Take a peaceful 8-mile drive along U.S. Route 321 from Wears Valley to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This short Smoky Mountains route pairs stunning views and mountain charm with easy access to Pigeon Forge’s lively attractions.
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.
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 129: Deals Gap to Tallassee ~ Tail of the Dragon – NC/TN
Cruise the legendary Tail of the Dragon on U.S. Route 129 from Deals Gap to Tallassee — a 15-mile thrill ride through the Smoky Mountains featuring 318 famous curves, forest tunnels, and breathtaking mountain views.
U.S. Route 321: Pigeon Forge to Wears Valley – Tennessee
Cruise 8 miles along U.S. Route 321 from Pigeon Forge to Wears Valley, Tennessee, where lively roadside attractions give way to serene Smoky Mountain scenery, rustic cabins, and open valley views—perfect for a quick scenic drive or a gateway to deeper adventures.
U.S. Route 321: Cosby to Gatlinburg – Tennessee
Explore the scenic 15-mile drive along U.S. Route 321 from Cosby to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This route winds through rural farmland, forested hills, and into the bustling heart of the Smokies, offering a perfect mix of mountain scenery and local attractions.
U.S. Route 276: Maggie Valley to I-40 – North Carolina
Cruise six scenic miles along U.S. Route 276 from Maggie Valley to Interstate 40 in North Carolina. Enjoy forested slopes, rustic homesteads, and a taste of classic mountain countryside before merging onto I-40 westbound.
U.S. Route 19: Lake Junaluska to Maggie Valley
Cruise U.S. Route 19 from Lake Junaluska to Maggie Valley in North Carolina—a quick 4.5-mile drive through rolling hills, small-town charm, and classic Smoky Mountain scenery, ending at the iconic Wheels Through Time Museum.
U.S. Route 276: Waynesville to Lake Junaluska – North Carolina
Experience a short but scenic drive along U.S. Route 276 from Waynesville to Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. This quick connector route offers mountain town charm, easy access to lakeside trails, and a perfect taste of western North Carolina’s relaxing vibe.
U.S. Route 74: Balsam to Waynesville – North Carolina
Enjoy a peaceful 7-mile drive along U.S. Route 74 from Balsam to Waynesville, North Carolina. Follow us from the Blue Ridge Parkway through Hazelwood and into the scenic gateway of Waynesville with tips on what to see along the way.
U.S. Route 74: Lake Junaluska to Balsam, North Carolina.
Take a scenic drive along U.S. Route 74 from Lake Junaluska to Balsam, North Carolina. Discover charming mountain towns, beautiful Blue Ridge views, and easy access to the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.
U.S. Route 70: Crossville to Rockwood – Tennessee
Take a scenic drive along historic U.S. Route 70 from Crossville to Rockwood, Tennessee. This 24-mile route winds through farmland, forested ridges, and charming communities along the Cumberland Plateau — offering a relaxed alternative to I-40 with stops like Ozone Fa…
U.S. Highway 127 – Signal Mountain to Chattanooga – Tennessee
Experience the scenic 5-mile drive along U.S. Highway 127 from Signal Mountain to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Descend over 1,700 feet, enjoy sweeping valley views, historic neighborhoods, and a lively city atmosphere as you roll into downtown Chattanooga. Perfect for travel…
U.S. Highway 412: Hayti to Kennett – Missouri
Cruise 16 miles west on U.S. Highway 412 from Hayti to Kennett, Missouri. This relaxed drive showcases the Bootheel’s open farmland, local culture, and easy access to classic small-town stops. Perfect for roadtrippers and travelers exploring southeast Missouri.