The Best Road Trips for Thrill-Seekers
The world is packed with awe-inspiring drives — from cliff-hugging switchbacks to sweeping ocean crossings — that deliver equal parts beauty and adrenaline. Whether you crave dizzying heights, endless curves, or just the thrill of being somewhere truly wild, these routes will test your courage and reward you with unforgettable views.
8. Tail of the Dragon — North Carolina & Tennessee, USA
Only 11 miles long, but packed with 318 curves, the Tail of the Dragon is legendary among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. Every bend brings blind hills, tight turns, and dense Appalachian forest. Short in distance but huge in intensity, it’s one of the most exhilarating stretches of road in the U.S.
7. Route 66 — USA
Nicknamed the “Main Street of America,” this nearly 2,500-mile journey from Illinois to California is a bucket-list classic. Route 66 trades hair-raising danger for cultural thrill — taking you from snowy mountains to desert canyons, big cities to forgotten towns. The adventure here is in the variety and nostalgia of the open road.
6. Atlantic Road — Norway
A five-mile marvel that hops between islands via seven bridges, the Atlantic Road is as beautiful as it is intimidating. Sharp turns, sudden drops, and the possibility of waves crashing over the asphalt during storms make this route unforgettable — and a little humbling.
5. Tianmen Shan Big Gate — China
Carved into “Heaven’s Gate Mountain” in Hunan Province, this road climbs from 200 to 1,300 feet with 99 hairpin turns and narrow tunnels. The higher you go, the more spectacular (and nerve-wracking) the views become, with sheer drops into the surrounding Tianmen National Park.
4. The Widow-Maker — United Kingdom
Also known as the Cat and Fiddle Road, this scenic stretch winds through the English countryside with sharp bends, steep drops, and stone walls just inches from your wheels. Beautiful yet dangerous, it has one of the highest accident rates in the UK, so drive it with respect.
3. Road to Hana — Hawaii, USA
Hugging East Maui’s coastline, the Road to Hana is 65 miles of cliffs, waterfalls, and ocean views — plus 620 curves and dozens of one-lane bridges. Narrow and often windy, it demands focus, but rewards drivers with one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
2. Overseas Highway — Florida, USA
Connecting Miami to Key West over 113 miles of bridges and causeways, this is a smoother, sunnier kind of thrill. Surrounded by turquoise water and endless skies, the Overseas Highway delivers pure tropical bliss — especially at sunset.
1. Death Road — Bolivia
Officially known as Yungas Road, this 43-mile route between La Paz and Coroico earns its nickname. Clinging to the mountainside with sheer drops of over 4,000 feet, no guardrails, and barely enough space for two vehicles, it’s as terrifying as it is beautiful. Best tackled by experienced drivers — or brave cyclists.
Bottom line: Whether it’s the curves of the Tail of the Dragon, the storm-swept Atlantic Road, or the dizzying heights of Death Road, these routes prove that the journey can be the ultimate destination.