auto tour

6 Awesome Auto Touring Routes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on April 22, 2024
• Published on June 25, 2018

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

Not everyone has the time, ability, or desire to strap on a pair of trail runners and hike dozens of miles through a rugged mountain terrain. Sometimes all a person wants is to enjoy some scenic beauty along a route from the comfort of a personal vehicle. Fortunately the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has six of those routes, called auto touring routes, throughout various sections of the park.

What is an Auto Touring Route?

An auto touring route is simply a designated highway within the boundaries of a National Park System site that allows people to explore history, culture, and nature with their own personal vehicle. It’s not strictly a driving route; there are usually scenic overlooks, exhibits, information shelters, and hiking trails to enjoy along the route.

The biggest difference with an auto touring route is that they are usually, but not always, one-way roads. This creates a more peaceful atmosphere with just one-way traffic and makes it safer and easier to get that chicken across the road.

Cades Cove is one of the most popular and iconic areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road whisks visitors into a cellphone dead spot in the mountains along a one-lane road winding through a dead end valley.

Cades Cove is the location of popular destinations like John Oliver Place, Abrams Falls, John Cable Mill, and Tipton Place. The early morning hours and late evening hours an abundance of wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and bear will appear along the road in trees and large open fields.

It takes about an hour to drive the eleven mile loop road but that entirely depends on traffic (and people who block traffic). Sparks Lane and Hyatt Lane are the only two-way roads in Cades Cove, both gravel roads that allows visitors to cut the 11-mile loop short.

READ MORE: 8 Fun Things to Do in Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cataloochee Valley Road

Cataloochee Valley is the most remote section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The only way into the valley is a partially paved, partially graveled road from Interstate 40 near Waynesville. The journey into the valley takes a good forty minutes – but the effort could be worth it for the peaceful scenery.

Elk roam the large fields and wild turkey frequently gather along the road. Historic buildings like an old barn and residence are open for visitors to explore. There are a few hiking trails or you could just sit by the creek and listen to the water churn.

Foothills Parkway

The 38.6-mile Foothills Parkway is one of the most overlooked areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Broken into two sections, the length between Wears Valley and U.S. Highway 221 rides along a ridge opposite the national park.

The parkway features scenic overlooks with gorgeous views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a peaceful drive that should not be missed. Spend an evening at Look Rock where you’ll find an observation tower at the end of a short hiking trail.

READ MORE: The Complete Travel Guide to the Foothills Parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National Park Week 2024

Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.

Little River Road

Beginning at the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg the Little River Road winds twenty-five miles along the Little River across an old railroad path past Townsend and into Cades Cove. This two lane highway is one of two major arteries running through the national park connecting various destinations and campgrounds.

Along the way visitors can discover the not so hidden Elkmont Historic District , learn the history of The Sinks , take a look at the only waterfall in the park visible from your car, and go for a splash in the cool waters at The Townsend Wye.

Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road (US Highway 441) is the main highway through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee with Cherokee, North Carolina. The road passes through Newfound Gap, the lowest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 5,046′ in elevation. At 16 miles from Gatlinburg and 18 miles from Cherokee, Newfound Gap is near the middle of the most-traversed section of the national park.

The two lane road is the busiest section of the entire park that sees thousands of vehicles a day travel the road back and forth. Each end of the road is anchored by a visitor center: Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee. Popular trails at Chimney Tops and Alum Cave draw dozens of early morning hikers who eagerly claim the few parking spots for themselves. Mingus Mill in North Carolina is one of only two mills left in the national park.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

My favorite auto touring route in the national park also happens to be the shortest and easiest to access. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an 8-mile one-way route that begins and ends in Gatlinburg. It’s a popular destination for people who know it is there but ironically, despite the location in town, it remains mostly hidden.

The route begins at Ogle Place, one of many historic homes and structures scattered along the motor trail. Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls are two of the most popular waterfall hikes in the national park, each located along the road here. But the Roaring Fork gets its name from the bubbling creek that runs along the last half of the route; this is a popular place for people to capture photos of the cascading water and take a dip in the cool mountain stream.

READ MORE: Travel Guide to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

6 Responses

All three links provided in Little River Gorge section are broken. Exceptional info otherwise.

Well, thank you for letting me know! That’s what happens so often with web links. I’ll update soon.

Will you be open 8/12/20 till 8/19/30. Rv trailer, what would the price be. Could you give me a ball park figure, thank you.

Roaring Fork is NOT open year round. It’s a seasonal closure and closes in winter every single year. It should also be noted it’s narrow, winding, and no large vehicles (motor homes, pulling trailers, etc.) are allowed.

All very good points! I’ll look into revamping this a little bit and adding in some of that information. This was just a simple roundup, though, and if I start adding notes about all the routes it would get so big!

These are eye-popping pictures Jason. I definitely look forward to a road tip to and through this region. One of my readers lives in this general area and raves about it. I can see why now. Talk about an unending flow of inspired natural beauty to enjoy, in peaceful, chill surroundings. Totally my speed.

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USA Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

A self-drive tour throughout USA is the ultimate road trip. Travel off the beaten path, stop at photogenic hotspots and create a custom itinerary tailored to you. Whether you hire a car, a campervan or a motorcycle, these 19 tours are guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience.

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19 self drive tours in usa with 6 reviews.

5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park Adventure

The Bucketlist group travel team was well organized, friendly, and excited an fun packed adventure. It was an awesome adventure. Best travel adventure I've experienced.

• Christmas & New Year

USA – 5 Days South Florida Highlights Miami to Key West

USA – Hawaii Big Island Volcanoes & Beaches

USA – Alaska Fall Colors with Northern Lights

Had a wonderful time - a lot of hiking, seeing the sites in Alaska and viewing the Northern Lights.

USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Adventure

• Festival & Events

USA – New Mexico Balloon Festival & Santa Fe

Estes Park - 5 Day Hightlights Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

• Intl. Flights Included

Aloha Hawaii: Vanlife & California Dreaming

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

New York & Florida: From the Big Apple to the Sunshine State

• Sightseeing

USA Road Trip: From the Big Apple to Niagara Falls

California Bucketlist: Beach Lovers & Road Trip Summers (12 destinations)

USA Adventure: Lady Liberty, Miami Road Trip & Western Vibe

California Bucket List: Road Trip Dreams & National Wonders

New York & California: Airstream Glamping Road Trip

California Bucketlist: Beach Lovers & Road Trip Summers (11 destinations)

Usa road trip reviews.

We experienced more of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with this tour, than we would have on our own. We enjoyed meeting new people, seeing all the sights, and not having to worry about driving and directions. Be prepared to do a lot of walking/hiking - but it is worth it!

Regions in USA

• Western USA (13)
• Sun Belt (8)
• East Coast USA (7)
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• West Coast USA (6)
• California (6)

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• Best Time to Visit the West Coast, USA in 2024/2025 (with California)
• Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more
• 5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & Tours
• Best 10 Day USA Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

21 – 27 APRIL 2024

🏁 regularity rally & competition 🇫🇷 paris – biarritz.

INTRODUCTION

historical version of one of the oldest car rallies in the world, original conception alternating timed sessions on road & circuit, with a unique atmosphere: the tour auto is one of the few events in the world that any historic car enthusiast would not miss.

Created in 1899 by the Automobile Club de France, the Tour Auto is the oldest motor racing event still in operation. It has become one of the most prestigious rallies in the world, attracting legendary makes such as Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes, Maserati, Matra driven by equally renowned drivers such as Maurice Trintignant, Stirling Moss, Phil Hill, Bernard Darniche, Jean Pierre Beltoise, Henri Pescarolo … In the 1980s, economic constraints linked to the oil crisis weakened the event and 1986 saw the 50 th and last edition of the Tour Auto take place, at least in the version it was in at the time.

The revival of this event in 1992 (already over thirty years ago!) in the form of a historical retrospective, was an immediate success. Three years were enough to establish the event as one of the world’s most important automobile events for major collectors.

2024 EDITION

Long-awaited by fans of the event, the route of the Tour Auto 2024 has now been revealed. Starting in Paris, Tours (La Grange de Meslay), Limoges, Carcassonne, Pau and finally Biarritz will be the stage towns for each day from 21 to 27 April. Drivers will compete on the Le Mans, Val de Vienne, Nogaro and Pau Arnos circuits !

Practical informations

The Tour Auto is the continuation of an event that was created in 1899 and was then called the Tour de France Automobile. Although all the competitors follow the same route, they do not all take part in exactly the same event. We explain everything!

Sporting information s

🏁 Regularity rally & competition Length : + 2 000 km Number of circuits: 4 Number of special stages: not yet released

Drivers’ Area 🏁

You will find documents, an accommodation solution and valuable information for your Tour Auto.

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• UK / International
• Call toll-free from 9am EDT 617-223-4521 617-223-4781 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Driving vacations in the United States

Roads that stretch for miles across snow-dusted mountains, along craggy ocean highways, through dusty red valleys or hidden beneath fiery fall colors, an American road trip can take many forms.

Whether you want to include a rental car for just a portion of your trip, or embark on an epic road trip, there are plenty of choices to consider.

With a country so rich in natural landscapes and sights, road tripping in the US is the ultimate way to see as much as possible, from Hawaii with its volcanic landscapes and traditional Polynesian towns, to the soaring monoliths of Monument Valley .

Road trip in the Rockies

  The region around the American Rockies , with its authentic wrangler traditions, prolific wildlife and Native American history makes it one of the most intriguing options for a road trip in the country. Despite this appeal, the roads throughout are relatively quiet, meaning you can drive through the splendor of the region without the crowds.

The route takes you through a number of prominent national parks, including Yellowstone , which is not only home to impressive geothermal activity such as Mud Volcano and Old Faithful Geyser, but also a plethora of wildlife, including wolves that were reintroduced in the 90s.

Outdoor activities abound in Grand Teton National Park and you can kayak, horseback ride or swim, as well as go in search of wildlife including bison, chipmunks, black bears and bald eagles. In Glacier National Park you're treated to views of sapphire lakes protected by craggy mountains as you negotiate the Going To The Sun Road.

Away from the national parks you can explore a number of pretty towns or stay on working ranches. Cowboy culture is prevalent in Jackson , a small community at the start of this route. Its main street is lined with Western-style saloons and arches of elk antlers, often the first thing you’ll spot as you drive in.

• Plot your route through the Rockies

Driving on the Hawaiian islands

Each of Hawaii's islands has something different to offer if you're willing to venture away from the larger resorts. One of the best ways to really get under the surface of this archipelago is on a fly-drive tour.

The Hawaiians' laid-back attitude to life extends to their driving, and you'll often see them cruising slowly along stopping at the coconut and pineapple shacks that line the roads. Couple this with an almost non-existent public transport network and it soon becomes obvious why a road trip in Hawaii can be a very rewarding experience.

