Driving a truck is a popular occupation for many reasons. Some come for the good pay with job security and high demand for drivers. Others choose the driver’s life because the road calls to them. The vastness and the ability to see this beautiful country of ours every single day draws them in.
Whether driving long hauls or short routes, drivers get to see it all. Here are some of the most scenic routes for truckers:
This road stretches from Canada to Mexico, taking drivers through Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona and through an abundance of national parks, monuments, and heritage areas. Taking this route will bring you across the Rockies, through the wild Yellowstone National Park, and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
- Pacific Coast Highway
Running along the coast from Northern California to Southern California, the Pacific Coast Highway shows some of the best views that California has to offer. If you’re looking for an interesting place to stop, this route has Venice Beach, the Queen Mary, the Bixby Bridge, Hearst Castle, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Glass Beach to name a few. Your big rig may not fit through a redwood tree but a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is a must-drive, especially if you’ve got time for a little fun.
- US Route 2
If your route takes you into NH in the fall, you’re in for a treat. New England is awash in reds, yellows, and oranges as the trees burst with vibrant colors. US Route 2 goes from Northern Maine through the White Mountain National Forest in NH, home to Mount Washington which boasts the second coldest temperature ever recorded anywhere in the world, and through quaint towns in Vermont. After popping up through Canada, Route 2 picks up in the U.S. again in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and continues across the upper U.S. through Montana and ending in Washington.
- Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean Highway
Also known as the Appian Way of America, the PP-OO highway is a historical gem. It was built before the national highway system was put in to bypass small towns. This road takes you through farmlands, hills, and nearly-forgotten towns.
- Interstate 77
This route travels from Cleveland, Ohio to Charlotte, South Carolina. It takes you through the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains and into downtown Charlotte where you can take a break and check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
- Scenic Byway 163
Traveling along this scenic route through Monument Valley on the Utah and Arizona border, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the set of a movie about the Old West with a huge rock formation backdrop. You’ll definitely want to stop for photos on this one.
Yes, The Swiss Alps. Of Texas. If you can squeeze part of this loop that spans Highways 337, 187, and 470 into your route, you will be rewarded with picturesque hills and deep canyons and rivers. It may not be exactly like the real Swiss Alps but it’s a beautiful drive just the same.
Incorporating a scenic route into your drive can make any ride more enjoyable and can break the monotony that sometimes comes with driving a regular route. If you’re looking for loads that may take you along some of the more scenic routes of the U.S., Direct Freight Services can help. Our full-service load board can help you find loads all over the country and has numerous useful features such as full credit reports, credit scores, load filtering, payment expectations, and broker authority information as well. Check out the Direct Freight website to find out more.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_101
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/us2.cfm
https://www.wmur.com/article/mt-washington-tied-for-second-coldest-place-on-earth-saturday/14769919