$4 Gas – 9 Road Trips Chevy Chase Would Still Take
Gas prices are expected to rise into the summer which is when most Americans pack up there SUVs and hit the U.S. Highways, Chevy Chase style. Here are 9 roads that will give you the most bang for your buck.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina
The Blue ridge parkway is a National Parkway that runs 469 miles through the Blue ridge Portion of the Appalachian Mountains. Originally called the Appalachian Scenic Highway the highway began its construction on September 11, 1935 in North Carolina. During the springtime road trippers will find a variety of wildflowers along the parkway while fall foliage brings a brilliant palate of oranges and reds. Some major features along the road include the Rock fish gap, Sherando Lake, Looking Glass Rock and The Cascades.
2. Hana Highway - Hawaii
The Hana Highway is a 68 mile stretch of road that highlights the beauty of Hawaii. On average travelers should expect a trip on this road to take about three hours due to traffic jams and winding turns. Besides breathtaking views of Hawaii’s cost travelers can also expect to see a variety of water walls such as South Waimea Falls.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road - Montana
The Going-to-the-Sun-Road may be one of the most scenic routes in the U.S. Located in the middle of Glacier National Park the road was completed in 1932. Along its 52 span the Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Travelers should be advised that the road is extremely narrow and winding, limiting vehicle lengths to no more than 21 feet.
4. Million Dollar Highway - Colorado
As part of U.S. Route 550 the Million Dollar highway spans for 25 miles in western Colorado. The main part of the highway stretches from Uncompahgre Gorge to the summit of Red Mountain Pass. The road features towering cliffs, hairpin “S” turns and a lack of guardrails for thrill seekers. During a trip on the Million Dollar Highway drivers will pass over three mountains including the Coal Bank Pass, Molas Pass and Red Mountain Pass. There are various rumors about the origin of the Million Dollar Highway’s name including that in the 1920’s “it cost a million dollars a mile” to build and “a million dollars” in gold ore is in the fill.
5. Eastshore Drive Scenic Byway – Nevada
This 16.2 mile road is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The Nevada highway offers stunning views of the pristine lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges. Historically the road was once used for logging fumes and was a filming location for the series Bonanaza. The Road begins in Douglas County, Nevada and ends in Crystal Bay, CA.
6. Vermont 100 - Vermont
If your looking for old general stores, covered bridges and the best fall foliage in the world, a trip on route 100 in Vermont is your destination. The route runs from the border of Canada down to Massachusetts and passes through classic villages such as Stowe and Warren, Vermont. Other major attractions that are a must see include Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Moss Glen Falls.
7. Highway 1 – California
California’s State Route 1 stretches along the Pacific Ocean from San Luis to Monterey. Along the drive expect to see surfers catching gigantic waves, sea lions and dense forest. Be sure to check out the giant Redwoods at Big Sur and historical missions all along the route. The road also passes through various beach towns such as Laguna Beach to major metro areas like San Francisco.
8. Crater Lake National Park Scenic Drive - Oregon
Souther Oregon’s Crater Lake is the result of a destroyed volcano referred to as called Mount Mazama. The lakes deepest point is 1949 feet making it the deepest lake in the U.S. The 33 mile Rim Drive is the best way to see the park by automobile. Along the route there are multiple observation points that offer stunning views of the parks many features including the Pumice Desert, The Pinnacles, Crater Peak & Mount Scott.
9. Seward Highway - Alaska
The Seward Highway travels 127 miles in Alaska from Seward to Anchorage. The road offers travelers a variety of stops that can easily turn this route into a day long adventure. The road makes its way past towering mountains, alpine meadows, pristine lakes and Alaskan towns. Be sure to check out the retreating Portage Glacier on the Kenai Peninsula.
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