Scenic Drives Through Forests: Road Trips Inspired by Arbor Day

Spring is the perfect time to reconnect with nature. With Arbor Day fast approaching, why not celebrate by embarking on a road trip through natural America? Go beyond the cities and walk among the redwoods, escaping the mechanical hum and embracing the subtle symphony of nature’s orchestra.

Trade congested highways for stunning woodland byways and weave through eight incredible road trips perfect for your spring or summer adventure. Pack your bags, roll your windows down and let the adventure begin. 

Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina)

Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” this stunning road trip runs from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park into North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Roadtrippers can stop at various scenic hiking trails where they can observe surging waterfalls, unfettered mountain views and blankets of wildflowers. Campsites like Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill offer travelers a rural hideaway to extend their stay and experience other activities like fishing and wildlife viewing.

Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Byway (North Carolina)

Starting where Blue Ridge ends, this scenic byway provides several overlooks where visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Along the way, stops like the Mingus Mill, Webb Overlook and Newfound Gap offer a combination of nature and history as visitors explore the beauty that led North Carolina Senator Charles Webb and President Franklin D. Roosevelt to campaign for the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that spreads between Tennessee and North Carolina.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Washington/Oregon)

Iconic forests (Siuslaw National Forest) and beaches (Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area) are dotted along this stunning road trip. Natural wonders like the Dungeness Spit—the world’s longest naturally occurring sand spit—and the Hoh Rainforest, Ruby Beach, and Grays Harbor Wildlife Refuge provide endless opportunities to explore the Pacific Northwest’s rich biodiversity.

Avenue of the Giants (California)

Often called the ‘Finest Forest Drive in the World,’ this stunning route winds through the heart of California’s majestic redwoods. Visitors can camp, fish and hike among the tallest trees in the world. At some points, a vehicle can be driven through tunnels carved through living trees. 

Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

This highway, also known as “The Kanc” runs right through the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest and experiences the most traffic during the fall when visitors flock from around the globe to experience the vibrant fall foliage that the trees wear like crown jewels. Aside from picture-perfect foliage, visitors may even spot local wildlife, including moose, falcons, bears, porcupines, and skunks.

Skyline Drive (Virginia)

This three-hour highway excursion is open 24/7 so guests can experience the beauty day and night. This scenic drive offers views of the Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley. Though the drive can be accomplished in less than a day, there is plenty to do if you want to spend more time in the area. Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge offer guests rural stays surrounded by countless hiking trails where guests can seek out scenic overlooks, expansive meadows and popular caverns and rock formations like Luray Caverns and Grand Caverns, the oldest show cave in the U.S.

Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

This unique trip experience involves more than forests and mountains. Travelers will witness chilling glaciers and incredible sights, including Heaven’s Peak, Bird Woman Falls, and Wild Goose Island Overlook. If wildlife viewing is part of your itinerary, start early, as most of the wildlife on the trip is active earlier in the morning.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive (Texas)

This road trip is known for towering, colorful cliffs, scenic overlooks and canyon excursions. Unlike this list's lush forests and coastal routes, this desert drive showcases a strikingly different ecosystem, highlighting nature’s incredible diversity. Highlights include Santa Elena Canyon, Tuff Canyon, Mule’s Ears Overlook, Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail and the Sotol Overlook. 

Every year as we celebrate Arbor Day and embrace the call of nature, these eight scenic drives offer a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. From the towering redwoods of California to the rugged cliffs of Texas, each journey presents a unique window into America's diverse landscapes. 

These road trips provide breathtaking views and remind us of our responsibility to preserve and protect these natural wonders. So, as you embark on your chosen adventure, remember that every mile driven is a step towards greater appreciation and stewardship of our environment. Let these journeys inspire you to become an advocate for nature, ensuring that future generations can experience the same awe and wonder that these scenic byways offer today.