While iconic road trips like Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway get most of the attention, the United States is filled with lesser-known highways and scenic byways that offer equally unforgettable adventures — minus the heavy crowds and inflated prices. If you’re looking to hit the road this summer, these underrated U.S. road trips are packed with charming towns, natural beauty, and offbeat stops that you won’t find in your average travel guide.
1. The Great River Road – Mississippi River Route
States Covered: Minnesota to Louisiana
Why It’s Underrated: This 3,000-mile route follows the Mississippi River through 10 states, offering a scenic look into America’s heartland, with charming river towns, Civil War sites, and rich musical heritage.
Top Stops:
- Dubuque, Iowa – Riverfront museums and historic architecture
- Memphis, Tennessee – BBQ, blues, and Elvis Presley’s Graceland
- Natchez, Mississippi – Antebellum homes and Southern charm
2. San Juan Skyway – Colorado
Route: Loop from Durango to Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and back
Why It’s Underrated: Often overshadowed by Colorado’s ski resorts, this loop is stunning in summer with wildflowers, mountains, waterfalls, and mining history.
Top Stops:
- Ouray – Known as the “Switzerland of America”
- Silverton – A historic mining town with breathtaking views
- Telluride – A hidden gem with festivals, hiking, and great eats
3. The Loneliest Road in America – U.S. Route 50 (Nevada Segment)
Route: Ely to Fallon, Nevada
Why It’s Underrated: Aptly named, this desolate but magical drive across Nevada offers alien landscapes, ghost towns, and zero traffic — perfect for introverts and stargazers.
Top Stops:
- Great Basin National Park – Caves, ancient pines, and dark skies
- Eureka – A classic Wild West town
- Middlegate – Don’t miss the world-famous Middlegate Monster Burger
4. Highway 2 – The Northern Tier
Route: From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Washington State
Why It’s Underrated: Highway 2 runs just below the Canadian border, offering glacier-carved landscapes, endless forests, and local culture that’s uniquely North American.
Top Stops:
- Mackinac Island, MI – No cars, just charm and fudge
- Duluth, MN – Lake Superior beauty and maritime history
- Libby, MT – Gateway to Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge
5. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Why It’s Underrated: While popular among some, the Blue Ridge Parkway still flies under the radar compared to big-name parks. It’s slow-paced, scenic, and full of surprises.
Top Stops:
- Mabry Mill – The most photographed spot on the Parkway
- Asheville, NC – Art, food, and Blue Ridge views
- Craggy Gardens – Epic rhododendron blooms in June
6. Scenic Byway 12 – Utah
Route: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park
Why It’s Underrated: This drive passes through some of the most dramatic red rock country in the world with hoodoos, slot canyons, and alpine forests.
Top Stops:
- Bryce Canyon National Park – Otherworldly rock formations
- Escalante – Hidden waterfalls and canyons
- Boulder – Home to one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Utah
7. Pacific Northwest Coast – Highway 101 (Oregon to Washington)
Why It’s Underrated: While California’s Highway 1 gets the spotlight, the Oregon and Washington coastline is just as stunning — with towering forests, sea stacks, and rugged beaches.
Top Stops:
- Cannon Beach, OR – Iconic Haystack Rock
- Olympic National Park, WA – Rainforests and glacial peaks
- Astoria, OR – Quirky film history and riverfront charm
8. Finger Lakes Wine Country – New York
Route: Around Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka Lakes
Why It’s Underrated: This region offers rolling hills, scenic lakes, and over 100 wineries, yet it’s rarely crowded in summer compared to Napa or Sonoma.
Top Stops:
- Watkins Glen State Park – Gorgeous gorge hikes and waterfalls
- Hammondsport – Small-town charm on Keuka Lake
- Seneca Lake Wine Trail – Sip and drive responsibly!
9. Natchez Trace Parkway – Mississippi to Tennessee
Why It’s Underrated: This 444-mile route offers a peaceful, historical drive with no commercial traffic and tons of scenic overlooks, historic sites, and hiking.
Top Stops:
- Tupelo, MS – Elvis Presley’s birthplace
- Jackson Falls – Hidden waterfall hike
- Leiper’s Fork, TN – A storybook village near Nashville
10. Cascade Loop – Washington State
Route: Circular route through Seattle, Leavenworth, Winthrop, and more
Why It’s Underrated: This loop offers the best of the Pacific Northwest — alpine lakes, rugged mountains, charming towns, and endless natural beauty.
Top Stops:
- Leavenworth – A Bavarian-style town in the Cascades
- Lake Chelan – Crystal-clear lake for swimming and wine tasting
- North Cascades National Park – One of the least-visited national parks, and one of the most stunning
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make the most of your summer in 2025, ditch the usual tourist trails and head for these underrated U.S. road trips instead. Each one offers something special — from serene coastal drives and deserted highways to hidden small towns and jaw-dropping national parks. Pack your bags, prep your playlist, and hit the open road for an unforgettable adventure.