Many travelers spend days planning the perfect National Park vacation, but once they’ve checked off the park’s most famous sights, they often wonder what to do next. The answer may be right next door. National Forests are some of America’s best-kept outdoor secrets, offering stunning scenery, scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and far fewer crowds than many National Parks.

From glacier-carved mountains and towering waterfalls to red rock canyons and ancient forests, these National Park and National Forest pairings give you the best of both worlds.

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Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest, Washington

Explore Washington’s Most Diverse Landscapes

Surrounding Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest encompasses more than 632,000 acres of rainforests, mountain ridges, rivers, and coastal landscapes. Visitors can enjoy over 270 miles of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and scenic drives.

Inside Olympic National Park, you’ll find an incredible mix of ecosystems, from rugged Pacific coastline and temperate rainforests to alpine peaks. Popular activities include hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and waterfall chasing.

Where to Stay

Stay at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge or choose from numerous campgrounds throughout both the park and forest.

Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest, Montana

Glacier Views Without the Crowds

Located just south of Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest covers 2.4 million acres of pristine wilderness filled with lakes, rivers, mountains, and more than 2,000 miles of trails.

Glacier National Park is famous for its alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, historic lodges, and the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. With more than 700 miles of trails, it’s one of America’s premier hiking destinations.

Where to Stay

Both the park and forest offer excellent camping opportunities, while Glacier’s historic lodges provide a memorable national park experience.

Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest, Arizona

Beyond the Rim

Kaibab National Forest surrounds much of Grand Canyon National Park and offers spectacular canyon views, scenic drives, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife with significantly fewer visitors.

Grand Canyon National Park remains one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, featuring breathtaking overlooks, scenic drives, and hiking opportunities on both the North and South Rims.

Where to Stay

The Kaibab Lodge is a fantastic option for visitors exploring the North Rim and North Kaibab National Forest. The south rim offers multiple choices for lodging including the historic El Tovar Hotel.

Travel Tip: Some areas in the north affected by recent wildfires may remain closed. Always check current conditions before your trip.

Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest, California

Giant Sequoias, Waterfalls, and Mountain Views

Bordering Yosemite’s southern edge, Sierra National Forest offers granite peaks, deep canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and some of the world’s largest giant sequoias.

Yosemite National Park is known for iconic landmarks such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and expansive wilderness areas that attract visitors from around the globe.

Where to Stay

Choose from Yosemite’s historic lodges and campgrounds, or enjoy camping and outdoor recreation within Sierra National Forest.

Yellowstone National Park and Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Wildlife, Wilderness, and Fewer Crowds

With six mountain ranges and more than three million acres of public land, Custer Gallatin National Forest offers exceptional wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and scenic drives.

Yellowstone National Park features geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and bears. Old Faithful is a must-see iconic geyser.

Where to Stay

Yellowstone offers nine lodging options and numerous campgrounds. Custer Gallatin provides campgrounds, cabins, and peaceful backcountry escapes.

Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming

Mountains as Far as the Eye Can See

Bridger-Teton National Forest features mountain lakes, scenic byways, wildlife viewing, and over 3.4 million acres of outdoor adventure.

Next door, Grand Teton National Park showcases some of America’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Popular destinations include Jenny Lake, Colter Bay, and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds and lodges are available throughout both destinations. Reservations are highly recommended during peak season.

Bryce Canyon National Park and Fishlake National Forest, Utah

Hoodoos and Hidden Mountain Lakes

Fishlake National Forest is home to Utah’s largest natural mountain lake, excellent fishing, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and scenic mountain landscapes.

Bryce Canyon National Park features the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos, towering rock spires that create one of the most unique landscapes in America. The first 3 miles into the park brings you Bryce Amphitheater where you will see many of the hoodoos.

Where to Stay

Fishlake offers dozens of campgrounds, while Bryce Canyon provides historic lodging and campground options.

Zion National Park and Dixie National Forest, Utah

Red Rock Beauty Without the Crowds

Dixie National Forest delivers stunning red rock formations, scenic drives, mountain viewpoints, fishing, and hiking opportunities that rival nearby National Parks. From the top of Powell Point you can see three different states.

Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience the tall, stretching walls of a narrow slot canyon. Enjoy the scenic drive or river trip through the canyon. Zion National Park captivates visitors with towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and unforgettable canyon views.