The island of Hawaiʻi , the largest and youngest of the islands, is home to the Volcanoes National Park, and is one of the very few places you can witness molten lava steaming into the ocean. The island is dominated by Mauna Kea, technically the tallest mountain in the world, and the visitor center at around 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) offers some of the best stargazing in the world.

The relaxed island of Maui is recognized for its blinding white sands and turquoise seas, but venture further and you'll find small Polynesian towns where a traditional way of life still holds strong. The Road to Hāna is a quiet but remarkable drive that takes you along the island's rugged coastline, ending in one of the oldest places in Hawaii, which is yet to see large scale development.

It's also possible to circumnavigate the verdant island of Kauaʻi by car in just a few hours, but there are countless little pockets to explore that would be missed without a car. The island's rugged interior and dramatic cliffs were the backdrop to the film Jurassic Park .

• Enjoy self-driving in Hawaii

Fly-drive the Southwest

The national parks of Utah and Arizona are easily combined on a road trip of the southwest. En route you'll travel through archetypal Wild West towns with saloons and swinging doors, and bizarrely past huts selling road-kill jerky on the side of the road. A road trip out West provides an insight into some of the more obscure idiosyncrasies of the region.

Las Vegas is often the starting point of this drive. Whether you know the city through personal experience or reputation alone, it's worthy of a few nights' stay. Despite its reputation as the gambling capital of the world, it can also satisfy those whose interests lie outside the slot machines and roulette tables. From the M&M's store and Natural History Museum — likely to appeal for a family road trip through the Southwest — to world-class performances such as Cirque du Soleil, there's plenty to see and do.

The national parks themselves provide a veritable mix of experiences and terrain. You'll drive through dusty desert before reaching Zion National Park , where you'll find yourself weaving through a deep, verdant canyon protected by towering red rocks.

Further afield, you'll be greeted by a landscape that overflows with soaring rock formations, known as hoodoos, in Bryce Canyon National Park . Drive along the rim of the canyon for a bird's eye view of the sunlight filtering through the rocks.

From here, you could head northeast to Capitol Reef National Park — named for its white domes of rock, which resemble the US Capitol building. Hikes through this park give you a chance to explore a wide range of other rock formations, from natural bridges to stone monoliths and Glass Mountain — a rocky mound that shimmers with crystals.

Even further east, Canyonlands National Park  is just as you’d expect — a vast wilderness of yawning canyons carved out over millennia by the Colorado River. You’ll also see towering buttes and jagged rock pinnacles, plus guides can show you Native American rock paintings, etched onto the walls of Horseshoe Canyon centuries ago.

Continuing on your loop of Utah’s national parks, head south to take in Monument Valley's red rock landscape, which has featured in many Westerns and sci-fi films.

The sweeping crevasse of the Grand Canyon , which can be explored from its North, South, East and West Rims, is the final national park on this route. Take in the Colorado River from an elevated position as it snakes its way through this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you negotiate Desert View Drive.

Conclude the trip in Phoenix or Sedona , where comfortable accommodation options offering a number of luxuries come as a welcome relief after the somewhat basic accommodation of the national parks.

• Take a road trip through Arizona & Utah in the USA's Southwest

Florida road trips

Home to glamorous cities, coral island hideaways and rewarding wildlife experiences (both on land and in the water), Florida has inspired playwrights, songwriters and artists alike.

As a relatively compact state, with a number of highlights just a short distance away from each other, one of the best ways to tour around is by car.

The Overseas Highway is one of the most well-known driving routes in Florida, taking you from Miami’s thriving Cuban culture, pretty Art Deco architecture and sandy beaches, across the Florida Keys and to the cusp of the Caribbean in  Key West . Along the way you can explore the Everglades National Park, with its cypress swamps and alligators, marine parks that teem with technicolor fish, and historical landmarks, including the former homes of Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway.

Extend your trip on Florida’s lesser-visited west coast, where you’ll find some of the state’s best beaches, quaint marinas and unusual wildlife experiences, including swimming with manatees .

• Explore Florida on a self-drive vacation

Driving along Route 66

Route 66 is perhaps the most famous drive in the US. This grand road trip takes you through the very heart of America, crossing eight states and three time zones, through contrasting terrain and past some of the most bizarre roadside attractions in the country.

The route extends for 2,400 miles, from Chicago to Santa Monica on the Californian coast. It no longer exists in its entirety, but the allure of its dusty roads, where classic cars and small town diners are still commonplace, continues to entice visitors from far and wide. You can also take a detour to the Grand Canyon National Park , as well as taking in the bright lights of Las Vegas for a night or two.

• Embark on a self-drive trip along the iconic Route 66

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway

Civil War history, a deeply ingrained musical heritage and an undulating landscape softened by the blue haze given off by the trees — these are just some of the highlights of a road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway .

Beginning in Washington DC , this route continues through the states of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, before culminating in the Native American town of Cherokee on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Explore the compact city of Charlottesville , dominated by the impressive campus of the University of Virginia, and pretty Asheville , where the grand Biltmore estate built by George Vanderbilt provides an insight into one of America’s most successful and affluent families.

In Shenandoah National Park you can spot bears, deer and bobcats, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a rewarding place to explore on foot, including Mile High Swinging Bridge, the country’s highest suspension footbridge.

• Uncover America's Capital Region by self-driving the Blue Ridge Parkway

Start planning your self-drive trip to the USA

Coastal California self-drive tour

11 days from $3,495pp

Northern California self-drive tour

14 days from $5,440pp

Family self-drive tour of Hawaii's highlights

12 days from $9,815pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Self-driving through Arizona & Utah in America’s Southwest
• Self-driving in Hawaii
• Self-driving in the Rockies
• Self-drive vacations in Canada
• Tailor-made self-drive holidays
• Self-driving the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Self-drive vacations in Florida
• Driving the Mother Road: the highlights of Route 66
• Driving California's Pacific Coast Highway
• Exploring Georgia and the Carolinas

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17 Spectacular Southern USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

From the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Lowcountry, and from the music of Nashville to the food scene of New Orleans, there is no shortage of wonderful options when looking for the best southern USA road trip itineraries.

I’ve been taking road trips in the south for my entire life, crisscrossing across the southeast USA visiting cities, towns, national parks, beaches, marshes, and beyond.

And yet, even after all that time, there are still plenty of southern road trip routes on my wish list.

In order to give perspectives beyond my own, I asked several other travel bloggers to share their favorite road trips in the south, and the result is a road trip bucket list that would take even the most dedicated road-tripper years to complete!

From weeks-long deep south road trip itineraries to quick weekend getaways, these southeast US road trip ideas cover an enormous variety of landscapes and interests.

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, we have a southern USA road trip itinerary here for you!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southeast USA Road Trip

Deep south usa road trip itinerary ideas, other multi-state southern usa road trip routes, more single-state southeast road trip itineraries.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Ideally, take your southern road trip in the spring or fall.

While you can technically take all of these southern USA road trips year-round, the south’s notoriously brutal summer means that it’s best to avoid the months of June, July, and August if you can (unless you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, of course).

Winter, depending on the location, can be gray and rainy, but can also be a joyous time to visit cities, towns, and mountains that see far less tourism in the winter (but don’t underestimate the possibility of snow in the mountains, either: it may be the south, but the Smokies still get snow!).

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your US south road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars  for your southern USA road trip today!

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

Don’t underestimate the south’s national parks!

The wide-open spaces and epic landscapes of the American West are often the typical images conjured up when imagining the USA’s national parks–but the south has plenty to offer, as well!

In fact, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is the most-visited national park in the country, and its gorgeous vistas and jaw-dropping waterfalls are well worth exploring.

Other southern national parks to consider adding to your road trip through the south include Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Everglades National Park in South Florida, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina–just to name a few!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a deep south road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the US south is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop at just one more beach or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your road trip driving from one spot to the next.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Scenic Byway

From Charles of US Gulf Coast Travel

One of the best scenic coastal drives in the United States is the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway (US Highway 90 / Beach Boulevard) in  Coastal Mississippi , where for 11 glorious miles there is nothing between you and the soft sugar sand and Gulf of Mexico water.

The most awe-inspiring section of the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway is from Henderson Point Beach to the Port of Gulfport Mississippi.

Drive this portion, or this entire road trip, in either direction, but we suggest west to east because you are closer to the water.

Start this road trip after an overnight in Bay St Louis or New Orleans (55 miles away).

In Bay St Louis, fuel up at Mockingbird Cafe (try their pulled pork and grits) or Serious Bakery (superb chicken salad).

Drive across the iconic St. Louis Bay Bridge and your senses will activate and heighten with your first Gulf and sand view.

Stop as often as you want because parking is free!

The coastal drive continues through Gulfport and into Biloxi.

Visit the new Mississippi Aquarium, stroll the Biloxi Beach Boardwalk, and eat at White Pillars or The Blind Tiger.

After crossing the Biloxi Bay Bridge, make time to explore the wonderful small town of Ocean Springs.

Stroll the gorgeous oak-lined Washington Avenue, stop at Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and eat at Vestige.

Highway 90 continues through Pascagoula (Jimmy Buffett’s birthplace) and into Mobile, Alabama, where you can turn around and complete this classic deep south road trip again.

Driving Distance

Bay St Louis to Pascagoula is 50 miles. New Orleans to Pascagoula is 107 miles and it is another 35 miles to Mobile, Alabama.

Recommended Road Trip Length

You can drive this coastal scenic drive in a couple of hours but we suggest allowing three or more days to fully experience the spectacular sugar sand, seafood, sunsets, and small beach towns of Coastal Mississippi.

Alabama Black Belt Road Trip

From Lori of Southerner Says

A road trip through the Black Belt region of Alabama is one of the best southern USA road trips around.

Named for the dark fertile soil of the region, the Alabama Black Belt is made up of twenty-three states across central and south Alabama.

This part of Alabama is the place where significant law-changing history was made, where literary giants were born, and is home to some of the best food that can be found in the United States.

For first-time visitors or someone flying in, there’s no better way to start an Alabama southern road trip than by including the capital –  Montgomery.

Plan on visiting important civil rights sites and the renowned Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Next, drive west approximately fifty miles to Selma, Alabama on Highway 80.

This route is the same route as the important Selma to Montgomery march for voters’ rights that took place in 1965.

See the places that put this small town on the map and made it crucial in the civil rights movement.

Walk the Edmund Pettus Bridge, eat locally caught catfish, and sleep in a hotel that was built in 1837 . 

After saying a farewell to Selma, drive county backroads approximately seventy miles to the literary capital of the south.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird and Truman Capote – Breakfast at Tiffany’s were childhood friends in the south.

