A Guide to America’s Most Breathtaking National Parkways

When most people think of the National Park Service, they picture mountains, canyons, and famous landmarks. But did you know the NPS also cares for some of the most stunning drives in the country? They’re called national parkways, and they’re not your average roads!

There are several official parkways managed by the Park Service that wind their way through mountains, forests, rivers, and historic landscapes. These scenic routes were built for more than just getting from point A to point B… many were initially designed as both a means to create jobs and to slow down and take in the views along the way.

The History of National Parkways

In the 1920s, as cars became more popular, the concept of the ‘parkway’ evolved. Instead of building highways meant for speed, parkways were designed for the journey, with meandering routes that hugged the land’s natural curves, showcasing beautiful scenery and omitting features like billboards and roadside gas stations—several even connected historic or natural landmarks along the way.

The National Park Service had been founded just a few years earlier in 1916, and it quickly became apparent that more people were visiting the newly established Yosemite National Park by car rather than by train. So the concept of 'auto touring' national parks quickly became a favorite pastime.

Fast forward to the 1930s and 40s, during the New Deal era, the federal government really leaned into this idea. Building parkways wasn’t just about creating scenic drives. The construction of parkways created jobs while also supporting conservation projects. Since these roads blended recreation, history, and landscape preservation, the National Park Service was the obvious choice to care for them!

Explore Some of Our Favorite National Parkways

Today, just a handful of official national parkways exist, but they remain some of the most iconic drives in the country. Here are several parkways you might want to consider when visiting these states:

Blue Ridge Parkway - Virginia & North Carolina

Perhaps one of the most well-known, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles along the Appalachian Mountains, linking Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It’s known for its dramatic overlooks, winding roads, tunnels, and brilliant fall foliage! The Blue Ridge Parkways is also consistently one of the most visited units in the National Park System. In fact, it’s usually number one but was dethroned in 2024 by Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Growing up in Virginia, I often visited the Blue Ridge Parkway, and especially in the fall, it’s a spectacular scenic drive!

George Washington Memorial Parkway - Virginia (near Washington D.C.)

Not all parkways are remote. Just outside the nation’s capital, the George Washington Memorial Parkway runs along the Potomac River, connecting commuters to both nature and history. Along the way, visitors can explore landmarks like Arlington House, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and Great Falls Park… all while taking in beautiful riverside views.

Baltimore-Washington Parkway - Maryland & D.C.

Growing up just south of Washington D.C., I often heard this parkway mentioned in early morning traffic reports! Originally designed to link two major cities, the Baltimore–Washington Parkway offers more than just your typical commute. Even though it’s heavily used (by a lot of commuters), it still manages to preserve a surprising amount of greenery and history along the route. It’s a good example that parkways can serve practical purposes while still protecting cultural and natural landscapes.

Natchez Trace Parkway - Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee

The Natchez Trace Parkway follows a 444-mile route once traveled by Indigenous peoples, traders, and pioneers, making it a true living history lesson. Today, the drive winds through forests, farmland, and river valleys with plenty of places to pull over for short hikes, historic sites, and interpretive stops. We visited in 2021 and loved learning about the rich history while stretching our legs on some of the trails along the way. Driving it really does feel like stepping back in time.

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway - Wyoming

Back in 1972, Congress designated 24,000 acres of land as the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Today, it serves as a bridge between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and is named after John D. Rockefeller, Jr., to honor his contributions to several national parks. On one side, the rugged Teton Range begins to soften into rolling slopes, while on the other, ancient volcanic rock from Yellowstone lines the Snake River and dots the hills and ridges. It’s like getting a preview of both parks in one stunning drive.

Foothills Parkway - Tennessee

According to the National Park Service, the Foothills Parkway is the only one yet to be completed. It’s also the oldest unfinished ‘highway project’ in the entire state of Tennessee, and even though there are incomplete sections, you can still visit the divided western and eastern portions. The Foothills Parkway glides along ridges with panoramic views of the Smokies, yet sees far fewer crowds than other routes near the park. So if you’re looking for those epic mountain views without all the crowds, plan a drive along the Foothills Parkway.

Make the Most of Your National Parkway Visit

Driving a national parkway is all about slowing down and enjoying the ride. Most are free to enter, making them a budget-friendly way to explore some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. These roads aren’t just for drivers, either. Many are popular with cyclists, photographers, and hikers. Some stretches do close in winter or during maintenance, so it’s always smart to check conditions before you go.

A few tips can make your trip smoother: give yourself extra time, check for height and length restrictions if traveling by RV, pack food and water, and make sure you have enough gas, especially on remote stretches. You can also think about combining your parkway adventure with nearby parks, historic sites, or small towns to really make the most of the trip.

Next time you’re tempted to hop on the interstate, try a different route. Roll the windows down, follow the curves of the land, and let America’s national parkways remind you that sometimes the drive itself is the destination! You can learn more about national parkways and other great National Park Service sites here on Only in Your State or at nps.gov.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.