Where to Stay

Choose from Zion Lodge, historic cabins, campgrounds, or camping opportunities throughout Dixie National Forest.

Pro Tip: Use a dash camera when doing the scenic drives to get great pictures and videos.

Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado

Colorado’s Ultimate Mountain Escape

Surrounding much of Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest offers alpine lakes, mountain trails, scenic drives, and access to Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans). Drive the highest paved road in North America to the summit and make a stop at Echo Lake.  

Rocky Mountain National Park features over 350 miles of trails, breathtaking alpine scenery, and incredible wildlife viewing.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds are available throughout both destinations, though lodging options inside the park are limited.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

Endless Scenic Drives and Waterfalls

Cherokee National Forest contains over 700 miles of trails, scenic mountain drives, rivers, waterfalls, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park, known for its rolling mountain vistas, historic sites, waterfalls, and wildlife and scenic drives.

Where to Stay

The national forest offers more than 30 campgrounds, while the park provides multiple camping options throughout the Smokies.

Badlands National Park and Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Prairies, Peaks, and Presidential History

Black Hills National Forest offers scenic drives, wildlife viewing, historic mining sites, and easy access to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.

Badlands National Park protects colorful rock formations, fossil beds, and mixed-grass prairie landscapes filled with wildlife. Driving the scenic routes are the best way to enjoy the park and see the bison and other wildlife.

Where to Stay

The forest features numerous campgrounds and historic cabin rentals, while Badlands offers limited lodging and camping.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for better viewing of wildlife. These digital binoculars are great for pictures.

North Cascades National Park and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

One of America’s Most Underrated Mountain Destinations

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest stretches from ancient forests and deep river valleys to alpine peaks and the shores of Lake Chelan. From the rugged peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the tranquil shores of Lake Chelan, from water activities, waterfalls and scenic drives there is something for everyone.

North Cascades National Park is home to more than 300 glaciers, jagged mountain peaks, waterfalls, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Explore jagged peaks crowned by glaciers. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied here.

Where to Stay

Numerous campgrounds and lookout cabins are available in the forest. Lodging options near the park are limited, making nearby gateway towns an excellent base camp.

Final Thoughts: Double the Adventure on Your Next Road Trip

Why choose between a National Park and a National Forest when you can experience both?

These incredible pairings offer the iconic scenery of America’s National Parks alongside the quieter trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing found in nearby National Forests. Together, they create the perfect combination of bucket-list attractions and hidden gems.

On your next road trip, consider adding a neighboring National Forest to your itinerary. You’ll discover fewer crowds, more opportunities to explore, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in America.

We love sharing tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your next vacation. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

The post 12 National Park and National Forest Combinations You Need on Your Bucket List appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

America has no shortage of winding roads. Some twist through mountains with hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. Others snake along coastlines, deserts, forests, and canyons where the scenery changes around every bend. Whether you love scenic drives, bucket-list road trips, motorcycle adventures, or roads that make your passengers question your route choices, these curvy roads deserve a spot on your travel list.

Some are smooth scenic highways. Some are slightly terrifying. All are unforgettable.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on any of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

What Makes These Roads So Special?

The roads on this list aren’t just curvy for the sake of being curvy. They combine dramatic scenery, tight switchbacks and hairpin turns, memorable driving experiences, bucket-list worthy views and historic or scenic significance.

Some are paved scenic highways perfect for casual drivers, while others require patience, mountain driving confidence, or high-clearance vehicles.

Pro Tip: Some of these roads are seasonal, remote, or require extra caution. Check conditions before heading out.

Hocking Hills Scenic Road, Ohio: Midwest Curves and Waterfalls

Ohio probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think “epic driving roads,” but Hocking Hills quietly delivers one of the Midwest’s most enjoyable drives.

State Routes 374, 56, and 664 weave through sandstone cliffs, dense forests, rolling hills, and narrow valleys. The roads are twisty enough to stay fun without being intimidating, and there are countless opportunities to stop for waterfalls and short hikes.

Why drive it: Waterfalls, curves, and easy scenic stops

Best time to visit: Fall for foliage, spring for waterfalls

Driving difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Pro Tip: Start early because the scenic pullouts and hiking areas get crowded quickly.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire: New England’s Famous Winding Road

Known simply as “The Kanc,” this scenic route through the White Mountains feels designed specifically for people who enjoy driving with smooth roads, perfect curves, and the most beautiful scenery.