They both grew up in Monroeville, Alabama – the next stop on this southern road trip. Take a walk around the charming downtown square to spot murals that pay tribute to these well-known books and authors.

From Monroeville, it’s easy to hop on Interstate-65 north to return to Montgomery or take the scenic route for a few more towns and sites on your southern road trip.

Driving Distance 

Recommended road trip length  .

This itinerary would be good for a weekend or long weekend.

Since the Alabama Black Belt is a rather large region there is an abundance of small towns and sites that can be added to a southern road trip.

Visitors could easily spend a week or two in the area.

Mississippi’s Highway 61 (Blues Trail)

From Hannah of HH Lifestyle Travel

A road trip from Memphis to New Orleans down Mississippi’s Highway 61 is rich in music history; and the inevitable river lore that pervades a road trip running parallel to the Mighty Mississippi.

In true road trip style, the road itself is part of the fun of the journey.  

Highway 61 is long and flat and often sits higher than the fields and levees below it.  It is punctuated by quaint southern churches, glimpses of the Mississippi River, and cities rich in blues history. 

Enjoy visiting one of the legendary ‘juke joints’ in  Clarksdale, Mississippi .  

If there is one stop on the road trip to learn about the history of blues music in the area, it’s Clarksdale.  

Visit the Devil’s Crossroads, the Delta Blues Museum, and many more Blues Trail plaques.

Your next stop is Vicksburg.  Brimming with Civil War history, Vicksburg mixes reverence with rejuvenation.  

Pay your respects to meaningful Civil War history, but then enjoy a day spa and quality craft brewpub experience.

Natchez sits on an important bluff on a bend in the Mississippi River with a long history.  

The historic district of Natchez Under-the-Hill has a prime position along the river and was once famous for gambling and river pirates.  

Nowadays it’s a cute place to see the Mighty Mississippi and have lunch in one of the historic buildings.

End your road trip in the vibrant and magnetic city of New Orleans .

Driving Distance  

It takes around 9 hours of non-stop driving time from Memphis to New Orleans, but with time spent in the stops above it would suit a 5–7-day road trip.  

Plan a bit longer if you want to spend time in both Memphis and New Orleans before and after this deep south road trip experience.

Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Road Trip

From Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

One of the fabulous road trips in the southeastern USA travels along the historic coastal corridors of Georgia to South Carolina, finishing in Charleston.

From the Georgia border to Florida, the major artery is Hwy 95, you’ll pass through so many historic and recreational sites along the way to make this a few days or even a longer visit depending on how many places you want to see and experience.

Some of the cool and historic places to visit in Georgia include St. Marys and Cumberland Island, Brunswich and St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island , Tybee Island , and Savannah .

Places to explore around South Carolina’s southern coastline from Savannah include Hilton Head, Beaufort, Edisto Island, and Charleston.

Each of these areas caters to historic sites or recreation getaways that are fun to explore when you have more time to visit each area on this road trip.

Even though you can go directly on Hwy 95 from the Georgia border all the way to South Carolina, it’s the small detour expressways and backcountry roads that will give you a better insight into visiting some of these gems in the region.  

If you only have a few days or longer then the major cities of Savannah and Charleston are memorable cities to prioritize to experience the local lifestyles foods that you’ll enjoy on this southern road trip experience.

Savannah, with its historic squares, fabulous architecture, and historic district that remains intact includes so much to see, do and experience around the historic center of the city.

Charleston on the other hand is more compact and walkable with a tighter historic district to enjoy and explore on your own or with some tour operator sharing the main attractions to see in town.

It’s 107 miles to drive straight from Savannah to Charleston.

If you’re focusing on Savannah and Charleston, 5 days is a comfortable length for this USA southern road trip itinerary.

Add additional days for each city, small town, or island that you’d like to visit.

The Classic Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Route

From Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, is such an unimaginably epic USA road trip, that veterans almost envy people who are experiencing it for the first time.

There are a lot of reasons it’s the #1 most visited unit in the US National Park system (with more than 15 million annual visitors), including 200 jaw-dropping BRP overlooks that offer stunning Blue Ridge Mountain vistas and provide access to the region’s most incredible hiking trails, landmarks, mountain towns, and waterfalls.

Designed as part of FDR’s New Deal to protect American wilderness and provide jobs in the wake of the Great Depression, construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began back in 1935.

Most of the scenic route was completed by 1966, but the popular 8-mile stretch around the iconic Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina (including the engineering marvel known as the Linn Cove Viaduct) wasn’t finished until 1987.

The BRP is the longest linear park in the country, taking travelers through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests.

So naturally, there are a lot of exciting things to do along the way. 

At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, with lots of challenging hiking trails and a relatively easy paved path to the observation platform at the summit.

Grandfather Mountain State Park is also home to epic hiking trails (including several with ladders to climb massive boulders), and the neighboring Grandfather Mountain attraction is home to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a small zoo featuring native North Carolina animals, and myriad picnic areas. 

Virginia’s Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and one of the region’s many historical attractions.

There’s very little commercial development along the Parkway, with only a few hotels and resorts (including the historic Switzerland Inn in  Little Switzerland NC ,  and the Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford VA).

But part of the fun is exploring some of the charming little mountain towns along the way, including Cherokee, Blowing Rock, and Boone in NC, and Bedford, Lexington, and Waynesboro in VA.

You could drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway in as little as 15-16 hours if you wanted, but that would totally defeat the purpose.

Some people like to break it up into weekend getaways, basing themselves in a local town.

But you could also spend a week or two driving the entire route, spending nights in lots of little towns along the way.

Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina

From Kim of Traveling Swansons

A Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina southeast road trip takes you on a tour of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.

Chattanooga is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and located along the Tennessee River.

There are many fun things to do here including the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway.

After leaving Chattanooga, your next stop will be Knoxville, Tennessee.

Check out the Sunsphere Tower, which was built for the 1982 World’s Fair.  Walk around Market Square and grab a bite to eat and shop.

After leaving Knoxville, your next stop will be Pigeon Forge. 

Here you find no shortage of attractions including the popular Dollywood. 

Right next to Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the town of Gatlinburg. 

In Gatlinburg, you will also find plenty of attractions including Anakeesta and the Gatlinburg Skybridge. 

Gatlinburg is one of the busiest and most popular gateway towns to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  has many amazing hiking trails, waterfalls, and views. 

Drive the breathtaking scenic Newfound Gap Road to Cherokee, North Carolina. Jump out along the many turnouts along the way and enjoy the scenery. 

Once you reach Cherokee, explore the Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.  Shop for some authentic Cherokee arts and crafts.

The drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina is 191 miles and takes 3 hrs 51 minutes if driving straight through. 

Since there is so much to do on this southern USA road trip, you will want to spend at least 5 days here in order to take in as much as you can along the way.

NOLA to Nashville Southern Road Trip Itinerary

From Agnes of The Van Escape

The southern USA road trip from New Orleans to Nashville is extraordinary.

Why? Nashville and New Orleans are music cities.

New Orleans – the world capital of jazz and Nashville – the capital of American country music – anyone who likes live concerts will appreciate this combination.

And indeed, in both cities, you can listen to music at every turn!

Concerts, music events, live music in almost every restaurant, bar, and even on the streets – Nashville and New Orleans are alive with sounds.

Moreover, there are many great  things to do in Nashville and in New Orleans.

In Nashville visit Jonny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Grand Ole Opry, reproduction of the Parthenon, and Downtown with famous Broadway Street.

In New Orleans, visit the French Quarter, the Jazz Museum, the Woodoo Museum, the National WWII Museum, explore one of the famous cemeteries, sign up for a swamp tour. Enjoy the best cocktails at the famous Bourbon Street.

Both cities are also known for their excellent cuisine. In New Orleans, you’ll melt at the tastes and smells of Louisiana Creole cuisine, and in Nashville, you’ll delight at the famous juicy BBQ ribs and more.

That’s not all. Both cities are famous for the finest spirits.

New Orleans offers great alcoholic cocktails and in Nashville, you can try classic Tennessee Jack Daniels whiskey , whose distillery is nearby.

The driving time from NOLA to Nashville is about 8 hours, and 4-5 days is perfect for this road trip.

You can cover the distance in one day or split it into two days and spend one night in Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama.

To feel the atmosphere of each city and immerse yourself in its music world, we recommend two nights in New Orleans and two in Nashville.

Virginia Beach, Virginia to Hilton Head, South Carolina

From Alex of Wander With Alex

If you’re planning a road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Hilton Head, SC, and need a few stops along the way, we’ve got you covered!

While Virginia Beach and Hilton Head are both popular southern beach towns, the experience is very different!

They are both, however, family-friendly vacation destinations with lots of unique things to do and see.

While in Virginia Beach, VA you’ll want to check out the main beach at the Oceanfront.

There are 35 miles of beachfront, an amusement park on Atlantic Ave, and tons of souvenir shops for you to choose from.

If you’re looking for something free to do, check out the Creative ViBE District for murals, sidewalk art, and other creative artwork!

Now that’ll you’ve explored Virginia Beach, it’s time to hit the road!

After being on the road for seven and a half hours, you’ll be nearing Savannah, GA! If you’ve never been to Savannah, consider staying overnight.

You can take a riverboat dinner cruise on the Savannah River or enjoy a low country dinner at one of the best restaurants in Savannah .

And since Hilton Head is only 45-minutes from Savannah, you can stick around for a few hours in the morning and to Tybee Island before heading over to Hilton Head!

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a laid-back resort town offering beautiful beaches and tons of golf courses.

Additionally, Hilton Head is incredibly bike-friendly.

Head over to Hilton Head Outfitters, rent bicycles for the whole family, and go exploring!

And if you are a seafood lover, you’ll have tons of waterfront restaurant options!

A road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to  Hilton Head, SC  via Interstate-95 is approximately 589 miles.

If you do not want to stay overnight in Savannah, you can make the trip in seven and a half hours.

However, if you prefer slow travel and wish to explore Savannah, you should consider making this a two-day drive.

Gulf Coast Beach Road Trip from Alabama to Florida

From Ashlee of The Happiness Function

One of the best-kept secrets in the South are the sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama to the Florida panhandle.

If you have never heard of Dauphin Island, Alabama, it is a must-visit southern destination.

Take the ultimate beach road trip from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Pensacola, Florida!

Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a beautiful place to visit. The island is home to many different wildlife species, including sea turtles, and the scenery is simply stunning.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Dauphin Island is the perfect spot. Plan to stay at least two days.

From Dauphin Island, take the ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan, where visitors can continue the road trip to Gulf Shores.

Be sure to visit Gulf State Park and enjoy the incredible beaches from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach! Plan at least two days in Gulf Shores.

Gulf Islands National Seashore in Fort Pickens is a popular tourist destination offering a variety of activities such as catching some sun on beaches, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and exploring the historic fort.

