The 9 Best Backroads In Kansas For A Long Scenic Drive

If you've got some spare time during a weekend, or you're just looking for a short trip to enjoy some of Kansas' natural beauty, why not find a country road and take a drive? If you're looking for a scenic drive, there's plenty here to choose from! Gas up the car, grab your snacks, and let's take a drive on the backroads of Kansas.

1. Route 66

This route doesn't actually get that much traffic these days, due to more direct roads and highways that get you where you're going a little faster. Route 66 is full of history, and charming towns that are holding it together at the roots of American traveling culture.

Route 66 is an iconic two-lane highway that travels through backroads in Kansas for about 12 miles. Learn more in this video from Through My Lens:

2. Wabaunsee County Roads

This county is filled with low/minimum maintenance roads and scenery that's untouched by highways and the noise of cities. Pair this drive with a log cabin getaway on the beautiful Lake Wabaunsee.

3. West of Diamond Springs

Traveling west of Diamond Springs, there are some really rural roads out there that have nothing to offer except gorgeous scenery as far as the eye can see.

4. Smoky Valley Scenic Byway

Smoky Valley Scenic Byway is a paved option, but the scenery is just as gorgeous and natural, without the damage to your shocks.

Enjoy a tour of the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, one of the beautiful country roads near you in Kansas, in this video from Kansas Byways:

5. The Gyp Hills

Always classic beauty, this area of Barber County has plenty of dirt roads and photo opportunities! There's also a byway option (Gypsum Hills Scenic Drive) if you'd like a smoother ride, but it will be more popular with travelers.

6. The Flint Hills

The large region of the Flint Hills is full of dirt roads as well as the Scenic Byway if you don't have an off-road vehicle to tour the more natural paths through it.

7. Highway 4

This is the longest Kansas highway, traveling from roughly Scott City to almost Nortonville. The entire span of this road is full of classic Sunflower State-style beauty.

8. South of Cassoday

If you take Cassoday's dirt roads south, you might stumble upon some minimal roads that lead you through rich Kansas greenery and wildflowers galore. Sounds like a great trip to us!

9. Texaco Hill

In Chase County near Matfield Green, there's a section of land where you'll face no one but yourself. Texaco Hill and the surrounding area are full of hilly scenery that's gorgeous in any season.

Enjoy some peaceful footage of Texaco Hill in this flyover video from Kenny Rodriguez. It truly is one of those low-maintenance roads near you that seems to go on forever:

What would you add to this list of scenic drives in Kansas? What are some of your favorite backroads in Kansas? Tell us in the comments below!

If you're looking for some great natural locations to visit, you can also check out this list of hidden oases right here in the Sunflower State. One of the best ways to enjoy the plains of Kansas is by renting an RV and hitting the open road.