The road flows naturally through forests, follows rivers, and climbs into mountain scenery without feeling overly technical. Add in covered bridges, waterfalls, and plenty of overlooks and it’s easy to see why people drive this route repeatedly.

Why drive it: Mountain scenery and flowing curves

Best time to visit: Fall foliage season

Driving difficulty: Easy

Pro Tip: Watch for moose. They absolutely do not care that you’re on vacation.

Hawk’s Nest Scenic Drive, New York: Cliffside Curves Above the River

Few roads pack this much scenery into such a short distance.

Perched high above the Delaware River, this small section of Route 97 delivers dramatic cliffside curves and sweeping river views. It’s short but memorable, especially early in the morning before crowds arrive. Keep an eye out for the hawks and bald eagles soaring with the thermals above you.

Why drive it: Cliffside curves and iconic views

Best time to visit: Spring through Fall

Driving difficulty: Moderate

Pro Tip: We found one of the best ways to get pictures and video of our drives is a dash cam. We like this Rove R2, it’s easy to use and takes great video.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas: One of the South’s Twistiest Roads

The name alone should tell you what to expect. The road jumps right in with hollows, leaps over ridges, and whips around super tight corners.

This stretch of Highway 23 cuts through the Ozarks with sharp curves, steep grades, and enough elevation changes to keep things interesting. Dense forests and mountain scenery make every corner feel different.

Why drive it: Tight curves and Ozark scenery

Best time to visit: Spring and fall

Driving difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

Pacific Coast Highway, California/Oregon/ Washington: America’s Most Famous Coastal Drive

Few roads are more famous than the Pacific Coast Highway, and for good reason.

Whether you drive sections through California’s cliffs, Oregon’s rugged coast, or Washington’s misty shoreline, this route constantly shifts between ocean views, dramatic turns, and scenic pullouts.

Why drive it: Coastal scenery and endless viewpoints

Best time to visit: Spring and fall

Driving difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Pro Tip: Don’t try to drive the entire route quickly. Pick sections and enjoy them slowly.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana: Glacier National Park’s Legendary Highway

This is the kind of road that makes passengers nervous and drivers very happy. As you drive white knuckled laughing all the way, your passenger is staring down 1,000 -foot sheer drops inches from their door. Every turn brins a new “We gotta stop” scene.

Cut directly into mountainsides through Glacier National Park, the route climbs through waterfalls, alpine scenery, and cliffside switchbacks before reaching Logan Pass. This is the grand finale at 6,646 feet, where mountain goats photobomb your pictures and waterfalls like to get you a little wet.

Why drive it: One of America’s most spectacular mountain roads

Best time to visit: Summer only

Driving difficulty: Moderate

*Important: The road is usually only open for a few months each year. Plan accordingly.

Moki Dugway Scenic Byway, Utah: Steep Switchbacks Without Guardrails

If guardrails make you feel safe, this may not be your road. White knuckle driving here we come.

This dirt road climbs steeply through dramatic desert cliffs using a series of switchbacks carved directly into rock faces. It’s beautiful. It’s slightly terrifying. But when you reach the top, the panoramic views are breathtaking, giving travelers a bird’s-eye view of the Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley, and the surrounding desert landscape.

Why drive it: Epic desert scenery and adventure

Best time to visit: Spring and fall

Driving difficulty: Advanced

Pro Tip: Always carry a roadside emergency kit with you. We have this one from Everlit, it even has a small first aid kit.

Pikes Peak Highway, Colorado: Driving Above the Clouds

Driving to over 14,000 feet isn’t something you do every day.

The curves don’t stop and the drop-offs are a little scary. You won’t find many guardrails, but once you see Crystal Reservoir and the amazing water views it’s worth it. Top it off with wide open views of rocky spires at Devils Playground and you feel like you’re on top of the world.  Be aware of changing weather conditions.

Why drive it: High-altitude adventure

Best time to visit: Summer

Driving difficulty: Moderate

Twisted Sisters, Texas: Texas Hill Country’s Ultimate Curves

Texas Hill Country delivers some surprisingly technical driving.