Camp at the  Fort Pickens Campground  for a few days to enjoy all the island offers.

From Gulf Shores, continue east into the Florida panhandle towards Pensacola.

A road trip along the southern coast of Alabama into the Florida panhandle makes for an incredible beach road trip any time of year.

We recommend taking about a week to enjoy this road trip in the US south.

This way, road trippers can enjoy each destination for two days.

Savannah, Georgia to Clearwater, Florida Road Trip

From Terri of FemaleSoloTrek.com

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and fun in the sun, plan a short southern road trip route from Savannah to Clearwater.

Plan to start at dawn from Savannah on a Saturday so you can arrive by noon in  Clearwater, Florida .

Google Maps or Waze will offer you the choice of traveling down I-95 toward Orlando and then across to Tampa/St. Pete outposts.

Alternatively, you can drive through Jacksonville and then cut across the state via US-301 S and I-75 S.

The estimated time is 6 hours if you don’t hit bad traffic on I-95.

You will also have time to eat fried grouper at Clearwater Beach for lunch, then hit the Clearwater Aquarium for an afternoon adventure.

Dedicate the evening to drinking margaritas and watching the sunset.

You might want to watch the sunset (while sipping a cocktail) at Pier 60 on Saturday night or delay until Sunday because you will be exhausted from your early morning drive.

Clearwater is also a great place to settle while you plan day trips to Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota.

While you can easily make the drive in a day, it’s best to set aside a week for this US south road trip as you will lose two days to travel.

Florida’s Gulf Coast deserves a minimum five-day stay so you can experience different beaches.

Southeast USA Road Trip from Washington DC to Florida

From Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids

One of the best road trips in the southeast US is from Washington, DC to  Anna Maria Island, Florida . 

If you want to break it up with overnights and stops, I recommend going from Washington DC to Raleigh, NC on Day 1.  On Day 2, drive from Raleigh, NC to Savannah, GA.  Then on Day 3, drive from Savannah, GA to Anna Maria Island, FL.

Starting in Washington, DC, where there is much to see from the Capitol to the Washington Monument to the Smithsonian Museums, you can begin heading on the road toward Virginia and the Carolinas. 

In Virginia, the historic college town of Williamsburg is well worth a visit. 

In addition to being a beautiful town, home to William and Mary College, it is also where you can step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg and learn a bit about American history. 

From here, head into North Carolina and stop in Raleigh if you plan to spend the night.

Then head into South Carolina, where a drive-through or stop in Charleston is a great thing to do. 

The historic and lavish architecture is well worth a look, and the southern hospitality and walk on the waterfront are worth it even just for a short visit. 

From here, continue into Georgia, where a stop in Savannah is a must. 

If you have a bit of time to spend in this southern city, the hop on hop off trolley, walking tours, and a 90-minute riverboat sightseeing cruise would be worth doing. 

This beautiful and historic city really is a gem on this road trip, so be sure to build in a bit of time, and even book a bed and breakfast for the night.  

Continue on from Georgia into northern Florida, where if you can stop in Jacksonville for a visit to the University of Florida or in St. Augustine for lunch or a walking tour of this beautiful and historic city. 

There is an old town part of St. Augustine well worth visiting, and depending on the time of day, is a great stop for a lunch. Continue on from St. Augustine to Anna Maria Island, Florida.

You may pass through Orlando and Tampa, which if you have time, may want to stop in one of these cities. 

While Orlando is home to many theme parks and activities, you won’t have time on this drive to do many of those unless you build in another day or two to your drive.

Instead, I suggest stopping in Tampa, where you will get to view this fantastic seaside city, where you can enjoy a cruise, walk around Ybor City, or grab a meal at the famous (and delicious) Columbia Restaurant. 

While you are also right at Clearwater Beach, you may want to save that beach visit for Anna Maria Island, just about an hours drive from Tampa, on the Gulf Coast, and renowned for its teal Caribbean-like water, white soft sand, quieter beaches, and home rentals perfect for a beach getaway. 

It’s the perfect destination to such a cultural and historic road trip, and one of the best road trips in the south USA.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way, this road trip is at least a two to three-day drive, depending on how much you would like to stop along the way. 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina Road Trip

From Candice of CS Ginger

One of the best Southern USA road trips is driving through the Outer Banks. There are so many fun things to do in the Outer Banks  and its sweeping coastal scenery is gorgeous.

The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast filled with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and fun beach towns.

A great historic stop in the Outer Banks is at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

This is where the Wright brothers completed the first controlled flight in December of 1903.

There are a fun visitor’s center, some historical markers, and a replica of the first plane.

The Outer Banks is also home to the tallest brick lighthouse in the world. You can climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. There are 257 steps to the top.

The lighthouse and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a great place to spend the afternoon. The beaches are beautiful and not crowded.

After spending time at Cape Hatteras, you can take the ferry over to Ocracoke Island.

There is another lighthouse on this smaller island, but it is not open to visitors.

There are, however, beautiful beaches making this island a fun spot to explore.

The distance from the northern town of Corolla through Hatteras, the southern point, is about 95 miles.

If you continue to the ferry to Ocracoke, the mileage is longer.

You can easily fill 4-5 days with fun activities during your Outer Banks road trip, and spend even more time in the area if you want to relax on the beach.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

From Anna of Stuck On The Go

One of the best road trips in the southern US winds through Shenandoah National Park offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you drive Skyline Drive straight through it only takes a little under 3 hours but there are so many hikes, overlooks, and small towns to stop and explore. This is the perfect road trip for outdoorsy people.

You can start at the Front Royal Entrance Station and on your first day hike to Compton Peak where you’ll find a gorgeous view as well as unique geological formations that resemble the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland .

In the afternoon, head out to the town of Luray where you can shop in the boutiques along Main Street and visit the famous Luray Caverns.

If you like to camp then stay the night in Mathews Arm Campground, otherwise rent a room at the Skyland Resort inside the park.

For day two you can fit in two hikes – Stony Man and Hawksbill – which both offer stunning mountain views and are 2 of the best hikes in Shenandoah .

Have lunch at Big Meadows and make sure you get the blackberry ice cream pie for dessert!

In the afternoon you can hike Dark Hollow Falls or just head into Elkton or Sperryville.

Visit Sperryville for wineries and Elkton for breweries. Tonight stay at the Lewis Mountain Cabins & Campground.

On the last day of the road trip, hike Doyles River Falls and Blackrock Summit.

Stop for lunch at Blue Mountain Brewery and check out some of the other Waynesboro breweries. Main Street in Waynesboro is also very quaint.

For many people, 3 days is enough to spend in Shenandoah National Park.

However, if you are very outdoorsy and love to hike and explore small towns then you can spend a week in the Shenandoah Valley.

Northwest Arkansas Road Trip Loop

From Lydia of Lost With Lydia

Arkansas is an underrated state with a lot to offer for outdoor adventurers!

The state has beautiful state parks, incredible mountain biking trails, a uniquely historic national park, and much more.

The northwest portion of Arkansas is where you’ll find the most beautiful natural areas along with some fantastic cities. 

This road trip begins in Bentonville, a city known for mountain biking, modern art, and as the Walmart headquarters.

There are miles of mountain biking trails in parks around the city and trails range from beginner to advanced. 

Continue on from Bentonville to Buffalo National River, a beautiful river with epic canyon walls towering above it.

After the National River, enjoy hiking in the Ozark National Forest (the most famous hike is Whitaker Point) and take in the views at Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo. Mount Magazine is the highest point in the state. 

Be sure to not miss the most iconic state park in Arkansas: Petit Jean. This state park is a favorite of many and is home to a 95-foot waterfall, caves, and several unique rock formations. 

Spend some time in Little Rock for great food and interesting history. 

Things to do in Little Rock include visiting the Little Rock Central High School Museum, exploring the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, and hiking at Pinnacle Mountain. 

Finally, end your road trip with a visit to Arkansas’ only national park: Hot Springs.

Hot Springs National Park was a resort destination in the early 1900s and there are a couple of bathhouses still in operation today.

In addition to the spas, you can visit a brewery inside of a bathhouse and enjoy the views from the observation tower. 

A week is the minimum amount of time you’ll want to fully explore the cities and hiking destinations along the way.

Ideally, take 10 days or more to take your time and enjoy this underrated southern USA road trip itinerary.

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast Road Trip

From Lori of Travlinmad

If you’re looking for an ideal year-round  road trip destination, Florida’s Gulf Coast  offers dreamy beaches, fantastic food, and some of America’s most (in)famous history!

Begin your road trip in Tampa, where you can spend 2 days exploring the city’s Cuban history in Ybor City and enjoy the amazing cuisine before heading south to Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Spend the next day in Sarasota admiring the mid-century architecture and visiting the Ringling Museum.

Shoppers will no doubt stay longer on St. Armand’s Circle, then head to Siesta Key later in the day to take in the new age vibes of the nightly drumming circle on the beach at sunset.

The next day, drive south to Casperson Beach in Venice and rent a “Florida snow shovel” for a few dollars to dig in the sand for prehistoric megalodon shark teeth.

Millions of them wash ashore every day and you just might find a big one to treasure!

Spend the night at Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, one of Southwest Florida’s most historic towns before heading out the next morning for Fort Myers.

Situated where the Caloosahatchee River meets the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Fort Myers is worth a few days to explore the history and the beautiful beaches on Sanibel and Captiva.

Visit the summer homes of neighbors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, whose mansions are popular tourist attractions today.

The last stop on your road trip is Naples and Marco Island on the southwestern coast. This stunning region is known as the Paradise Coast and it’s easy to see why.

Spend your days on the soft white sand beaches, shopping at the luxury stores and dining downtown, or get out into the Everglades for some adventure.

It is 180 miles from Tampa to Marco Island.

Plan on 7-10 days for this southern road trip route.

There is plenty to see in the major cities of Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island, but you’ll find the real gems in between!

Virginia’s Eastern Shore Drive: Chincoteague to Cape Charles

Recommended by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia

There’s so much to love about  Virginia’s Eastern Shore .

Roll down the windows and breathe in the salt-infused air as you make the 70-mile drive north to south from Chincoteague to Cape Charles.

Get ready to make stops for sandy beaches, ice cream shops, and verdant wetlands just right for a scenic paddle.

Start at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to miles of stroller-friendly hiking and biking trails.

The Chincoteague Lighthouse Trail is a must-visit to ogle the red-and-white striped Assateague Lighthouse.

Take a guided kayak tour or nature cruise across pristine coastal waterways with Assateague Explorer.

Keep your eyes open for wild ponies, as well as native wildlife, like sandhill cranes and eastern mud turtles, that call the wildlife refuge home.

