12 Incredible Road Trips That Will Take You Off the Beaten Path
Looking for a road trip that takes you off the beaten path? From remote mountain routes to quiet coastal drives, these hidden gems offer a chance to explore less-traveled destinations. Skip the crowded tourist spots and discover stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature or a unique cultural experience, these routes promise an exciting escape from the ordinary.
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Great River Road – Mississippi, USA
The Great River Road is a scenic route that follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota down to Louisiana, offering travelers a peaceful journey through the heart of America. Along this route, you’ll experience a series of small towns that are often missed by tourists, each offering a glimpse into local history and culture. Towns like Hannibal, Missouri, bring Mark Twain’s stories to life, while Natchez, Mississippi, is known for its antebellum homes and southern charm.
While the road is mostly paved, some stretches can be rough, particularly as you move into the more remote areas. The route offers beautiful views of the river and passes through areas where wildlife thrives, making it perfect for nature lovers. Whether it’s stopping for a quiet afternoon in one of the many riverfront parks or visiting an old plantation, the Great River Road offers a slower, more immersive travel experience that many tourists overlook.
Ruta 40 – Argentina
Ruta 40 is a bucket-list road trip for adventure seekers. This road stretches over 5,000 miles, making it one of the longest roads in the world, from the northwest near the Bolivian border to the southern tip of Argentina in Patagonia. As you drive, you’ll encounter some of the world’s most remote landscapes, such as the desolate but stunning Patagonian Desert and the towering Andes mountains. Each region along the route has a unique character, from the colorful salt flats of Salinas Grandes to the wine-producing region of Mendoza.
Ruta 40 offers travelers a chance to escape the crowds and explore small towns like Cafayate, with its relaxing pace and incredible vineyard scenery. Along the route, you may find yourself navigating gravel and less-maintained roads, which only adds to the thrill of the adventure. Whether you’re hiking in the Andes or marveling at the pristine lakes in Patagonia, Ruta 40 offers an authentic experience of Argentina’s diverse terrain and culture.
The Lost Coast Trail – California, USA
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path on California’s coast, the Lost Coast Trail is a must-see. This road trip takes you through the northernmost part of the state, where towering redwoods meet dramatic cliffs and wild beaches. The Lost Coast is one of California’s most remote areas, with little commercial development and few visitors. This is a place where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to some of the tallest trees on earth, and explore the stunning beaches of Shelter Cove. The road itself is often winding and narrow, providing a thrilling drive that makes you feel as though you’re discovering a secret part of California. The untouched natural beauty, the quietude of the area, and the chance to hike, camp, or just take in the view make the Lost Coast Trail a truly unique experience.
The North Coast 500 – Scotland
Scotland’s North Coast 500 offers a spectacular yet underexplored alternative to the more famous tourist spots in the country. This 500-mile route takes you along Scotland’s rugged northern coastline, passing through picturesque fishing villages, stunning cliffs, and miles of quiet, untouched beaches. Unlike more popular Scottish routes, the North Coast 500 takes you through remote areas where the scenery feels almost untouched, offering a true sense of solitude and escape.
The journey will lead you through towns like Dornoch, known for its cathedral and charming high street, and over winding roads through the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Stops at places like the Castle of Mey, the former home of the Queen Mother, and Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, make the North Coast 500 an unforgettable road trip. The combination of dramatic landscapes, quiet roads, and the chance to visit lesser-known historical sites makes this route a hidden gem.
The Pacific Rim Highway – Canada
The Pacific Rim Highway in Canada takes you through some of the most awe-inspiring coastal landscapes in North America. Starting from Vancouver Island, this drive is known for its misty forests, rugged coastlines, and charming seaside villages. The highway cuts through Pacific Rim National Park, where you can experience the dramatic landscapes of Vancouver Island, with its pristine beaches and towering mountains.
While this route is not completely off the grid, it does take you to remote spots like Tofino, a small town that is a haven for surfers, wildlife watchers, and those who appreciate the tranquility of nature. The winding, coastal roads, and lush rainforests will make you feel like you’ve entered a different world. With limited infrastructure in some areas, this drive provides a more rugged, secluded alternative to other, more commercialized parts of Canada’s Pacific Coast.
