The 9 Best Backroads In Kansas For A Long Scenic Drive
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Clarisa
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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.
U.S. Route 66, U.S. Rt. 66, Baxter Springs, KS, USA
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:
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:
Wabaunsee, KS 66547, USA
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.
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Diamond Springs, Township 8, KS 66838, USA
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.
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Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, WaKeeney, KS, USA
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:
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:
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Gyp Hills Scenic Drive, US-160, Medicine Lodge, KS 67104, USA
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.
Flint Hills, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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.
Highway 4 Scott City, Kansas, USA
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.
Cassoday, KS 66842, USA
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!
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Texaco Hill, Matfield, KS 66862, USA
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:
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.
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More to Explore
More scenic drives in Kansas
What are some of the best drives in Kansas?
You might not think of Kansas when you think about scenic drives, but the wide open spaces, rolling hills, and lush farmland can be incredibly scenic. Here are some of the best drives in Kansas for you to enjoy on a quiet afternoon:
- Glacial Hills Scenic Byway: This 63-mile route in Northeastern Kansas takes you past beautiful lakes, green pastures, and historic barns. Leavenworth, Kansas is your starting point and you'll travel through Doniphan County to end up in White Cloud.
- Gypsum Hills Scenic Drive: There are portions of this scenic drive that seem like a cross between Arizona's Red Rock region and the deep green pasture land you find in much of Kansas. With flat-topped hills and red dirt roads, this area of Kansas is pretty special. It was a sacred area for many Native American tribes as well. It may only be a 45-minute drive, but the scenery is fantastic.
- Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway: This fantastic drive would normally take about 90 minutes to travel, but there is so much to see and do along the way that you'll want to make a day of it. The Cheyenne Bottoms National Refuge is a haven of wetland wildlife, and the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is an incredible area where thousands of migratory birds pass through in the fall.
- Post Rock Scenic Byway: Travel along this route that takes you on a backroads tour of the beautiful plains of Kansas. Keep an eye out for carved stone posts that line the roadway - a unique way to fence off the land since there aren't many trees to create wooden posts. This is only a short jaunt between Lucas and Wilson, Kansas but it is a peaceful quiet trip you'll enjoy.