Order up a scoop of Mint Chip or Pony Tracks at Island Creamery.

Spend the night at the Refuge Inn, a mainstay in Chincoteague since 1973. Chincoteague is also home to several camping resorts, including KOA and Jellystone Park.

Continue on to Onancock, a historic waterfront town.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast sandwich at Janet’s Café before strolling the hamlet’s tree-lined streets that wow with Victorian-style homes.

Take a tour of Ker Place, a historic Federal-style home.

On the south end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore is Cape Charles, which is home to gentle beaches and vibrantly-colored sunsets.

Spend the day on the beach at Kiptopeke State Park, then order hush puppies at The Shanty.

Cap off the day with a scoop at Brown Dog Ice Cream and settle in at the Sunset Beach Hotel on the Chesapeake Bay.

70  miles.

This trip is best enjoyed over at least 3 days, including one day in Chincoteague, one day in Onancock, and one day in Cape Charles.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Gettysburg Story Tour + Film

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A Gettysburg Self-Guided Driving Tour How To: Easy + Free!

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-12-12

The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal turning point in the American Civil War. Known as the High Water Mark of the Rebellion, the bloody battle lasted for three intense days and forever put the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on history’s map.

Take a self-guided, free Gettysburg driving tour today and see the battlefield where brother fought brother for the future of America.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Experience Gettysburg in One Day with a Self-guided Driving Tour

The town of Gettysburg has not ignored its place in American history; the town’s civil war battlefield history industry is thriving .

Honestly, it can be a bit overwhelming when planning your first visit to Gettysburg.

Not only is the battlefield a National Military Park encompassing 6000 acres, but the town itself also has museums and historical homes and tour companies around every corner.

If you only have one day in Gettysburg, opt for a self-guided auto tour of the battlefield. It’s FREE and can be tailored to your individual time needs!

How to Day Trip to Gettysburg Battlefield

Gettysburg, PA is an easy day trip from several states as well as from the US’s capital city of Washington, DC. Any of the following are good starting points for a day trip to Gettysburg, or it makes a great one day stop on an eastern US road trip .

• 45min south of Harrisburg, PA
• 1hr northeast of Harpers Ferry, WV
• 1.25hrs northwest of Baltimore, MD
• 1.5hrs north of Washington, DC
• 2hrs west of Wilmington, DE
• 2.5hrs west of Philadelphia, PA
• 3 hrs east of Morgantown, WV
• 3hrs north of Richmond, VA or Charlottesville, VA
• 3.5hrs east of Pittsburgh, PA

Personally, I’m willing to drive 2-3 hours each way for a day trip or even up to 4 hours if it’s a place I really want to go and/or I’m not likely to be in the area again for a while.

Some of you shudder at the thought of being in the car for 3 hours total, let alone one way. That’s fine.

Turn a day trip into an overnight trip. Drive up the night before or stay the night after to give yourself enough time to appreciate all the Gettysburg National Military Park has to offer.

Or, perhaps you need a weekend trip to make the most of your time at Gettysburg! Everyone gets 24 hours in a day. It’s up to you how you divide that time between sleeping, driving, and exploring. 😉

How Long Does It Take to Drive the Gettysburg Battlefield?

The most important thing to know about visiting Gettysburg is that it’s HUGE . The second most important thing to know is it’s POPULAR , especially in the summer.

During non-peak season, a Gettysburg auto tour takes about 2 hours with only a couple quick stops to get out of the car.

If you prefer to get out and take a lot of pictures and read all the exhibit plaques, it’ll take 3-4 hours, or longer, with stops at all 16 waypoints and at Barlow Knoll, Culp’s Hill, and the National Cemetery.

Our first trip to Gettysburg was November 2020, so crowds were low, as we had hoped.

I’m a huge history buff, so we read the map and exhibit plaques, watched the virtual tour video for each auto tour stop, and got out to take ALL the pictures.

All told, it took us about 5 hours to complete the entire battlefield auto tour loop.

It was a very thorough first visit to Gettysburg, and did I mention it was completely FREE! 😎

All bets are off during peak season , generally May to October but especially in early July around the anniversary of the battle.

Gettysburg National Military Park hosts over a million visitors to the battlefield each year, and the majority visit during the summer months.

Best advice : leave buffer in your time table for your day trip to Gettysburg.

Pro Tip: The anniversary of the battle is July 1-3 so the Independence Day holiday is always a particularly busy time.

Where to Start the Gettysburg Auto Tour

A self-guided auto tour covers all areas of the battlefield in more or less chronological order, from beginning to end of the battle.

Start at the national park visitor center and pick up a free map with the driving tour directions clearly marked.

The visitor center also has a museum, cyclorama painting, and historic film offered by The Gettysburg Foundation for a fee, if you’re interested in learning all the history ahead of your driving tour.

The map is invaluable throughout the day as it also has the restrooms marked! 😆

Car tour CDs and books abound, or you could purchase a guided bus tour or personalized guided driving tour at the visitor center, but the national park service website for Gettysburg National Military Park has a free virtual tour that corresponds to each stop of the battlefield car tour.

These national park ranger-narrated videos are typically 2-3 minutes , with a few longer ones, and walk through the Battle of Gettysburg as you progress from stop to stop. These videos are like having your own personal park ranger in the car with you, and it doesn’t cost a dime!

This is also a great way to visit Gettysburg virtually when you can’t travel!

Is the Gettysburg Self-Guided Driving Tour Easy to Follow?

Yes. The free maps have directional arrows and the roads are marked with signs throughout. Each driving tour stop has its own numbered marker.

Roads for the Gettysburg driving tour route are mostly one-way.

Once you start down West Confederate Avenue and into McMillan Woods on Seminary Ridge to Stop #4, there are very few options to get out of the one-way traffic loop until you get to Stop #12 in the middle of Cemetery Ridge.

Remember, there are restrooms available along the route but how fast you can get there is at the mercy of the cars in front of you. Don’t wait until it’s an emergency! 😅

Map of Gettysburg Driving Tour Waypoints

Use the official map from the Gettysburg Visitor Center when you’re driving around the battlefield. The map below is only for reference while you’re reading this article.

Driving Tour Waypoints at Gettysburg: A Journey in Pictures!

The Gettysburg car tour includes 16 stops that walk you through the geography and timeline of the battle.

1. McPherson Ridge

The battle begins on July 1 st , 1863.

2. Eternal Light & Peace Memorial on Oak Hill

Dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 3, 1938, the 75 th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, this memorial symbolizes the unity of a once divided nation.

The base is Maine granite and the column is Alabama limestone, topped by an eternal flame. A quarter million people attended the dedication, including many of the last Civil War veterans, both Union and Confederate.

3. Oak Ridge

Climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of this portion of the battlefield.

Barlow Knoll

This area doesn’t have a numbered waypoint marker, but it is part of the official driving tour.

4. North Carolina Memorial

One in four of every Confederate soldier killed at the Battle of Gettysburg was a North Carolinian.

5. Virginia Memorial

Confederate General Robert E. Lee sits atop his favorite horse on the top of this memorial, but this memorial is also meant to remember the everyday Virginian sons that fought and died here at Gettysburg. The picture below is the portion of the monument dedicated to them.

6. Pitzer Woods

Confederate Lt. Gen. Longstreet was General Lee’s “Old War Horse ” and reliably followed Lee’s command.

However, at Gettysburg, Longstreet disagreed with Lee’s strategy and reluctantly carried out orders, asking for a reassignment after the battle.

7. Warfield Ridge

The Confederates spent most of the second day of the battle trying to outflank the Union troops dug in on the high ground at Cemetery Ridge. Warfield Ridge was the launching point for the fight over Little Round Top.

8. Little Round Top

Chief Engineer of the Army of the Potomac Warren came to Little Round Top to find it unoccupied and a gaping hole in the Union’s flank .

His quick action in diverting troops to this location just in time to repel a Confederate flanking movement likely saved the outcome of the battle for the Union.

9. The Wheatfield

Remember, this area was largely farm fields at the time of this battle. Soldiers were fighting in and around fields and orchards and peoples’ homes and barns.

10. The Peach Orchard

11. Plum Run

12. Pennsylvania Memorial

Confederate memorials are typically one per state. Union memorials are typically per regiment, so there are more of them throughout the park.

All together there are over 1300 monuments and memorials preserved at Gettysburg, making it one of the largest collections of outdoor sculpture in the world .

The Pennsylvania Memorial lists every Pennsylvania solider, from private to general, who fought at Gettysburg. It is the largest monument in the park.

13. Spangler’s Spring

Confederates repeatedly tried to flank the Union forces on Cemetery Ridge. This spring was controlled by both armies at different points throughout the battle.

Culps Hill & Observation Tower

Another observation tower for amazing view s of this side of the battlefield. Unfortunately, during our visit all observation towers were closed. 😕

14. East Cemetery Hill

15. high water mark.

Pickett’s Charge on July 3 rd , 1863 saw 12,000 Confederate soldiers charge across an open field and uphill to try to dislodge the Union forces on Cemetery Ridge.

Decimated by Union artillery, the Confederates managed to briefly breach the low stone wall at The Angle but were unable to hold the position and eventually fell back to cover at Seminary Ridge before withdrawing completely.

This area is known as the High Water Mark of the Confederacy because it’s the furthest north the Confederate army ever reached.

After the Battle at Gettysburg, General Lee withdrew his forces and his northern campaign for the Army of Northern Virginia ended.

16. National Cemetery

The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War , over 51,000 casualties in three days. ( Common confusion: the Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle with almost 23,000 casualties.)

The aftermath of the battle was horrendous. Where do you bury that many people at one time? The summer heat and fears of disease meant most were hastily buried in shallow graves across the farm fields where they fell.

The governor of Pennsylvania quickly heeded the call from Gettysburg residents to establish a central cemetery.

Land was purchased by the state of Pennsylvania and thousands of Union soldiers were exhumed from their hasty graves and reburied with proper grave markers at the newly created National Cemetery on the ridge they had died to protect.

The Confederate graves were mostly relocated to southern states’ cemeteries in the decade after the end of the war. However, a few still remain in Gettysburg.

The national cemetery also has a monument to President Abraham Lincoln and features a bust in the center and the words of his Gettysburg Address inscribed in the stone behind him.

Lincoln did not give the speech at this site, but the brick stage across from his monument has been used by many Presidents since to give speeches.

Other Things to Do at Gettysburg National Military Park

There is so much to do at Gettysburg, but with one day to spare a self-guided driving tour is a great option!

Have more time to spend in Gettysburg? You could:

• View the Museum, film, and Cyclorama painting at the Visitor Center
• See the David Wills’ House and the Gettysburg Train Station in town
• Take a guided bus tour or personalized licensed battlefield guide around the battlefield
• Visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site , right next to the Gettysburg Battlefield

Looking for other things to do near Gettysburg?

