Take a short but significant drive along Oklahoma Highway 51 from Tulsa to Broken Arrow. This 7-mile journey highlights a key commuter route through suburban Tulsa, ending at the Muskogee Turnpike.
State Highways
Explore America’s diverse network of state highways—regional routes managed by individual states that connect towns, cities, parks, and scenic landscapes.
State highways form the backbone of regional travel across the United States, offering essential connections between cities, rural communities, and major national routes. Managed by individual state departments of transportation, these highways vary widely in scale—from narrow rural byways to multi-lane expressways rivaling interstates in traffic and speed. While numbering systems and signage conventions differ from state to state, each network plays a critical role in local mobility and economic development.
Unlike the federally designated Interstate and U.S. Highway systems, state highways are developed and maintained at the state level, giving them a unique character and flexibility. Some follow historic paths and scenic corridors, while others serve as modern commuter routes or urban spurs. Many are vital links to state parks, natural attractions, and lesser-known destinations that don’t fall within the national systems.
On this site, we highlight a growing collection of notable state highways, organized by region and state. Whether you’re tracing a scenic loop through the mountains, navigating a fast-moving corridor through a metro area, or exploring forgotten rural routes, our guides offer detailed overviews, and video journeys to help you plan your next adventure.
State Highway vs Route vs Road…
State Departments of Transportation use different terminology for their designated road systems, with some states using “state highway,” others “state road,” and still others “state route.” These distinctions, though seemingly minor, often reflect historical and legislative traditions within each state. The choice of a particular term can be tied to the legal language used when the road network was first established or expanded. For example, a state might have initially defined its network as a “system of highways” for commerce and travel, while another may have focused on creating a “system of roads” for local and inter-city connections. The term “state route” is often a more modern designation that emphasizes a specific numbered path for navigation rather than the physical characteristics or purpose of the road itself. While the exact reasoning for each state’s choice is complex and rooted in its unique history, the map on the right provides a visual guide to which term is used where.
Explore State Routes
Oklahoma Highway 51: Broken Arrow to Tulsa – Oklahoma
Take a short but essential drive along OK-51 from Broken Arrow to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This 7-mile suburban expressway connects the Muskogee Turnpike with US-64, revealing Tulsa’s rapid suburban expansion and key interchanges.
Kansas Highway K-7: Troy to Nebraska
Explore the scenic and historic Kansas Highway K-7 from Troy to the Nebraska state line. Travel past farmland, wooded hills, and the Four State Lookout along the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway.
Missouri Route 152: Kansas City
Drive Missouri Route 152 through northern Kansas City on a 5-mile westbound stretch from I-29 to I-435. Explore this key suburban corridor past Zona Rosa and Tiffany Springs Park.
New Mexico Road 333: Albuquerque to Tijeras
Travel the historic Route 66 along New Mexico State Road 333 from Albuquerque to Tijeras. Explore the Musical Highway, scenic views of the Sandia Mountains, and remnants of Americana in this short but memorable desert drive.
California Route 110 – Arroyo Seco Pkwy: Pasadena to Los Angeles
Take a scenic and historic drive down California Route 110’s Arroyo Seco Parkway from Pasadena to Los Angeles. Once part of Route 66, this iconic 10-mile freeway was the first in the western U.S. and offers vintage charm and classic LA views.
California Route 210: Rancho Cucamonga to San Dimas
Drive 19 miles west on California Route 210 from Rancho Cucamonga to San Dimas. This Foothill Freeway segment passes through the Inland Empire and Claremont before meeting Historic Route 66 and ending near the iconic town of San Dimas.
Tennessee Route 385: Millington – Arlington
Explore Tennessee Route 385 from Millington to Arlington with this 17-mile drive through suburban Shelby County. Follow this high-speed corridor past Millington’s Navy base, rolling hills, and the eastern edge of Memphis.
Tennessee Highway 385 – Arlington – Millington
Drive Tennessee State Route 385 west from Arlington to Millington in this 17-mile scenic corridor connecting I-40 and US-51. Explore rolling hills, rural interchanges, and the gateway to Naval Support Activity Mid-South.
Oklahoma Highway 66: Oklahoma City to El Reno – Route 66
Take a scenic 28-mile drive along Oklahoma Highway 66 from Oklahoma City to El Reno, exploring Route 66 landmarks, Lake Overholser Bridge, and the historic towns of Yukon and El Reno.
Tennessee Route 120: Bumpus Mills to Kentucky
Take a short but scenic drive along Tennessee Route 120 from Bumpus Mills to the Kentucky state line. This 3-mile rural route winds through wooded hills and farmland, offering a peaceful glimpse into Stewart County’s countryside.
Tennessee Route 22: Huntingdon to McKenzie
Explore a swift and scenic drive along Tennessee State Route 22 from Huntingdon to McKenzie. This 11-mile journey connects two Carroll County towns with a four-lane bypass and rural charm, ending at the US-79 junction toward Paris.