many travelers wait until fall to experience this drive, because the foliage is truly astounding. This route is a 54-mile byway that cuts through the Ouachita Mountains between Mena, Arkansas, and Talihena, Oklahoma, offering several overlooks where you can stop and take in the scenery.

Perhaps the best view can be found atop Arkansas' second-highest peak, Rich Mountain, in Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Should you want to stay a while, you can book yourself in at the historic Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge. The beautifully renovated lodge dates back to the late 19th century and includes a range of suites, rooms, cabins, and campsites to accommodate any road tripper.

While on the byway, you can also access hiking trails that lead into the Ouachita National Forest. There are many options to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. You might even spot several species of wildlife along your drive, including black bears and turkeys. It is essential to note that there are no gas stations on the Talimena Byway, and the road can be rough in certain areas. Always drive within the speed limit and stay mindful of the bends.

Great River Road, Louisiana

For a completely different scenic perspective, take the Great River Road through Louisiana. This drive takes you on a journey along the Mississippi River’s west and east banks, spanning multiple states, with the Louisiana portion alone covering over 700 miles. Along the way, you will pass levees, lowlands, river towns, and historic plantations.

You can stop at plantations such as Laura Plantation and Oak Alley in Vacherie, if you want to immerse yourself in the antebellum era and learn about the region's complex history, or pop into New Roads or St. Francisville, where you will find a wide variety of local attractions and historic architecture, though the section that runs between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is the most popular part of the drive. Here, the cultural appeal dominates in the birthplace of Creole and Cajun food, jazz music, and iconic celebrations like Mardi Gras.

The Great River Road meanders, so give yourself plenty of time. Making the drive during the spring and early fall is best due to the cooler temperatures. If you decide to take on the drive during the summer, keep in mind that it can become very hot and humid.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

The legendary Blue Ridge Parkway stretches nearly 470 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This road features more than 280 overlooks, offering stunning views of forests, waterfalls, and endless ridgelines along the way. It is a mountainous drive, which means your views will consist mainly of huge ranges that lie east of the Mississippi. If you take the parkway in the spring, you will avoid the summer crowds and those who flock to see fall foliage. The parkway remains open year-round; however, conditions are variable in winter and may occasionally lead to road closures. There is no entry fee to access the parkway and no stop signs or traffic lights along the route.

If you want to do some hiking as you go, one of the best short hikes is the Humpback Rocks Trail at Milepost 6. For a tougher and longer hike, stop at Milepost 86 and take the challenging Sharp Top Trail, where you can climb 1,300 feet to the top of Sharp Top Mountain.

You can also stop at various small towns that sit along the parkway, especially throughout the approximately 200 miles that lie in Virginia. Many visitors stop to see Roanoke and to get something to eat or drink. When you get to the North Carolina section, you can bike up Mount Mitchell or stop for food in Blowing Rock between MP 291 and MP 294. You should be able to drive the parkway in a handful of days, but give yourself a couple more if you want to explore most of the attractions.

River Road, Texas

Texas’s most scenic drive is the River Road, which hugs the Rio Grande and offers both desert views and greenery. It's important to clarify, however, that Texas is actually home to two scenic routes known as the River Road. There is a 51-mile stretch in Big Bend National Park that consists of a primitive road connecting Rio Grande Village and Castolon inside the park. That one requires a vehicle with four-wheel drive and high clearance, and is not recommended for the average passenger car. Much of the scenery includes the Rio Grande and exceptional desert views.

The more accessible River Road follows the El Camino del Rio (State Highway 170), where you can travel between Lajitas and Presidio. This drive is curvy but not too challenging, offering views of the Chihuahuan Desert. You will cross arroyos and climb mountains, with the ‘Big Hill’ being one of the steepest grades. It, too, offers numerous places to stop and admire the beautiful landscape, and there are also several river access points.

If you want to experience River Road, it is important to note that it is narrow and the shoulders are few and far between. If you are pulling a trailer or driving a motor home, take extreme caution. You should also look out for animals in the road, including cows and horses. To avoid the desert heat, plan your trip for late fall or early spring. Also, remember that this drive is remote, so you may struggle with cell coverage. In spite of these things, and maybe even because of them, the desert, river, canyon, and vast open sky are more than worth the trip.

Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee

Back in the Appalachians, the Cherohala Skyway offers 43 miles of ridge-top driving from Tellico Plains in Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina. This route is also fairly remote and a great alternative to busier parkways. The skyway runs upwards across 5,400-foot mountains for a distance of 18 miles in North Carolina. It then descends 25 miles into the backcountry region of Tennessee. Before you get on the skyway, pick up a free map at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains. You can also have an impromptu picnic here to fuel up for the drive.

Once you are on the road, you can stop at any one of the fifteen overlooks to take in the views, and there are several trailheads if you want to stretch your legs or go for a hike. Remember that some grades are as steep as 9%, so take caution. You can drive the entire skyway in two hours, but give yourself more time to explore. If you go from Robbinsville to Tellico Plains, the skyway will descend when you reach the Tellico River Basin, and when you arrive in Tennessee, you can detour to Bald River Falls to see the waterfall. October is a great time to drive the Skyway, especially if you are in search of fall foliage. You can leaf-peep at Big Junction, Hooper Bald, Stratton Ridge, Lake View, and many other spots.

Florida Keys Overseas Highway, Florida

If you want ocean views, the famous 113-mile Florida Keys Overseas Highway offers plenty. This road starts in Key Largo and ends in Key West. If you do not plan to stop, you can complete the drive in two hours, which includes 42 bridges spanning tropical waters; however, you are almost certainly going to want to stop and enjoy the picture-perfect surroundings. For one, there are coral and limestone islets everywhere you look, not to mention the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and Florida Bay. You will also pass fishing boats bobbing in these waters, and if you are lucky, you might even spot a bottlenose dolphin or two.

If you have more than two hours to spare, be sure to stop at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo for a coffee and a slice of key lime pie. You should also make some time to visit the Sunset Grille and Raw Bar in Marathon, from where you can see the iconic Seven Mile Bridge that links the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys. Other stops include Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West, the beach in Fort Zachary State Park, and the Southernmost Point Buoy, also in Key West. The best time to drive the highway is from the beginning of December through to the beginning of May. This is also peak season, however, so you will have to contend with traffic, but you will avoid hurricanes and summer humidity. Additionally, if you want to snorkel, spring is the best time for visibility.

Where Roads Become Destinations

Every mile of the scenic roads, highways, skyways, and byways in the Southern United States has a story to tell. Whether it is Florida's Overseas Highway, the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, or the River Road in Texas, you will no longer find yourself driving just to get to your destination; the road will become a destination of its own and an experience you'll never forget.