18 Remote Destinations in the U.S. Where the View Is Actually Worth the Drive

Remote drives sound good on paper: an endless stretch of highway, your favorite music blasting from the speakers, and the promise of a beautiful view just ahead. But many such places are little more than tourist traps, drawing us out of the city only to be hit with a pricey admission fee. Luckily for us road trip warriors, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations that are absolutely worth the drive. Here are some of our favorite remote U.S. destinations that don't require you to level your expectations.

1. Big Basin Prairie Preserve — Kansas

Big Basin Prairie Preserve, managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, sprawls over 1,818 acres in the Gypsum Hills. Kansas may have a reputation for being as flat as a pancake, but anyone who's spent much time in the western region has seen its beautiful rolling hills and quite a few fascinating rock formations.

The best way to explore Big Basin Prairie Preserve is by hiking. Take the long but easy 4.7-mile Little Basin Loop, which starts just off Highway 160. You can either hike or drive along this trail, which offers serene grassland views and, if you're lucky, the opportunity to spot the park's free-roaming bison.

2. Buzzardroost Rock — Ohio

Managed by the Nature Conservancy and the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System in Adams County spans over 20,000 acres of biologically diverse terrain. It's home to over 27 miles of hiking trails, and 4.6 of those will take you to Buzzardroost Rock. Buzzardroost Rock is more than just a hiking destination; it's a journey into one of Ohio's most pristine and biologically diverse natural environments. For those willing to tackle the hike, the reward is a breathtaking view that’s unrivaled in the Buckeye State.

3. Wahweap Overlook — Arizona

You’ve probably been on your share of road trips in Arizona, right? But if you’ve never cruised on scenic Highway 89, now it’s your time to do so. At 201 miles long, it begins in Flagstaff, splits into two, and then crosses over the Utah state line. It’s a scenic drive that you can do in one day, with plenty of time to spare to take a hike or enjoy several of the sites and attractions along the way. By the time you get to Wahweap Overlook, which is just about five miles from the Utah State line, you’ll be blown away by the countless jaw-dropping vistas. Any outdoor enthusiast would agree that this drive to the northernmost part of Arizona is worth all the rewards. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to hike, swim, boat, visit national monuments, and more.

4. Audubon Swamp Garden — South Carolina

The Audubon Swamp Garden, located at Magnolia Plantations and Gardens, feels like stepping into a magical world, with towering trees draped in Spanish moss and the still waters reflecting cypress knees and contrasting greenery. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty, but don’t worry—interpretive signs along the way make sure you’re learning something cool about the swamp’s unique ecosystem as you go. Make sure to snap some photos, take time to spot wildlife, and just enjoy the views.

5. Mountain Top Trail — Oklahoma

Most don't realize there are mountains in Oklahoma, but the Ouachita Mountains in Oklahoma are absolutely bucket-list-worthy. You can access Oklahoma's breathtaking Mountain Top Trail by driving north on U.S. Highway 259 and then heading west on State Highway 1. Parking is available near the Winding Stair Mountains Campground, and the trailhead is there too. The area is gorgeous any time of year, but it comes alive the most during the fall when the autumn colors light up the mountainside.

This drive alone is worth your efforts to get here, but the trail has its rewards, too. It leads to a breathtaking overlook that could arguably be one of the best in Oklahoma. You’ll get to witness sweeping views of the Holson Valley and the Talimena Scenic Byway. Certainly, you could easily spend the day here enjoying the stunning views, so pack a lunch, and don't forget your camera!

6. New River Gorge Overlook — West Virginia

There is nothing quite like standing at Grandview in New River Gorge National Park. The stunning horseshoe bend is mesmerizing to see, and amazingly, it is just one of the many places you can see along a scenic drive in and around the national park. Gather everyone and hop in the car for an adventure to the mountains to see the wonders of West Virginia—with plenty of surprises along the way! 

While Grandview is one of the most mesmerizing views within this national park, as you’ll enjoy a 1,400-foot vantage point above the river, there are many other places to capture gorgeous views like along the Canyon Rim Visitor Center Boardwalk and the Long Point Trail.

7. Warm Springs Creek Falls Trail — Idaho

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest is a destination that every explorer should add to their bucket list. While there are several ways to experience this area, U.S. 12, also known as the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, is one of our favorites. This is Idaho’s longest byway as it follows the route Lewis and Clark took in 1803. U.S. 12 is just a small portion of this scenic drive. This byway is beautiful as you pass multiple historic parks and trails, state parks, and more. It’s a drive that will certainly take your breath away. Located right next to the road, not far from the Idaho-Montana state line, is the Warm Springs Creek Falls trailhead. The trail takes you along Warm Springs Creek and through the forest. When you reach the hot springs, you’ll find several hot pools, perfect for taking a nice, long soak.

8. The Osage Trail — Missouri

The Great Osage Trail was originally a Native American route that spanned from St. Louis through Missouri to the Great Plains. It was a route also used by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their great expedition. Clark’s journals vividly describe the site, allowing modern-day explorers to place him at the lookout precisely. Visitors today can retrace Clark’s steps along a short trail that passes by American Indian mounds, which were also mentioned in his journals, dating from A.D. 600 to A.D. 900, the Late Woodland period. Along the way, you’ll find plaques detailing the history of the area and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The Osage Trail leading to the top of this site is an out-and-back trail that can be completed in about 30 minutes. Its incline is gradual, but you will likely feel the burn after experiencing a 193-foot elevation gain. Due to its remote location in the middle of Missouri, this foot trail is usually uncrowded.