Each Sister brings her own personality. RR 337 gives you gorgeous vistas but surprises you with the infamous “65 curves across 15 miles” gauntlet. RR 335 follows the Nueces River leading you through dramatic elevation changes. And RR 336 saves the hardest for last, narrow, technical, and relentless. There are no gas stations in the middle, cell service is spotty, and the cattle like to play with you. Don’t underestimate this drive and the reward will be worth it.

Why drive it: Nonstop curves and Hill Country scenery

Best time to visit: Spring wildflower season

Driving difficulty: Advanced

Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee/North Carolina: America’s Most Famous Curvy Road

This road doesn’t just have curves. It practically is curves.

With 318 curves in only 11 miles, this famous route draws drivers, sports cars, and motorcycles from around the world. This famous stretch of Highway 129 runs along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, earning its snake-like name with every twist and turn it throws at drivers.

Why drive it: Pure driving challenge

Best time to visit: Weekdays in spring or fall

Driving difficulty: Advanced

Pro Tip: Drive early. Traffic and crowds build quickly.

Sitgreaves Pass, Arizona: Historic Route 66 Hairpin Turns

Historic Route 66 becomes much more interesting here. Perfect if you’re not afraid of heights or sheer drop-offs.

It is slow going, with some of the winding sections slowing down to 20mph. The reward is the top where you’ll find a small pullout area with breathtaking views of the desert landscape below, and the beautiful borders of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Be aware of the burros as you head into Oatman at the bottom. They love begging for food.

Why drive it: Route 66 history and desert views

Best time to visit: Fall through spring

Driving difficulty: Advanced

Road to Hana, Maui: Hawaii’s Ultimate Winding Drive

This is where highway meets jungle with many curves.

This drive isn’t about speed. The speed limit is “moving like a turtle’ to complete stops. 64 miles brings you 600 turns and 59 bridges some one lane. You’ll also get beautiful jungle scenery, ocean views and waterfalls.

Why drive it: Tropical scenery and iconic curves

Best time to visit: Year-round

Driving difficulty: Moderate

Pro Tip: Start early and expect it to take much longer than GPS says.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready for the Curves?

The fastest route is rarely the most memorable one.

These winding roads prove that road trips aren’t always about crossing miles off a map. Sometimes the best drives are the ones that force you to slow down, stop often, and appreciate what’s around the next bend.

Whether you want mountain switchbacks, desert cliffs, coastal highways, or forest curves, these roads offer the kind of adventures that make road trips unforgettable. Because honestly, boring roads can keep their straight lines.

We love sharing tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your next vacation. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

The post 12 Curviest Roads in America for Epic Scenic Drives and Bucket List Adventures appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

Some of these sights are seasonal, others require a little planning, and a few will make you question everything you thought you knew about nature. That’s half the fun.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

Natural Rock Face – Petersburg, Alaska

Tucked away in Alaska’s Wrangell–Petersburg Census Area, this naturally formed rock face is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it wonders- unless you know where to look. Best viewed by boat, the rock formation eerily resembles a human face and neck, framed perfectly by the icy Sumdum Glacier behind it.

It’s a powerful reminder that Mother Nature doesn’t need a chisel to create art.

Big Four Ice Caves – North Cascades, Washington

One of the most fascinating ice caves in the U.S., the Big Four Ice Caves are located off the Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls, Washington. The hike begins in a lush evergreen forest alongside a rushing river, but the vibe changes fast as the air cools and a massive snowfield comes into view.

 Important note: The caves themselves are unstable and dangerous. Admire them from a safe distance- nature is cool, but not worth the risk.

Thor’s Well – Yachats, Oregon

Thor’s Well looks like the ocean is draining straight into the earth. Located along Oregon’s rugged coastline near Yachats, this former sea cave collapsed due to erosion, creating a dramatic natural sinkhole.

Visit during high tide for the most dramatic effect—but keep your distance. Rogue waves don’t care about your Instagram shot.

If you visit one or all of these great places, make sure your camera is handy. You don’t want to miss getting pictures for your memory box. If you’re looking for a new camera, we like the PixPro from Kodak. It’s a great size for traveling and the pictures and videos turn out great.

Octopus Tree – Tillamook, Oregon

This 300-year-old Sitka spruce inside Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is shaped like something out of a fantasy novel. With massive limbs stretching outward like tentacles, the Octopus Tree has no visible trunk base and spans nearly 60 feet in circumference.