• Explore Antietam National Battlefield
• 15 Fun Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
• First-Timer’s Guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Take a Self-Guided Tour of Washington, DC’s Monuments at Night

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 36 US states and 14 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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This post has 2 comments.

I love history and would definitely like to do this tour.

That was a very descriptive blog on Gettysburg and it’s historical significance! Loved reading it.

Comments are closed.

Lewis And Clark

National historic trail experience.

Retrace the Expedition and Explore New People, Places, and Stories

About the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

“The Lewis and Clark Expedition is more than the story of two men. It is the story of many: individuals and groups, military men and scientists, a president and a slave, women and men, French-speaking boatmen and American Indians. It is a story of loss and hope. It is a story of changes that began in 1803 and that continue today.”

~ U.S. National Park Service

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, administered by the National Park Service, is more than 4,900 miles long, traversing sixteen states and many tribal lands, along the historic route of the expedition. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail was designated by Congress to commemorate the 1803 to 1806 Corps of Discovery expedition through the identification; protection; interpretation; public use and enjoyment; and preservation of historic, cultural, and natural resources associated with the expedition and its place in U.S. and tribal history. This epic journey contributed significant scientific knowledge and profound political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental changes to the peoples and landscapes of the North American continent.

The Trail has over 6,600 miles of designated auto tour route which provides visitors access to the historic route through rich recreational, interpretive, and educational opportunities. Many segments of Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail retain landscape characteristics and a sense of place as seen and experienced by the Corps of Discovery. The Trail links contemporary authentic communities and cultures, including tribes whose connections span thousands of years, to historic, vibrant and living landscapes. Whether traveling the entire length of the Trail or a short day trip to a small segment, your travel experience can be greatly enhanced by the amazing possibilities highlighted on this website.

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Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour

Start your gettysburg experience with us.

Tour Details

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Welcome to the gettysburg battlefield self-guided driving tour.

Welcome to the narrated driving tour of the Battle of Gettysburg, the most crucial battle of the Civil War! Here, Union forces staged a nearly impossible defense against Confederate attackers–and won! Walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers, re-live the battle strategies of the key generals, and embark on an adventure that brings this historic three-day battle to life on your Gettysburg auto tour.

This self-guided Gettysburg Auto tour lets you explore Gettysburg’s historical wonders with maximum flexibility, safety, and value. Hop in your car, set up the tour guide app on your phone, and get started. All audio plays automatically based on location.

Follow the Battle

The tour follows the intense 3-day battle at Gettysburg chronologically. It begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, where you learn about the lead-up to the battle. Before you start driving, download the Action Tour Guide app and enter your unique password to access the audio tour. Then, you’ll explore McPherson’s Ridge, the site of the first skirmish of the first day. From there, you continue past the Railway Cut, Iverson’s Pits, and Seminary Ridge until you reach the end of Day 1.

As you continue to follow the route on the Gettysburg Auto Tour, begin Day 2 with an exploration of Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, the Peach Orchard, and Culp’s Hill. Day 3 then starts with the infamous Pickett’s Charge. This comprehensive tour ends at the Gettysburg Cemetery, where you hear Lincoln’s poignant Gettysburg Address. And if you ever have questions, feel free to reach out to us over chat, call, or email – we’re always available and looking forward to helping you!

The Gettysburg Address

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln November 19, 1863

Starting Point Address: Gettysburg Heritage Center Parking Lot at 1 Culp Street. Culp St Gettysburg, PA 17325

Little Round Top Rehabilitation Project Closure Notice

Little Round Top is CLOSED for 18 months. For more, click here . However, you don’t have to miss out on this historic site’s fascinating stories and sights. With our tour, you can still listen to the narrations and view the pictures of the battle that took place at Little Round Top. You will learn about the brave soldiers who fought and died there, the strategic importance of the hill, and the heroic actions that changed the war’s course. Our tour will give you a vivid sense of what it was like to be at Little Round Top, even though you can’t see it in person.

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• Gettysburg Tours: Embark on the ultimate self-guided drive for $24.99 per person and save 40%.
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• Civil War Tours Bundle: Drive through 6 self-guided battlefield tours for $39.99 per person and save 43%.

Looking to expand your tour? 

• Valley Forge Tour:   By visiting both sites,  you can visualize the   continuity and evolution   of the fight for freedom, spanning the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

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• An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 150+ tours.
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How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Gettysburg visitor center.

Embark on this journey into the past at the Gettysburg Visitor Center! Get ready to be transported right into the middle of the battlefield... both in time and space. As we begin driving along the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road, we step back in time to the eve of battle. Who are the combatants? The generals? What are they fighting for? Why? We'll dive into the history of the United States of America up to the point of the Civil War. That'll help us understand what made Gettysburg such a poignant battle, and why a victory here was so important.

McPherson Ridge (Auto Tour 1)

As we continue driving, dawn breaks on the first day of battle. At McPherson's Ridge, Union and Confederate armies clash and generals on both sides order their regiments into place. We'll be able to imagine the movements of the battle as we look out over the ridge.

The Railway Cut

Our drive takes us over the Railway Cut, where we'll explore the different battle strategies of the generals on both sides of the fight. This was the unlikely site of a major skirmish during the first day. We'll continue forward, diving into the backstories of some of the key battlefield players.

Eternal Light Peace Memorial (Auto Tour 2)

As we drive, we'll pass the first of many memoirals at Gettysburg - the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. This memorial commemorates the reunification of the United States. Maine granite forms the base, while Alabama limestone forms the pillar -- a symbolic unification of north and south.

Oak Ridge Observation Tower (Auto Tour 3)

We'll continue driving along the Gettysburg Auto Road. Our next stop is at the Oak Ridge Observation Tower. Here we'll be able to jump back to that first day of battle -- but by now, it's the afternoon. We'll "join" the fight as Union soldiers try to keep the Confederacy at bay. The top of this tower is a great place to get panoramic views of the historic fields that once saw so much violence and bloodshed.

Battlefield Sallie Memorial

We'll continue driving, following the progress of the first day of battle as we follow the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road. Though we'll pass several more memorials, one in particular stands out: the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry Monument. There’s a dog sculpted on the other side of the statue’s base. That’s Battlefield Sallie! She served as a mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry, and accompanied these Union soldiers for most of the Civil War. We'll drive past Sallie and learn a little about the importance of drummers and military music during the war.

Seminary Ridge Museum

Our journey continues along the Gettysburg Auto Road as evening descends on the first day of battle. Union soldiers have paid heavily and lost ground. Is there any hope of success? We'll explore the various plans and strategies the generals come up with as they bunker down after the first day.

North Carolina Memorial (Auto Tour 4)

Our drive takes us past the North Carolina Memorial and Virginia Monument.

Virginia Monument (Auto Tour 5)

We'll continue driving along the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road. The infamous Pickett's Charge on Day 3 began at this stop, but we'll save that story for a little later on the tour. Instead, we'll now enter the second day of battle. Troops on both sides have begun to organize and mobilize. Whose strategy will finally succeed?

Pitzer Woods (Auto Tour 6) & Longstreet Observation Tower

Our drive takes us past the Longstreet Observation Tower, which offers a great vantage point over the second day's battlefield.

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Here we can take an optional detour off of the Gettysburg Auto Road to visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site, which overlooks the battlefield. President Eisenhower often stayed here.

Warfield Ridge (Auto Tour 7)

We're back on the Gettysburg Road, following the activities of Day 2 of the battle. Confederate troops assemble here, ready to attack one of the strategic Union outposts. Specially trained Union marksmen are in position to defend. The stage is set....

Little Round Top (Auto Tour 8)

Our drive passes Little Round Top, a critical skirmish site on the second day. Here Union soldiers just barely hold off Confederate troops, maintaining their control of this strategic hill. As we drive around the hill, we'll cross the Valley of Death -- an appropriate name for the site of such a bloody skirmish.

Devil's Den

Here, Confederate sharpshooters set up positions among the volcanic rocks. From the safety of the rocky cover at Devil's Den, they’re able to pick off soldier after soldier on the Union side.

The Wheat Field (Auto Tour 9)

We continue driving along the Gettysburg Auto Road, passing the Wheat Fields. This area represented the second major skirmish site on Day 2. We'll find ourselves in the heat of battle, fighting alongside Union soldiers to defend against the Confederates. We'll also learn about the strange tale of Union soldier JJ Purman.

The Peach Orchard (Auto Tour 10)

Our drives take us past the Peach Orchard, where the battles of the second day continued. We'll start seeing which strategies were successful and which were not as we drive past.

The Abraham Trostle Farm

We'll continue past the Trostle farm. When fighting broke out in Gettysburg, the Trostle family fled their home. They left so abruptly that dinner was still on the table!

Plum Run (Auto Tour 11)

Our journey along the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road now takes us to Plum Run, where we catch up with the soldiers who just escaped the skirmish at the Peach Orchard.

The George Weikert Farm

We'll continue towards the George Weikert Farm. Like the Trostles, the Weikert's hastily evacuated when the battle erupted. But they returned to a grislier scene -- their farm had been converted into a battlefield hospital. As we drive, we'll learn a little about military doctors and the effects of war.

Pennsylvania Memorial (Auto Tour 12)

Our path brings us to the Pennsylvania Memorial. This monument commemorates the nearly 35,000 Pennsylvanian soldiers who fought in this battle. While the stakes were high for everyone, they were particularly intense for these men of Pennsylvania: they weren’t fighting for an abstract idea, they were fighting for their very state.

Spangler's Spring (Auto Tour 13)

The Gettysburg Auto Road brings us deeper into the Gettysburg woods, where we'll come across Spangler's Spring. We'll dive into the significance of this small but mighty site and then continue forward to Culp's Hill Tower. Here, Union and Confederate soldiers clashed again, fighting for control of this strategic outpost. Luckily for the Union, they are able to defend the hill until evening finally descended.

East Cemetery Hill (Auto Tour 14)

We continue the driving tour to East Cemetery Hill. Night has fallen across the battlefield, and ordinarily, this would mean an end to the fighting. But the Confederate failure to fully capture Culp’s Hill bothers them, so they try a nighttime raid. This was the moment the Union came closest to losing. Through a mixture of perseverance, skill, and luck, the Union prevailed. Once we explore this historic site and understand what was at stake, we'll continue driving. Day 2 has come to a close; the third and final day of battle is ahead.

The High Water Mark (Auto Tour 15)

The third-day dawns, and the Union and Confederate troops prepare for a final, epic battle. This is the infamous Pickett's Charge by the Confederates. We'll stand at the top of the hill, looking down at the empty expanse of the final battlefield. As we follow the progress of this last charge, we'll take a look at the "high water mark" -- the spot that marks the farthest the Confederacy advanced up the hill, towards the Union defenses.