The Trans-Labrador Highway – Canada
The Trans-Labrador Highway offers a true adventure for those willing to embrace isolation and natural beauty. Stretching across the rugged wilderness of Labrador, this 1,200-mile route takes you through a landscape that is largely untouched by development. The road is often unpaved and can be rough, but this is part of the charm, as it leads to pristine lakes, vast forests, and the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
The isolation and untouched scenery make this route a favorite for road-trippers looking for solitude. Along the way, you’ll pass through remote towns like Happy Valley-Goose Bay, where life is quieter and the pace slower. The natural beauty of Labrador, combined with the challenge of the journey, makes the Trans-Labrador Highway a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
The Trollstigen Mountain Road – Norway
Norway’s Trollstigen Mountain Road is one of the most thrilling drives in the world. Known for its 11 hairpin bends and steep ascents, this road cuts through the stunning Scandinavian mountains, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. The road is part of the larger Golden Route, which leads to picturesque spots like Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but the mountain pass itself is a hidden gem.
The road is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is worth the challenge. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the valley below, with towering mountains on all sides. The route is best taken slowly, allowing time to appreciate the dramatic scenery and to stop at the many lookout points along the way. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just soaking in the natural beauty, the Trollstigen Mountain Road offers a rare and exciting adventure.
The Black Hills – South Dakota, USA
The Black Hills of South Dakota offers an incredible road trip through a region rich in natural beauty and historical significance. This lesser-known area is home to dense forests, rugged mountains, and some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. The winding roads through the Black Hills are filled with charming towns like Deadwood, where you can take a step back in time and experience the Old West.
The region is also home to beautiful drives like the Needles Highway, which features tight tunnels and sharp turns through towering granite spires. This is a great spot for anyone looking for a quiet yet exhilarating road trip. As you explore, you’ll encounter quiet roads, striking scenery, and a sense of history that makes the Black Hills a perfect off-the-beaten-path adventure.
The Icefields Parkway – Canada
For a stunning blend of remote wilderness and natural grandeur, the Icefields Parkway in Canada is a must-visit. Connecting Jasper National Park to Banff National Park, this 143-mile highway weaves through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and towering peaks. While it’s a popular route in the summer months, it’s still far less crowded than many other famous drives in North America.
Driving along this route allows you to take in some of Canada’s most beautiful and remote landscapes. The road also takes you to the Columbia Icefield, where you can explore ancient glaciers and pristine alpine meadows. While the road is well-maintained, its location in the middle of the wilderness ensures that you’ll be far removed from the typical tourist crowds.
The Camino del Norte – Spain
For those looking for an adventure on foot or by bike, the Camino del Norte offers a stunning, coastal alternative to the more crowded Camino de Santiago. This road trip takes you along northern Spain’s rugged coastline, passing through charming Basque towns and green hillsides. The route is less popular than its southern counterpart, meaning you’ll encounter fewer tourists, but the views and the experience are equally remarkable.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular coastal vistas, visit historic villages like Santander, and have the chance to sample the local cuisine, including fresh seafood. The roads themselves are often narrow and winding, which makes it a more intimate and scenic journey. Whether you choose to walk or drive, the Camino del Norte provides a peaceful, lesser-known way to explore Spain’s northern region.
Pacific Coast Road – New Zealand
New Zealand’s Pacific Coast Road offers a thrilling ride along the stunning coastline of the North Island. This route takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to rugged beaches, offering the perfect road trip for those seeking variety and beauty in one drive. Along the way, you’ll pass through small towns like Whangamata and the vibrant city of Tauranga, where you can experience local culture and cuisine.
The road trip also offers hiking opportunities, such as in the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its emerald forests and natural hot springs. The beaches are pristine and less crowded than more famous destinations like Queenstown, making it the perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful road trip. The Pacific Coast Road gives you a taste of New Zealand’s diverse beauty, with plenty of chances to stop and explore its less-visited spots.
The Golden Circle – Iceland
The Golden Circle in Iceland is a popular route for those visiting the island, but it still offers plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. This 190-mile loop takes you through some of Iceland’s most famous sites, including the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. While these sites are well-known, the remote nature of Iceland’s countryside means you can still find peaceful spots along the way.
Along the Golden Circle, you’ll be surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, including volcanic fields, glaciers, and geothermal pools. The route is well-maintained, making it easy to drive, but the sense of isolation and the incredible natural beauty of Iceland’s landscapes will make you feel like you’re exploring an untouched part of the world.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.