Books and films have created a place of nostalgia in our hearts for the American back roads. Whether they transported us through the bouncing truck beds Jack Kerouac rode across the country, or through the back seat of the family truckster with Clark Griswold, we were taken to a magical place.
Many of these roads have been marred with McDonald’s restaurants and Wal Marts, but some still live on. They have continued to provide us with a place to roam when we want to get away from the modern America of the 21st century.
We’ve put together a list highlighting 4 back roads journeys that will not only transport you through some beautiful countryside, but might just transport you back in time as well.
1. Wyoming – Hwy 20/26
Just to the west of Casper lies a roughly 90 mile stretch of road that will make you feel like you’re in a Mad Max movie. Tumbleweeds drift lazily across the road, antelope play in the dry fields on either side, and you’ll probably count the number of cars you cross paths with on your hands. This prime prairie land is as iconic a piece of Americana as apple pie. Don’t be fooled by the three towns on the map. Each one is merely a collection of a handful of houses and abandoned cars. You can almost see them turning into ghost towns day by day. Midway through the drive there is one opportunity for gas and food, and that is the speck of Hiland. The small store along the side of the road almost doesn’t seem open, but if you venture inside you’ll find a bar and two characters full of life ready to serve you the best rib plate this side of the Mississippi.
2. North Carolina – Tail of the Dragon
This one is not for the squeamish. With 318 curves in an 11 mile stretch its called the Tail of the Dragon for a reason. The actual road number is 129 and its just north of Robinsville in the beautiful Smokey Mountains. You’re sure to see plenty of motorcycles and classic cars taking this route to test their suspension and take in the scenic views of Fontana Lake and the mountains alike.
Whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking abound in the area. The nearby Fontana Village is also a great place to stop or stay for the night. There are also events that take place nearly every week throughout the year in the area that are worth checking out. They can be found on the event calendar at the Tail of the Dragon website.
3. Utah – Buckhorn Draw
Located between I-15 and I-70 is a small gravel cut through known as Buckhorn Draw Road. If you blink your eyes you’ll miss this road, that starts by an old wooden corral South of Huntington. If you need a place to stay, College Dale has a clean motel and a pizza/sandwich joint that will keep you going on your trip through this desert landscape. Once on Buckhorn Draw you have to follow the signs and have a good map with you. This route takes you through San Rafael Swell, a beautiful area of stone towers and canyons. You’ll have the opportunity to check out petroglyphs and dinosaur footprints, as well as The Wedge, also known as the little Grand Canyon. And there are places to camp along the road if you want to rough it a bit. Just bring plenty of water and make sure you have a full tank of gas.
4. Kentucky – Hwy 90/92
From Glasgow, near I-65 in the central part of the state, to The Big South Fork in the Eastern part of the state, this road truly takes you back. This hilly highway is home to the “Roller Coaster Yard Sale” once each year. If that doesn’t explain how rolling those hills are nothing will. Passing through towns like Marrow Bone and Summer Shade you get a glimpse into what rural Kentucky life is like today; and how it was 50 years ago. The highlight of this trip is passing through The Big South Fork national recreation area, home to black bears and mining camps. Blue Heron Campground is nearby and is a great place to pitch your tent for the night. A home-cooked lunch or dinner at the Stearns Restaurant is a great way to fill your empty tank after a day of scenic driving.