9. Fort Bragg — Northern California

Fort Bragg is a tiny town on the Northern California coast. It is about an hour's drive from the town of Willits, and the closest real city is Santa Rosa, over two hours away. The drive is about four hours from the major cities of San Francisco and Sacramento. So, wherever you are coming from, it is going to take a bit of a drive. Let me tell you, though, not only is the destination absolutely worth it, but the drive itself is beautiful! Spanning almost the entire eastern edge of Fort Bragg is the 93-acre Noyo Headlands Park, one of the most stunning spots on the Mendocino Coast. It was originally part of the Georgia Pacific lumber mill and is now home to walking and biking trails, rugged cliffs, Glass Beach, and endless breathtaking views.

10. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge — North Carolina

Nestled between the Bonner Bridge and Rodanthe along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, you'll find Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. To get there, take Highway 12, which will lead you right into the refuge. The 13-mile refuge offers three trails that are open year-round: the North Pond Wildlife Trail, the Salt Flats Wildlife Trail, and the North Pond Levee Trail. Both wildlife trails offer elevated platforms for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. All of the trails are relatively flat and easy to navigate. If you're captivated by wildlife, you'll be impressed to hear that this area of North Carolina is home to no fewer than 400 migratory species of birds! It's no wonder that nature photographers cherish this refuge. Stay here long enough, and you will too.

11. Summer Lake Hot Springs — Oregon

Tucked away on the edge of a lake, the Summer Lake Hot Springs provide an oasis in the midst of Oregon’s high desert. The water in these springs is naturally heated and filled with minerals, offering a soothing soak in a rustic and serene setting. The hot springs feature a mix of indoor and outdoor pools, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience no matter the weather. The indoor pool is housed in a historic, century-old bathhouse, lending a timeless charm to the soak. For those looking for an open-air experience, the outdoor pools offer unobstructed views of the surrounding desert and nearby mountains.

12. Carter Overlook — Virginia

The Carter Overlook is just off the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Highway 53, which runs east from Scottsville Road. The overlook provides stunning mountain views. Visitors can look down on the trees below, enjoying green leaves in the spring and summer and an array of colorful leaves in the fall. The overlook is a great place to enjoy the bright reds, greens, oranges, and yellows of the fall foliage. The overlook also provides views of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

The overlook is accessible from a popular hike in the area: the Saunders-Monticello Trail. This trail is a 4.3-mile out-and-back hike that is considered easy to complete. It takes about 90 minutes to hike the trail and gains about 400 feet in elevation. Hikers can slightly detour from the trail to the overlook to enjoy the views below.

13. Cooney Canyon Trail — New Mexico

You can find New Mexico's Gila National Forest near Silver City, off Highway 180, about 85 miles north of Las Cruces. No matter where you’re coming from in the state, the scenic drive to get to the forest is well worth it. At over 3 million acres, this expansive forest is a playground for outdoor fanatics. AllTrails has over 100 curated hikes inside the forest to explore, but one of our favorites is the Cooney Canyon Trail. The terrain on this trail is quite rugged with lots of creek crossings along the way. It meanders along and crosses Mineral Creek over 20 times—yes, that many!

14. Eagle Summit — Alaska

At 3,685 feet, Eagle Summit is one of the highest points in Alaska that you can reach by road. It's located in the White Mountains of central Alaska. At the top, there’s a small roadside pullout and an elevation sign marking the summit, but no facilities or cell service, adding to the sense of isolation that defines this remote location. The views from the summit are breathtaking, offering a panorama of the surrounding tundra and mountain ranges. On clear days, you can see for miles in every direction. It’s a truly humbling experience to stand at the top and take in the vastness of the Alaskan wilderness.

15. Kentuck Knob — Pennsylvania

Kentuck Knob is located in the southwest corner of the state, about an hour south of Pittsburgh, surrounded by small towns and state game lands. But it has a huge legacy. It's a historic site designed by the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright, and it offers a stunning view that's well worth the journey. The whole area is surrounded by beautiful, remote nature, so make sure to find some time to take it in. This is one of the most beautiful and least-visited areas in Pennsylvania, and it's hiding a true hidden gem of an attraction.

16. Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway — Colorado

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is a 28.5-mile route that begins near Echo Lake, ascending over 7,000 feet of narrow — and, at times, crumbly road. The byway weaves through the beautiful Arapaho National Forest, traversing the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area. Scenic overlooks abound on the way up, but my personal favorite viewpoint is at the very top. Here, travelers can enjoy stunning vistas of the Continental Divide before heading back down the mountainside. I also recommend making a pit stop at Summit Lake. Seeing the pristine water glistening in the sunshine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

17. The Pinnacle Overlook — Kentucky

Tucked away in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park awaits one of the best views in the Bluegrass State. To get to Pinnacle Overlook, visitors drive up a steep mountain, which they describe as full of switchbacks and steep, curvy roads. There is a parking lot at the overlook where visitors can leave their cars and walk a short distance to a viewing platform. Once there, they'll see breathtaking views. Middlesboro, Kentucky, is at the bottom of a 3.6-mile-wide crater formed by a meteor crash long ago. And while the history is fascinating, it's the views that are truly spellbinding.

18. Longleaf Vista Scenic Byway — Louisiana

There are plenty of scenic roads in Louisiana, but few are as rare as the Longleaf Vista Scenic Byway. The views from this scenic drive through the Kisatchie National Forest are just picture-perfect—and you don’t even need to leave your car! Of course, if you’re inspired to stretch your legs, you’ll find a hiking trail right at the recreation area that will take you further into the forest and underneath a canopy of longleaf pines. 

So, which destination will you be driving out of the way to see first? Share this article with a fellow travel enthusiast and let the planning begin! For related content, take a look at the best-kept secret travel destinations in all 50 states. Don't forget to also check out these 25 stunning beaches across the U.S. that are perfect for your next getaway, as well as these iconic, scenic road trips across the U.S. It's time for an adventure!