U.S. Numbered Highway System

Explore the U.S. Numbered Highway System—historic routes, major corridors, and scenic roads connecting every region of the country. Learn more about U.S. Highways across America.

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The U.S. Numbered Highway System—often referred to as U.S. Routes or U.S. Highways—is a nationwide network of roads established in 1926 to improve long-distance automobile travel across the United States. Unlike the Interstate system, U.S. Highways predate freeways and often serve as main streets, scenic byways, or vital connectors through rural and urban communities alike. Many historic routes, including iconic roads like U.S. Route 66, trace their roots to this enduring network.

These highways use a grid system for numbering: odd-numbered routes run north–south, increasing from east to west, while even-numbered routes run east–west, increasing from north to south. Important cross-country highways typically end in “0” or “1” (like US 20 or US 1), and three-digit offshoots usually indicate spurs or loops branching from mainline routes.

Today, the U.S. Highway system continues to evolve—some segments have been decommissioned, realigned, or upgraded to freeways—but many routes remain essential for regional travel, trucking, and scenic exploration. This category explores the entire U.S. Numbered Highway network, from coast to coast and border to border.

Discover U.S. Routes

U.S. Route 70: Westbound in Hot Springs – Arkansas

U.S. Route 70: Westbound in Hot Springs – Arkansas

Explore the southern edge of Hot Springs, Arkansas, as we follow U.S. Route 70 westbound for 12 miles along the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway. This efficient bypass connects key parts of the city and showcases the transition from urban bustle to wooded tranquili…

U.S. Route 70: Benton to Hot Springs – Arkansas

U.S. Route 70: Benton to Hot Springs – Arkansas

Travel west along a forgotten stretch of U.S. Route 70 from Benton to Hot Springs, Arkansas. This archival drive captures the two-lane highway before it was modernized into a four-lane corridor—offering a nostalgic look at rural Arkansas and the winding route once kno…

U.S. Route 67: Pocahontas to Walnut Ridge – Arkansas

U.S. Route 67: Pocahontas to Walnut Ridge – Arkansas

Take a scenic drive along U.S. Route 67 from Pocahontas to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. This 13-mile journey reveals the transition from small-town roads to modern divided highway, with views of farmland, historic towns, and the roots of future I-57.

U.S. Route 67: Missouri State Line to Corning – Arkansas

U.S. Route 67: Missouri State Line to Corning – Arkansas

Take a short but vital drive down U.S. Route 67 from the Missouri State Line to Corning, Arkansas. Explore the agricultural landscape, regional infrastructure, and community connections that define this 7-mile stretch in Clay County.

U.S. Route 60: Sikeston to Poplar Bluff – Missouri

U.S. Route 60: Sikeston to Poplar Bluff – Missouri

Travel 51 miles west on U.S. Route 60 from Sikeston to Poplar Bluff, Missouri. This at-grade divided highway—partially upgraded to interstate standards—is a key connector through the Bootheel’s farmland and small towns like Dexter and Fisk.

U.S. Route 62: Fort Defiance – Illinois

U.S. Route 62: Fort Defiance – Illinois

Take a short but powerful drive along U.S. Route 62 from U.S. Highway 51 to Fort Defiance, Illinois, and on into Missouri. Explore the historic confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and cross the Cairo Mississippi River Bridge into the heart of America.