If you read this article you certainly have more than a passing interest in the RV lifestyle. That’s why one of my goals each day is to so equip you. I want you to be the smartest camping person in the park. So if they ask you today what in the h-e-double-hockey-sticks is going on, just tell them this.
Looking for a new adventure to embark on in 2020? Then look no further because these are our top road trips to add to your RV travel itinerary.
There’s something on this list for everyone. All you need to do is pack up the RV, get comfortable, and enjoy the magnificent sights that await you round every bend in the road. These journeys range from a few hours to a few days and can easily be customized to suit your road trip desires.
Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Deservedly recognized as an All-American Road, the 123 miles of Scenic Byway 12 highlight Utah’s sheer diversity of natural wonders introducing visitors to the photogenic landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park.
Scenic Byway 12 begins near Panguitch where you’ll drive beneath two crimson-colored sandstone arches and ends in Torrey, a blissful spot that offers ample opportunity for outdoor recreation.
Apache Trail, Arizona
On this winding 41.5-mile road, just off U.S. Highway 60 near Mesa, designate a driver to keep their eyes on curves and hairpin turns while passengers “ooh” and “ahh” over the lakes, mountains, and canyons in Tonto National Forest’s wilderness areas.
Part paved and part well-graded gravel, Arizona Highway 88 was an old stagecoach route that shuttled in supplies for Roosevelt Dam’s construction in the early 1900s. It begins near Goldfield Ghost Town, a re-created Wild West town, complete with gunslingers. Due to its narrow width and tight turns, this route is not recommended for larger vehicles including RVs.
Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana
Life is everywhere along the Creole Nature Trail. Birds, mammals, fish, crabs, and alligators make their home in the four wildlife refuges that can be found along the 180 mile-long byways that make up the Trail. You can do the trail in a day if you just do the walking trails and go to the different wildlife refuges, take pictures, enjoy nature, and have a beautiful sunset. You can literally spend as much or as little time as you want.
Sitting at the north end of the western leg of the trail, Adventure Point is the place to become acclimated to natural wonders of the Trail—and learn what to look for and where to find it once out in “Louisiana’s Outback.”
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The 469 miles of America’s Favorite Drive links Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park that straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.
With the use of the milepost system (the numbers increase as you drive south), you can easily find points of interest along the way (don’t rely on GPS here). Take it slow and stop at the many overlooks to enjoy the views.
Charleston to Savannah, South Carolina and Georgia
Lined with massive oak trees that drip with Spanish moss and elegant antebellum plantations, the two-hour drive between two of America’s favorite southern cities make for an amazing road trip. Stroll the charming cobblestone streets of Charleston and wander past secluded gardens and historic buildings that boast intricate iron wrought balconies.
Explore the Historic District by horse-drawn carriage in Savannah and embark on leisurely strolls along the Savannah River. Shop and indulge in the regional cuisine on River Street where historic cotton warehouses have been converted into trendy boutiques and restaurants.
Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina and Tennessee
Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, with Robbinsville, North Carolina. Opened and dedicated in fall of 1996, this highway starts at 800 feet in elevation and climbs over mountains as high as 5,390 feet at Santeetlah Overlook on the state border.
Enjoy mile-high vistas and brilliant fall foliage, as well as great hiking opportunities and picnic spots in magnificent and seldom-seen portions of the southern Appalachian National Forests. It is a 2-laned road with wide shoulders and 15 scenic overlooks.
Worth Pondering…
The journey and not the destination is the joy of RVing.