Fine weather brings warm temperatures, sunny days, and a great chance to experience what America's Byways® have to offer both on and off the road. Here are some drives that have many outdoor options.
In Oregon, check out the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. The Deschutes National Forest has 1.8 million acres, five wilderness areas, six rivers, 175 lakes and over 1,400 miles of trails to explore this beautiful countryside. One trail in particular to explore is a loop in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area, which takes hikers near Oregon's three tallest peaks.
Travelers in New England will want to visit the Old Canada Scenic Byway in Maine. Visitors can hike the Appalachian Trail and camp at the Baxter State Park Campground. Those with a sense of adventure can hit the rapids along the Dead and the Kennebec Rivers for exciting white water rafting. The Kennebec River is especially known for its roller coaster waves. Wild sections of the river pass turbulently through a V-shaped 10-mile gorge, the Kennebec River Gorge, which is accessible only by experienced whitewater raft groups.
The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway in Kentucky offers 12,646 acres of rugged, cliff-riddled wilderness that makes it a favorite destination for rock climbers. In fact, just five miles off the byway is Torrent Falls, a beautiful 160-foot waterfall. This site is the first of its kind in the U.S. to utilize a climbing system dubbed Via Ferrata. The Via Ferrata method of climbing was developed in Italy to allow large numbers of soldiers with limited climbing skills to pass through the mountains safely. Though popular, rock climbing isn't the only way to explore the area as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting and even horseback riding are all options to consider in this beautiful countryside. When exploring the area, don't forget to stop at Angel's Windows for sweeping views and the Gladie historic logging settlement.
