Route 7A in Southwestern Vermont is one of America’s scenic drives. Also known as the “Ethan Allen Highway” this alternate to Route 7 runs from Bennington, Vermont northward to the town of Manchester, Vermont. Nestled in the valleys of the Southernmost Green Mountains, 7A runs through lush farmlands and wooded hollows. Roll down your windows, drop your top or open your sunroof and you can smell deep pine forests and “nature’s best” smells from small family-owned dairy farms. With speed maximums near 45 miles/hour the road is not meant for speeding or aggressive driving, more this is a road which allows you to drive and take in the surrounding bucolic New England farmland and mountain scenery. Think Robert Frost and Grandma Moses to put you in the mood.

Fall foliage season is a great time to drive on Route 7A. Tree colors range from bright orange and yellow to deep, dark red colors and with dark evergreen tree colors mixed in it is a pleasing site to see. We recommend the first week in October for viewing the foliage in this area of Vermont. The last week in September and second week in October can also be good times to view the foliage, but that may be the “shoulder”, either slightly earlier or late foliage viewing.

More about this scenic drive:

• 30 miles long (approx.)
• Runs North-South
• Mostly 2 lanes
• Runs from Bennington to Dorset by way of Arlington and Manchester
• Ride to top of Mount Equinox as a scenic point of interest
• Opportunity for viewing and / or crossing Vermont’s covered bridges
• Option to ride Route 67a as a further detour
• Farm stand shopping available

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Park Loop Road on Mount Desert Island, Maine is one of America’s most scenic and best driving roads.  The 20 mile road is located in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island near Bar Harbor, Maine. And while this road is not one to speed on, or go for sporty driving it will bring great pleasure in a slow cruise with the windows open or even the top down on a fine convertible.   Since the loop was recently paved when we visited, dropping the windows and slowly driving allowed us to hear how serene and calming the park environment is; basically all one hears is nature. (more…)

7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park is one of America’s Best Driving Roads.  Built in 1913, this road runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, New York on the Southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the Northern end.  The 7 lakes you see on the ride are lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.  Sebago and Tiorati are quite large in area and the road along these shores offers some fo the most scenic views in Harriman State Park. (more…)

Route 89 in Jackson, Wyoming is one of Americas most scenic and best driving roads. Easily accessible from the town of Jackson you can head north to Bridger-Teton National Forest and Yellowstone National Park.  Headed North from town you’ll see the Teton Mountains on your left.  The mountains are truly majestic and awe-inspiring. (more…)

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s Best Driving Roads, not only for its great driving qualities, but also for the scenic views it offers. The Parkway runs from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park through the high-hills of North Carolina to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Started as a massive public works project built during and after the Great Depression, today the Parkway is maintained with public and private funds. And when we say maintained it really is in fantastic shape. Well known amongst bikers and drivers alike for its great curves (rivaling those at “Tail of the Dragon” / Deal’s Gap) the Parkway offers unparalleled driving pleasure and scenic delights.

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