National Cemetery (Auto Tour 16)

We'll follow the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road to the final stop: the National Cemetery. Here we visit and honor the graves of the fallen Union soldiers who defended their country and morals.

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

This is also the site of President Abraham Lincoln's famed Gettysburg Address. Given the monumental nature of the battle, most people expected President Lincoln to deliver quite a lengthy speech. But Lincoln didn’t want to steal attention that he believed belonged to the Union soldiers who sacrificed their lives here. Our tour officially ends at this final, poignant stop.

Preview The Tour

  can you tour gettysburg without a guide.

These days, there are much better options for touring a historic site like this than the type of Gettysburg guide you might have in mind. More specifically, you can get a rich, exciting, and complete tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield by using an app!

  Can you drive through the Gettysburg Battlefield?

While the roads through the park will take you close to the major battlefields, in many areas, you’ll have to get out of the car to actually stand on the fields where the combat took place, such as Little Round Top. A Gettysburg Driving Tour app will help you locate the specific battlefield sites so you can get up close and personal with history.

  Is Gettysburg open in the winter?

Now, folks generally associate the Gettysburg Battlefield with the hot, humid days of summer, especially since the battle itself took place on the first three days of July 1863. Ironically, that’s exactly what makes winter such a good time to visit Gettysburg.

  Can you tour Gettysburg by car?

Absolutely you can! In fact, I’d say a Gettysburg driving tour is the absolute best way to experience this historic battlefield. Sure, you could pay to hop on a tour bus, but then you’re on someone else’s schedule and won’t have the chance to really explore the key sites across the field.

  What’s the weather like in Gettysburg?

Luckily for traveling history buffs, the weather in Gettysburg is fairly predictable, even during the peak days of summer. The average temperature maxes out at around 85 degrees fahrenheit. That said, if you’re used to dry heat, the humidity on the Gettysburg Battlefield is something to keep in mind.

  What is the best time of the year to visit Gettysburg?

If you’re going for authenticity, summer is the season for you. The heat and yellowing grass will give you a great idea of the conditions under which the Union and Confederate soldiers fought all those years ago. For comfort, however, spring or fall are more temperate, have smaller crowds, and offer more pleasant scenery.

  What are 3 facts about the Gettysburg battlefield?

The battle itself stretched for three days and involved more than 160,000 soldiers. There were a staggering 120 generals present on the battlefield, of whom nine were mortally wounded or killed. But despite the size of the struggle, only one civilian was killed during the fighting.

  What was unique about the Battle of Gettysburg?

The Battle of Gettysburg served as a major turning point in the Civil War. Many historians consider it the closest the Confederacy ever got to defeating the Union and winning the war.

  How many died at Gettysburg per day?

There were nearly 50,000 casualties during the Battle of Gettysburg, including almost 8,000 dead. The first day saw 15,000 casualties, and the third saw nearly as many, but the second day remains the bloodiest day of the battle. Over 20,000 men were killed, injured, or went missing on that second day of fighting.

  Why is the Gettysburg Battlefield important?

The Battle of Gettysburg target=”_blank” marks the point where the Confederate invasion of the North came to an abrupt end, signalling the beginning of the end for the rebellion. Had Lee emerged victorious at Gettysburg, he would have marched on other Northern cities, and perhaps even Washington, D.C., changing the course of history.

  Are there still bodies at Gettysburg?

There are still bodies buried in unmarked graves across the Gettysburg battlefield, but don’t worry about accidentally stumbling upon one of these grisly sites. It happens quite rarely, and always makes for big news when it does. For more details, read our blog post .

  Can you walk Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg?

Walking Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg is an experience like no other, and you should absolutely do it if you have the chance! Following in the footsteps of all those men who rushed to their untimely end, looking up at the same ridge they hoped to take… It makes this historic battle feel a whole lot more real.

  Why did people fight at Gettysburg?

Confederate and Union forces battled at Gettysburg during General Lee’s invasion of the North. The Union decided to engage Lee’s forces here in order to prevent him from advancing any farther toward key strategic positions like Harrisburg or Washington, D.C.

  How long did the battle of Gettysburg last?

The Battle of Gettysburg lasted for three long, bloody days. It began on July 1st, 1863 and raged until the late afternoon of July 3rd.

  How many days do you need to tour Gettysburg?

A single day is sufficient to tour the Gettysburg battlefield, even if you’d like to explore the town of Gettysburg afterward. Still, it’s a good idea to start in the morning to make sure you have enough time to see everything.

  What is a must see when I travel to Gettysburg?

When visiting Gettysburg, you’ll definitely want to see crucial battlefield landmarks like Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top, and Devil’s Den. Luckily, the Auto Tour Route which weaves throughout the park leads directly past all these important sites.

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Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy the refuge auto tour route for spectacular wildlife observation and photography experiences! All refuge complex auto tour routes are one-way unless marked otherwise. Please stay in your vehicle on auto tour routes, except at designated areas where signage indicates getting out is allowed. Many wildlife species are accustomed to slow-moving vehicles, so your automobile is often your best “blind.” No foot traffic, bicycles, or horses are allowed on the auto tour routes. The all-weather roads are constructed of compacted gravel and remain firm even during wet weather.

Merced NWR auto tour route

Length: 5 miles

Season: Open year-round

Access: Main entrance off Sandy Mush Rd

Road Surface: All-weather compacted gravel

The Merced auto tour route is a 5-mile loop that surrounds seasonal wetlands before heading across native uplands, refuge farm fields, and irrigated pastures. Visitors can access two elevated wildlife observation platforms along the tour route. One at the entrance parking lot provides a permanently-mounted spotting scope and a series of interpretive panels. The entrance parking lot also provides an information kiosk to orient visitors and access to a vault restroom facility.

The second observation deck is at the southeast corner of the route along with a picnic table. It also has a spotting scope. Visitors can leave their vehicles in the parking lot provided there and proceed to the observation deck or to the Bittern Marsh nature trail.

The Merced NWR provides seasonal spectacles of tens of thousands of snow and Ross’ geese in the winter and upwards of 20,000 lesser sandhill cranes roosting in the ponds or feeding in uplands. Visitors during the winter are also almost guaranteed to see large numbers of various waterfowl species like northern pintail, green-winged teal, and northern shoveler, among others, as well as numbers of shorebirds like black-necked stilt, American avocet, and white-faced ibis.

In the spring, the ponds in the southeast corner reliably host large numbers of black-bellied plover and dunlin. Keep your eyes peeled for surprises like a migrating snowy plover or stilt sandpiper. In the spring and early summer large flocks of tri-colored blackbird frequently nest and forage on the refuge. The wide-open landscape surrounding the auto tour route often encourages the presence of a variety of raptors. Bald eagles are often spotted in the winter and burrowing owls in the grasslands.

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Lewis & Clark Auto Tours of the Great Rivers

Discoveries await throughout the region, GO ADVENTURING!

If you’re looking to explore the sights and history on offer in Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, follow the Lewis and Clark Auto Tours.

Illinois’ Great Rivers Area Tour

Illinois auto tour 1.

This self-guided auto tour includes Hartford, the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Wood River and a re-created Fort River Dubois, Alton, the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway and the Great Rivers Museum and Vandalia with its historic Vandalia Statehouse State Historical Site.

Illinois Ohio River Valley Tour

Illinois auto tour 2.

This self-guided auto tour includes the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest, Rim Rock National Recreational Trail, Cave in Rock, Fort Massac State Historic Park, and Metropolis with its world-famous Super Museum.

Illinois Frontier Tour

Illinois auto tour 3.

This self-guided auto tour includes Fort Kaskaskia, Carbondale/Murphysboro, Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, Cahokia, Hartford, the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Wood River and a re-created Fort River Dubois, Alton, the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway and the Great Rivers Museum, and Grafton at Pere Marquette State Park and Visitors Center.

St. Louis, Cape Girardeau & St. Charles Tour

Missouri auto tour 1.

This self-guided auto tour includes St. Louis with its Gateway Arch, the Saint Louis Zoo and Anheuser-Busch brewery; historic St. Charles and the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center, Cape Girardeau, the Trail of Tears State Park, Potosi and Mark Twain National Forest and Eureka and Six Flags St. Louis, the “Coaster Capital of Missouri.”

St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson City & Columbia Missouri Tour

Missouri auto tour 2.

This self-guided auto tour includes St. Louis with its Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse and Laclede’s Landing, historic St. Charles with great shopping and the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center, Katy Trail State Park, Washington and the Fort Charrette Village and Museum, Jefferson City with historic Jefferson Landing, Columbia with Bluestem Missouri Crafts’ boutiques.

Jefferson City, Columbia & Ozarks Tour

Missouri Auto Tour 3

This self-guided auto tour includes Jefferson City and the historic Missouri State Capitol, Columbia and the State Historical Art Galleries with the work of Thomas Hart Benton, Boonville and the Boonville Village Center and River, Rails and Trails Museum, Arrow Rock, Sedalia, Ha Ha Tonka State park, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

Kansas City MO & Freedom’s Frontier Tour

Missouri auto tour 5.

This self-guided auto tour includes Kansas City Missouri and Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, National World War I Museum, Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area museums and Civil War battlefields, Joplin, Branson and Mark Twain National Forest and Independence with the Harry National Trails Museum.

Kansas City KS, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan & Overland Park Tour

Kansas auto tour 1.

This self-guided auto tour includes Kansas City Kansas and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Kansas Speedway and the Village West Shopping area, Leavenworth with the Frontier Army Museum and historic Ft. Leavenworth, Atchison with Lewis and Clark Riverfront Pavilion and the Atchison County Historical Museum and Santa Fe Depot, Manhattan and the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Konza Prairie Biological Station, Topeka, Lawrence and Overland Park with the Deanna Rose Children’s farmstead and the Museum at Prairiefire.

Kansas City KS, Salina and Wichita Tour

Kansas auto tour 2.

This self-guided auto tour includes Kansas City Kansas and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Cabela’s and Legends Outlets Kansas City, Olathe with the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site, Topeka with the historic Kansas Capitol, Manhattan with the Flint Hills Discovery Center, Abilene and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Salina and the Rolling Hills Zoo and Wichita.

Kansas City KS and Freedom’s Frontier Tour

Kansas Auto Tour 3

This self-guided auto tour includes Kansas City Kansas, Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, Leavenworth with historic Fort Leavenworth, Topeka and Old Prairie Town, Lawrence, Overland Park and the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Olathe and the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site.

