When it comes to driving, the fastest route isn’t always the best one. Sure, highways and interstates can get you to your destination quickly, but they often lack the charm and character of the places you pass through. Backroads, on the other hand, offer something highways simply can’t: an authentic, slower-paced journey that makes the drive itself just as memorable as the destination.
Taking the backroads means stepping off the beaten path and experiencing the soul of a region. Still not convinced?
Here’s why your next drive should take you off the main highway and onto the road less traveled.
Discover Hidden Gems
The beauty of backroads is that they often lead to places you’d never see on a highway. Small towns, local diners, roadside markets, and quirky attractions are just some of the treasures waiting to be discovered.
These hidden gems are where you’ll find unique experiences that you’ll remember long after your trip is over.
For example, a backroad might lead you to a local bakery famous for its fresh pies, or a farm where you can pick your own fruit. You might stumble upon a historic landmark or a scenic overlook that isn’t marked on any map. These are the kinds of moments that turn a simple drive into an adventure.
Enjoy the Scenery
Highways are often designed for efficiency, not beauty. Backroads, however, take you through landscapes that showcase the natural beauty of a region. Rolling hills, meandering rivers, dense forests, and open meadows are just a few of the sights you can enjoy when you take the scenic route.
The good thing about driving through the countryside or along a coastal road gives you the chance to slow down and take it all in. The changing colors of the trees, the sparkle of sunlight on a lake, or the quaint charm of a rural village—these are things you just don’t get on the interstate.
Avoid Stressful Traffic
One of the biggest benefits of backroads is escaping the congestion of highways. Heavy traffic, road construction, and aggressive drivers are all too common on major routes. Backroads, in contrast, offer a more peaceful driving experience. While highways are filled with cars racing to their destinations, backroads let you enjoy a leisurely pace. Fewer vehicles and quieter roads make for a less stressful and more enjoyable journey.
It’s driving as it’s meant to be—relaxed, with time to appreciate the ride.
Connect with Local Culture
When you take the backroads, you’re more likely to interact with the locals and experience the culture of the area you’re passing through. You’ll find small-town diners, family-owned shops, and roadside stands selling homemade goods. These encounters add depth and authenticity to your trip, giving you a real sense of place.
The drive should be about more than just the drive. Stopping in a local café for a cup of coffee or chatting with a farmer at a produce stand can create moments that stay with you long after the drive is over. Backroads remind you that travel isn’t just about where you’re going, but also about who you meet along the way.
Enjoy the Journey
The saying “it’s about the journey, not the destination” perfectly captures the spirit of taking the backroads. When you trade highways for quieter routes, you give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the ride. Backroads encourages exploration, spontaneity, and a sense of wonder. Instead of focusing on how quickly you can get from point A to point B, you’ll find joy in the act of traveling itself.