It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And it’s very Oregon.

Devils Tower – Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

Rising 867 feet above the plains, Devils Tower National Monument is one of the most iconic and mysterious rock formations in the U.S. Its vertical columns look almost engineered, yet this volcanic neck was formed naturally millions of years ago.

Sunrise and sunset light it up in unreal colors, making it feel downright spiritual.

Bioluminescent Waves – San Diego, California

When conditions are right, the ocean glows electric blue thanks to microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates. These bioluminescent waves are most commonly seen from spring through early fall along beaches like La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines.

Timing is everything- dark nights, warm water, and a little luck go a long way.

Sailing Stones – Death Valley, California

On the desert floor of Racetrack Playa, rocks mysteriously slide across the ground, leaving long trails behind them. For decades, scientists were baffled. Turns out, a rare combo of ice, wind, and water does the trick.

Still spooky. Still awesome.

Fly Geyser – Washoe County, Nevada

Part science experiment, part accident, Fly Geyser near the Black Rock Desert is a neon-colored geothermal wonder. Created in 1916 during a failed well drilling attempt, minerals have slowly built the geyser into a vibrant mound of reds, greens, and yellows.

It’s located on private land and can only be visited via guided tours through Fly Ranch.

Pro Tip: Make your reservation first and plan your trip around this. If you plan first and then can’t get a reservation when you wanted to, you may have to rearrange your plans and no one wants to do that.

Apishapa Arch – Aguilar, Colorado

This dramatic arch was formed when lava filled a crack in the rock and hardened. Over time, surrounding rock eroded away, leaving behind this striking volcanic feature perched above a quiet dirt road in southern Colorado.

Blink and you’ll miss it – but it’s worth slowing down.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park – Kanab, Utah

Sand dunes aren’t unusual – but pink sand dunes are. Near Kanab, Utah, these vibrant dunes get their color from iron-rich Navajo sandstone and look especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

You can explore them by foot, sandboard, or ATV. While you’re there explore the rest of this amazing state park.

Marfa Lights – Marfa, Texas

Seen for over a century, the Marfa Lights are glowing orbs that appear randomly on the horizon outside the town of Marfa. They change colors, move unpredictably, and still don’t have a confirmed explanation. There is an official Marfa Lights Viewing Area 9 miles of Marfa along Highway 90.

Science shrugs, totally illogical. Locals smile knowingly. And I’m sure they’ve caused lots of speculation.

Think about getting night vision goggles not only to see these amazing sights better, but you can record this phenomenon. We like this pair that we got on Amazon.

Castle Rock Badlands – Quinter, Kansas

Yes, Kansas has badlands- and they’re surprisingly dramatic. Limestone spires and hoodoos rise sharply from the prairie, creating an almost alien landscape.

These formations are fragile, so admire respectfully and keep your feet on solid ground.

The Lost Sea – Sweetwater, Tennessee

Hidden 140 feet underground, The Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in the United States. Visitors reach it by walking through narrow caverns before boarding a boat to explore the lake itself.

The cave maintains a steady 58 degrees year-round, and the crystalline formations of spiky clusters, especially rare “cave flowers” are unforgettable.

Rainbow Swamps – First Landing State Park, Virginia

After heavy rain in fall or early winter, decaying leaves release natural oils into swamp water, creating swirling rainbow patterns across the surface. Walk the Bald Cypress Trail boardwalk on a sunny morning for the best chance to see this fleeting phenomenon.

Nature’s version of abstract art that is a must see.

Vortex Spring – Ponce de Leon, Florida

This crystal-clear spring in Florida’s Panhandle hides one of the largest underwater cave systems in the southern U.S. Fed by an underground river, the water stays cool, clean, and incredibly clear.

Divers explore over 1,600 feet of mapped cavern- but even non-divers will appreciate its glassy-blue beauty.

Final Thoughts

The United States is full of unusual natural attractions that prove nature doesn’t do boring. From glowing oceans and mysterious lights to ancient caves and colorful dunes, every state holds something extraordinary if you’re willing to explore.

Plan smart, respect the land, and keep your sense of wonder fully charged- because the best adventures are the ones that don’t look real… but absolutely are.

We love to share tips and information we learn with you to help you plan your next adventure. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

The post 15 Unusual Natural Wonders in the U.S. That Belong on Your Bucket List appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.