U.S. Numbered Highway System

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.
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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.

Discover U.S. Routes

U.S. Route 70S: McMinnville to Sparta – Tennessee

U.S. Route 70S: McMinnville to Sparta – Tennessee

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.

U.S. Route 79: Paris Landing State Park to Paris – Tennessee

U.S. Route 79: Paris Landing State Park to Paris – Tennessee

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…

U.S. Route 63: Mammoth Spring to Hardy – Arkansas

U.S. Route 63: Mammoth Spring to Hardy – Arkansas

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.

U.S. Route 641: Benton to Murray – Kentucky

U.S. Route 641: Benton to Murray – Kentucky

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.

U.S. Route 641: Eddyville to Marion – Kentucky

U.S. Route 641: Eddyville to Marion – Kentucky

Travel 18 miles north on U.S. Route 641 from Eddyville to Marion, Kentucky. This short but scenic route passes through Fredonia and Crayne before ending in Marion, linking lakeside landscapes to rural towns in western Kentucky.

U.S. Route 270: Hot Springs to Malvern – Arkansas

U.S. Route 270: Hot Springs to Malvern – Arkansas

Explore the 13-mile drive along U.S. Route 270 from Hot Springs to Malvern, Arkansas. This scenic connector passes through forested hills, volcanic terrain, and historic towns like Magnet Cove and Rockport before ending at I-30.

U.S. Route 70B: Hot Springs – Arkansas

U.S. Route 70B: Hot Springs – Arkansas

Take a 10-mile drive along U.S. Route 70B through Hot Springs, Arkansas. From Gulpha Gorge to Memorial Field Airport, explore this scenic business loop that connects highways, neighborhoods, and the edge of Hot Springs National Park.