The U.S.’s Longest Road Runs Through A National Park

America was built for road trips. From sweeping coastlines to rugged mountains, the country’s longest roads carve through landscapes that beg to be explored.

Some highways cut through national parks, others trace historic trails, and a few feel like they stretch into infinity.

If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate open-road adventure, these are the highways you need to know. Buckle up—it’s time to hit the pavement on the longest roads in the U.S.!

1. U.S. Route 6 – 3,205 Miles

Once the longest highway in the country, Route 6 still earns its place among the greats. It kicks off in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on the tip of Cape Cod, before making its way through 14 states, ending in the dramatic landscapes of Bishop, California.

This road is a time capsule. It cuts through historic small towns, forgotten stretches of old Americana, and places where time seems to stand still.

Further west, it weaves through the Great Plains, past lonely outposts and old railroad towns. By the time it reaches the deserts of Nevada and California, the road feels almost surreal—empty, endless, and eerily beautiful.

2. U.S. Route 50 – 3,073 Miles

Welcome to “The Loneliest Road in America.” U.S. Route 50 runs from Ocean City, Maryland, to Sacramento, California, cutting through some of the most barren and breathtaking landscapes in the country.

The title of Loneliest Road isn’t just for show! While you drive through Nevada, and you’ll see what they mean. Towns are few and far between, gas stations become a precious sight, and the desert feels like it stretches forever.

But don’t let that deter you—this is road-tripping at its finest, with the kind of solitude that makes you appreciate every mile.

3. U.S. Route 20 – 3,365 Miles

And now, for the good part! The longest road in America! It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in Massachusetts to the Pacific Northwest in Oregon.

This transcontinental behemoth doesn’t just cover miles—it cuts straight through Yellowstone National Park, offering travelers a front-row seat to geysers, bison, and steaming hot springs. Few highways in the U.S. can claim such a majestic mid-route detour.

Crossing 12 states, Route 20 winds through the rolling farmlands of the Midwest, dips into the Great Plains, and climbs into the Rocky Mountains. It’s a road that changes personalities as often as the scenery, shifting from quiet two-lane country roads to bustling urban stretches. One thing is for sure, the journey never gets dull!

4. Interstate 90 – 3,021 Miles

If you want a coast-to-coast drive with speed, I-90 is your highway. Stretching from Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington, this interstate is the longest in the U.S. and makes the cross-country trek as smooth as possible.

While many interstates feel monotonous, I-90 keeps things interesting. It takes you over the Great Lakes, across the Mississippi River, and through the vast wilderness of Montana.

The highlight? The stunning Badlands of South Dakota, where rugged landscapes rise out of nowhere, making you want to pull over at every viewpoint.

5. U.S. Route 30 – 3,073 Miles

A route that’s historic, scenic, and packed with nostalgia, all in one? It’s possible on U.S. Route 30! Beginning in Astoria, Oregon, and ending in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it follows the path of the famous Lincoln Highway, the first road to connect America from coast to coast.

Driving Route 30 feels like stepping into a different era. You’ll pass classic roadside diners, quirky motels, and small-town Americana that seem untouched by time.

If you’re a fan of road trip history, Route 30 is a must-drive. It’s where America’s love affair with road trips began, and it still holds that same charm today.

6. U.S. Route 1 – 2,369 Miles

Welcome to the ultimate East Coast road trip. Running from Fort Kent, Maine, to Key West, Florida, U.S. Route 1 lets you chase the sun all the way to paradise.

This road hugs the Atlantic coastline, passing through major cities like Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., before giving way to the laid-back vibes of the Deep South. But the real showstopper? The Overseas Highway in Florida, where the road becomes a ribbon stretched over the turquoise waters of the Keys.

It’s a road with big city energy, small-town charm, and tropical paradise all in one. If you want a road trip that takes you through every side of the East Coast, this is the one.

7. Interstate 80 – 2,899 Miles

If you’re looking for a fast, no-nonsense drive across America, I-80 is your highway. This powerhouse of a road stretches from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey, slicing through the heart of the country with efficiency and ease.

But don’t mistake it for a boring drive. This road delivers serious scenery, from the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the wide-open plains of Nebraska.

One of its biggest highlights? The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah! Here, the road stretches in a perfect, uninterrupted line across a seemingly endless white desert. Absolutely breathtaking!

8. U.S. Route 101 – 1,540 Miles

Few roads scream “scenic adventure” like U.S. Route 101. It hugs the West Coast from Los Angeles, California, to Tumwater, Washington. This legendary highway delivers breathtaking ocean views, towering redwoods, and charming coastal towns.

Starting in Southern California, Route 101 takes you through the Pacific Coast Highway section, where you’ll weave past cliffside vistas, golden beaches, and surfers catching waves. Further north, the road plunges into the misty forests of Oregon, where the coastline turns rugged and wild.

By the time you reach Washington, you’re deep in the Pacific Northwest, where rainforest-covered mountains rise straight from the sea.

9. U.S. Route 40 – 2,286 Miles

U.S. Route 40 may not be the longest, but it’s one of the most legendary highways in America. Running from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, it follows much of the old National Road. It’s the first federally funded highway in the U.S!

This road is steeped in history. It once connected the East Coast to the expanding West, carrying pioneers, traders, and adventurers looking for new frontiers. Today, it takes modern travelers past rolling Appalachian hills, the farmlands of the Midwest, and into the vast deserts of the West.

But the real deal? The stretch through Colorado offers dramatic mountain views and thrilling switchbacks. If you want a road that blends history, adventure, and jaw-dropping landscapes, Route 40 is a journey worth taking.