U.S. Route 70

U.S. Route 70 (US 70) is a major east–west United States Highway stretching over 2,300 miles from the deserts of eastern Arizona to the scenic shores of North Carolina. Originally commissioned in 1926, the route has served as a vital corridor for commerce, travel, and regional development through the American Southwest and Southeast. Over the decades, portions of US 70 have been realigned, shortened, or absorbed by the Interstate Highway System, but many sections still retain their historical character and charm.

Starting in Globe, Arizona, US 70 travels eastward through remote desert landscapes and Native American reservations before entering New Mexico, where it briefly merges with US 60 and US 285. In Texas, the route traverses the High Plains and the Llano Estacado, intersecting numerous small towns and rural communities. As it continues into Oklahoma and Arkansas, the highway winds through forested hills and crosses the scenic Ouachita Mountains, offering picturesque views and access to recreational areas.

In its eastern half, US 70 becomes more urbanized as it enters Tennessee and North Carolina. It passes through major cities like Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, running parallel to or overlapping with Interstates in several places. In North Carolina, US 70 serves as a major arterial route connecting Raleigh, Goldsboro, and New Bern before terminating near the Atlantic coast in Beaufort. Despite the rise of the Interstate system, US 70 remains an important route for local traffic and a scenic alternative for travelers looking to explore the regions it passes through.