Explore the U.S. Numbered Highway System—historic routes, major corridors, and scenic roads connecting every region of the country. Learn more about U.S. Highways across America.
The U.S. Numbered Highway System—often referred to as U.S. Routes or U.S. Highways—is a nationwide network of roads established in 1926 to improve long-distance automobile travel across the United States. Unlike the Interstate system, U.S. Highways predate freeways and often serve as main streets, scenic byways, or vital connectors through rural and urban communities alike. Many historic routes, including iconic roads like U.S. Route 66, trace their roots to this enduring network.
These highways use a grid system for numbering: odd-numbered routes run north–south, increasing from east to west, while even-numbered routes run east–west, increasing from north to south. Important cross-country highways typically end in “0” or “1” (like US 20 or US 1), and three-digit offshoots usually indicate spurs or loops branching from mainline routes.
Today, the U.S. Highway system continues to evolve—some segments have been decommissioned, realigned, or upgraded to freeways—but many routes remain essential for regional travel, trucking, and scenic exploration. This category explores the entire U.S. Numbered Highway network, from coast to coast and border to border.
Take a peaceful 17-mile drive along U.S. Route 231 from Pell City to Vincent, Alabama, following the west bank of the Coosa River through farmland, forests, and quiet rural communities. Discover a hidden gem of central Alabama with scenic views and a relaxing pace.
Cruise west along U.S. Route 78 from Riverside to Pell City, Alabama—an easy 4-mile drive along the Coosa River that blends quiet scenery with small-town access. Perfect for a relaxed detour or local commute.
Cruise 33 miles west along U.S. Highway 412 from Kennett, Missouri to Paragould, Arkansas. This drive passes through the rural Bootheel, skirts small farming towns, and finishes in the industrial heart of northeast Arkansas.
Take a scenic 19-mile drive through Arkansas’s Ouachita National Forest along U.S. Route 270 from Crystal Springs to Mt. Ida. Enjoy lake views, wooded curves, and small-town charm on this forested mountain route.
Cruise west from Conway to Russellville along U.S. Route 64, a 46-mile drive through small towns, farmlands, and scenic stretches of Arkansas River Valley. A charming alternative to I-40 packed with local flavor.
Traveling just two miles may not sound like much, but the stretch of U.S. Route 65 Business (US-65B) along Harkrider Street in Conway, Arkansas packs in more than you might expect. This segment starts at the southern edge of Conway at the interchange with Arkansas…
Follow U.S. Route 412 for 11 miles through Paragould, Arkansas, as it skirts the southern edge of town and connects key junctions with US-49, AR-69, and AR-358 before continuing west toward Walnut Ridge.
Cruise 33 miles south along U.S. Route 167 from Batesville to Bald Knob, Arkansas. This four-lane route offers scenic foothills, small-town charm, and smooth driving through central Arkansas communities like Southside, Pleasant Plains, and Midway.
Explore a 24-mile drive along U.S. Route 70S from McMinnville to Sparta, Tennessee, passing through riverside landscapes, farmland, and small towns like Campaign and Doyle. A relaxed alternative to the interstate with true scenic charm.
Cruise 16 miles south along U.S. Route 79 from Paris Landing State Park to the city of Paris, Tennessee. This scenic stretch of highway connects the shores of Kentucky Lake to the commercial heart of Henry County, with rural views and quick access to key routes along th…
Travel 16 scenic miles through the Ozark foothills on U.S. Route 63 from Mammoth Spring to Hardy, Arkansas. Discover small towns, river views, and peaceful natural surroundings along this beautiful stretch of highway.
Cruise 13 miles along U.S. Route 641 from Benton to Murray, Kentucky. This scenic corridor passes through Hardin and Dexter before entering Murray via 12th Street, linking small-town charm with regional destinations.