This program is sponsored and funded in part by the National Park Service Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation; Illinois: the Greater Metropolis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Friends of Fort Massac, the City of Vandalia, and Illinois Ohio River Scenic Byway; Missouri: Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, Washington Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the City of Boonville; Kansas: the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, the Kansas City Kansas Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Salina Chamber of Commerce, the Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, the Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Overland Park and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

© 2012–2018 The Middle Missouri River Lewis and Clark Network

No longer the kid, Ty Majeski is as good a teacher as a young short-track racer could want

SLINGER – “Old” is relative.

In some ways, it does seem as though Ty Majeski has been around the Wisconsin, Midwest and national super late model scene for quite a while. He just started his 12 th season with the same group from the La Crosse area.

The kid from Seymour will turn 30 this August.

“I don’t feel like I’m the old guy, but I am,” Majeski said. “Probably the veteran. When you’re racing guys half your age, I think that classifies you.”

The veteran put a hurting on competition young and old Sunday, winning the 100-lap ASA Midwest Tour season-opening Jerry “Bear” Priesgen Memorial at Slinger Speedway by more than six seconds.

Ty Fredrickson, the impressive 15-year-old Midwest Tour rookie to whom Majeski alluded, didn’t challenge a week after scoring an impressive victory at Dells Raceway Park, getting into several tangles and falling out early in 21 st .

Still, youth was well represented with Max Kahler, 21, finishing second and Luke Fenhaus, 20, in third. Both have talked about watching Majeski race while they were growing up.

“I used to be those 15-year-olds,” said Kahler, a finalist in the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, nine years after Majeski won the first.

“I’m not an old guy, but I’m one of the older young guys for sure. It’s kind of hard to believe Ty is that old. … But hopefully we’ll be winning as many races when I’m 30.”

Majeski’s super late model victory total includes three Slinger Nationals, 35 on the Midwest Tour plus five championships, and all the major races of that type around the country. The biggest, the Snowball Derby, he’s won twice. Majeski also has three NASCAR truck victories.

“You always learn from people, even if they’re not (directly) helping you, just racing against other guys, the veterans – I’ve been able to travel all across the country, race different people, experience different racetracks and be in a lot of different scenarios,” Majeski said. “And you learn from those different scenarios you’re in.

“In every race I run, I learn something, good or bad. All the years of racing really good racers, whether it be in the South or in the Midwest, you always take something and remember it and be better next time.”

Which brings us back to Sunday.

Kahler started on the pole after the 12 fastest qualifiers were inverted and led the first 21 laps. Majeski got past on a restart, and from there Kahler just tried to glean what he could on the tricky quarter-mile track.

“After that final restart in that race, he got clear of me, I got down and followed him for 10-15 laps and then he just set sail,” Kahler said. “Then toward the end, everyone was the same pace, and he just seemed to have something left. I’d like to think he saved something. But he just figured something out and was able to drive a lot better than the rest of us.

“Whether that be my driving or the car, either one, both combined will have to be better than (Majeski) hopefully at the end of the day.”

Majeski, who started fourth, is known for being strong on restarts, so Kahler had a good teacher, just like the veterans from whom the winner learned.

If wisdom comes with age, then Majeski is wise enough to know that his learning on the racetrack will continue for as long he straps in a car. Like Kahler, Majeski and crew chief Toby Nuttleman added to their base of knowledge Sunday, too.

“Anytime you win a race like this, everybody else is going to be getting better next week,” Majeski said. “It’s always evolving, and it’s hard to continually win races. It just is. Just thinking of how far our cars and me and Toby have come and our entire team in the last 11 years is just crazy how far we’ve all come on all facets of our program. You have to keep evolving with the sport.

“Racing evolves very, very quickly and it’s very humbling very quickly at times. Always got to keep your nose down, try to get better. I feel like we could get maybe a little better today. I know it maybe doesn’t look like that, but you have to keep getting better, right? When you get content, that’s when you’re going to get beat.”

 ASA Midwest Tour Jerry “Bear” Priesgen Memorial at Slinger Speedway

Feature results

1. Ty Majeski

2. Max Kahler

3. Luke Fenhaus

4. Alex Prunty

5. Derek Kraus

6. John DeAngelis

7. Steve Apel

8. Brad Keith

9. Gabe Sommers

10. Levon VanDerGeest

11. Jonathan Shafer

12. Justin Mondeik

13. Dennis Prunty

14.  Jesse Bernhagen

15. Riley Stenjem

16. Joe Valento

17. RJ Braun

18. Braden Berge

19. Grant Griesbach

20. Brad Mueller

21. Ty Fredrickson

22. Nick Egan

23. Ryan DeStefano

24. Rich Loch

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Voitures de légende, épreuves chronométrées et hommage : le Tour Auto fait étape dans l’Armagnac

l'essentiel 246 équipages feront halte à Riscle, ce vendredi 26 avril, avant de mettre les gaz pour des spéciales chronométrées à Saint-Griède puis sur le circuit de Nogaro.

Le Tour Auto fera étape dans le Gers le vendredi 26 avril. Une étape prolongée puisque les 246 équipages actionneront d’abord le frein à main autour des arènes de Riscle où l’association taurine locale, le Tendido Risclois, assurera le meilleur accueil à la mi-journée. Le Tour Auto dont les voitures ouvreuses sont pilotées par deux géants du sport auto, Ari Vatanen et Eric Hélary, évoluera ensuite sur une épreuve chronométrée dans le secteur de Saint-Griède.

Les précautions s’imposeront à tous car les routes avoisinantes, dont la départementale 152 entre Lanne-Soubiran et Saint-Griède, seront fermées à la circulation entre 13 h et 19 h. Des déviations seront mises en place, par Nogaro notamment, où le circuit, en accès libre aussi pour le public, accueillera pour une autre épreuve chronométrée, les concurrents à partir de 15 heures avant leur départ vers Pau via Barcelonne-du-Gers puis Aire-sur-l’Adour.

Des voitures légendaires….

Pas moins de 246 voitures légendaires (Bugatti T57, Ford GT40, Shelby Cobra, Jaguar Type E, Ferrari 275 GTB, Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Maserati, Matra, Alpine A110, Lancia Stratos) composent ce rutilant peloton.

En cinq étapes entre Paris et Biarritz cette année, cette compétition organisée par Peter Auto reprend le modèle du feu Tour de France Automobile (1899-1986) avec des épreuves chronométrées sur circuit et des "spéciales" sur route fermée (type rallye), le tout relié par des itinéraires de liaison.

Les voitures selon leur âge et leur indice de performance sont réparties en 4 classes. Un classement final de la Régularité ( l ici la vitesse ne compte pas, l’objectif est d’être le plus proche d’un temps donné avant chaque épreuve) et un classement Compétition établi à partir des temps réalisés lors des épreuves chronométrées, sont établis à l’arrivée.

…dont la DB de Paul Armagnac

Sur le circuit de Nogaro, à toutes "les pépites" en course s’ajoutera la DB HBR5 Le Mans 57 que pilota Paul Armagnac. Ce pilote gersois, né à Toulouse le 28 novembre 1924, succomba deux jours après un accident survenu sur le circuit de Monthléry en octobre 1962.

Dix ans plus tôt, l’ancien rallyman devenu une valeur sûre de la course sur circuit, avait pris part au Tour de France Auto l’une des nombreuses compétitions auxquelles il participa durant sa carrière de pilote qu’il mena de pair avec son métier d’huissier de justice à Riscle.

Le circuit de Nogaro, qui porte son nom, honore sa mémoire en exposant cette DB HBR 5 en cette année du centenaire de la naissance de celui qui fut aussi un passionné d’aviation et un résistant au sein du Bataillon de l’Armagnac.

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Tour Auto 2024 : Une montre Baltic et une horloge de bord en édition limitée

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La jeune marque horlogère française, chronométreur officiel de la célèbre course automobile historique, pousse la collaboration un cran plus loin.

Les amateurs de belles montres également passionnés de belles voitures ne sont pas rares, tant s'en faut. Chez Baltic, jeune maison basée à Paris, c'est clairement le cas. Mais que peut-on faire de plus, de mieux, que de conduire un vieux bolide anglais,allemand ou italien au gré des lacets d'une route de montagne, sous le soleil, un beau chronographe au poignet ? On peut participer à une course, côtoyer des légendes, voire devenir le chronométreur officiel d'une épreuve. C'est le cas de Baltic, chronométreur officiel du Tour Auto 2024, mais dont la BMW M1 Procar accompagnera les compétiteurs sur les routes de France, avec au volant un pilote de légende : Ari Vatanen, champion du monde des rallyes et quadruple vainqueur du Rallye Paris Dakar, entre 1987 et 1991.

Réincarnation historique du Tour de France Automobile, créé en 1899 par l'Automobile Club de France, le Tour Auto s'élance de Paris le 22 avril, destination Biarritz le 27 avril. Plus de 250 équipages de compétiteurs vont encore arpenter les routes de France cette année. Pour l'occasion, Baltic dévoile une montre de pilote aux couleurs de l'épreuve, une Tricompax en édition limitée à 500 exemplaires.

Dotée d'un mouvement chronographe mécanique à remontage manuel Sellita SW510-M, avec plus de 60 heures de réserve de marche, cette Tricompax Baltic x Tour Auto 2024 en acier mesure 47 mm de corne à corne. Son cadran Tricompax est habillé d'un beige clair mat contrastant avec trois sous-compteurs cerclés de noir et revêtus des couleurs historiques du Tour de France Automobile. La lunette à échelle tachymétrique est conçue pour mesurer des vitesses allant jusqu'à 200 km/h, si les gentlemen drivers veulent lâcher les chevaux sur les routes de campagne (dans le respect du code de la route, bien évidemment). Ari Vatanen, de nouveau ouvreur officiel du rallye au volant de la BMW M1 Procar portera cette montre au bracelet en Alcantara bleu nuit durant les 2 000 km du rallye.

Chacune de ces 500 montres livrées en mai prochain sera accompagnée d'un Rally Timer (chronographe et horloge de bord) exclusif. Une magnifique idée, collant à merveille à l'esprit de la course et aux bolides qui y participent. Les amateurs s'offrant cette série limitée de 500 packs numérotés proposée à 2520 € disposeront ainsi de deux instruments iconiques du sport mécanique : D'une part une horloge de bord au cadran noir mat offrant une lecture simple et rapide de l'heure. D'autre part un chronographe de bord au cadran gris clair mat, animé par un mouvement à remontage manuel Hanhart avec fonction "flyback" (retour en vol). Cette “stopwatch” taillée pour mesurer les temps au tour sur circuit ou les chronos de

• Baltic Prismic, quatre montres cocktail fines, chic, colorées... et assemblées en France !
• Un Quantième Perpétuel signé Baltic Experiments
• Baltic et Peter Auto en pole position
• Abonnez-vous au Figaro Style sur Instagram : l’art de vivre selon Le Figaro

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