There’s nothing more exciting than hitting the open roads and driving through some of the most iconic locations of the country. Read on to know about the most popular US road trips for nature lovers.

Road trips have always been the favorite American pastime. There is no other better way to enjoy the beautiful waterfront towns, rugged cliffs and stunning scenery that dot the country’s landscape than from behind the wheels of a vehicle. However, it might not be so easy to choose the road trips for nature lovers that you wish to explore because there are several great ones. Here are some of the best tour guided trips to help you make the right choices.

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway

The drive along this scenic and winding mountain range is breathtaking to say the least. There are two national parks here – Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. While on the trip, make sure to visit the Fox Hollow, Snead Farm and Dickey Ridge Visitor Center for some hiking and adventure. Shenandoah National Park is home to around 500 trails filled with forests and beautiful paths. Also, there are several antique shops, restaurants and cabins that dot the route.

2. The Loneliest Road (route 50)

This is one of the most awe-inspiring tour guided trips for bonafide nature lovers. The road goes through stunning mountain ranges, including the Sierra Nevada, Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. The beautiful scenery and pleasant weather conditions make driving down the route an unforgettable experience.

3. Route 66

This is another of the famous road trips for nature lovers. The backdrops along the route, from Illinois to California are exhilarating. The route is dotted by legendary natural wonders, such as the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon and the Black Mountains. The quintessential American road trip, no other route has quite captured the essence and the imagination of the American spirit. One of the first highways of its kind, the tour guided trip has inspired several filmmakers, writers and musicians as well.

4. The Great River Road

This iconic road trip is one of the most well-known road trips for nature lovers. It covers 3000 miles across 10 states and takes around 10 days to complete. Iowa and Wisconsin offers some striking hilly terrain and the delta region too provides some incredible views. A myriad of historic attractions, restaurants and shops dot the route making it a road trip to remember.

5. The Overseas Highway (Route 1)

The Overseas Highway connecting the Florida Keys makes for one of the ultimate road trips for nature lovers. Spanning just a few hours, the road trip extends from Miami to Key West, Florida. Make sure to stop by to fish, enjoy a picnic and watch beautiful sunsets along the way. Don’t skip to take in the beautiful scenery at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Bahia Honda State Park and Seven Mile Bridge.

Few things in life are more exhilarating or liberating as a road trip. So, pack your car, prep your playlist and get set to hit the road.