Americans over 50 have a habit of sticking to certain road trips. Yes, these trips feel familiar, but they’re never dull, and they keep appearing because they’re so easy to manage. They also don’t require too much from the older crowd, so they’re perfect for those with slower travel in mind. Here are seven road trip routes that Americans aged over 50 keep taking.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile route that goes from Mississippi all the way up toward Tennessee, and it feels nothing like traveling on a modern highway. There are no billboards or trucks. As such, there’s no pressure to hurry, especially since the speed limit stays relatively low the entire way, and that’s part of the appeal.
Many over-50s travel down this route in segments. They’ll stop at historic sights & short walking paths, as well as peaceful overlooks. Best of all, the exits are relatively spaced out, and there are several towns sitting right off the parkway, so it’s easy to spend a few hours and stop early. You can then pick it up again the following morning.
Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route
One of the best parts about going down the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route is the fact that it’s so short. You don’t have to commit yourself to a full day’s travel, as the route runs an easy 56 miles near where the Mississippi & Missouri Rivers come together. It goes through limestone bluffs and farmlands, alongside small river towns.
Those aged over 50 enjoy taking the slow loop down this path instead of a straight shot. There are plenty of places to stop over for lunch, and they don’t get a lot of traffic, so you can take your time. Try pairing the drive with a nearby overnight stay to avoid rushing through.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
You’ll find the Talimena Byway cutting across the Ouachita Mountains between Arkansas & Oklahoma, and it follows the high ridgelines for the majority of its 54 miles. One of the reasons it’s so popular is because of how self-contained it is. No, there’s no need for reservations or tickets since the best viewpoints are right off the road, spaced a few minutes apart.
It’s common for people to return here throughout the seasons. Why? Because the same stretch may look completely different in spring, summer & fall, and you don’t need a longer drive to experience each of them in turn.
San Juan Skyway Loop in southwest Colorado
The San Juan Skyway Loop is, as you might’ve guessed, a loop. That’s why it’s so well-liked. The Skyway connects numerous mountain towns, including Durango & Ouray, and it allows drivers to choose where exactly they want to spend more time. You could focus on one or two towns, for example.
But for those looking to do the whole thing, it’s only 200 miles. Naturally, people over 50 enjoy having that kind of flexibility with their road trips, and some of them will stay at the same hotel for multiple nights and then head out in different directions each day. There’s so much beautiful mountain scenery to explore.
Outer Banks National Scenic Byway with the ferries
Any over-50s who don’t want to go on land the entire time usually tries the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, since part of it includes ferry crossings. You simply have to make sure you don’t see the boat ride as a delay. Instead, try planning around it, and treat the ferries as a kind of natural break during your trip.
It’s a great option for those who prefer a rhythm for driving, including set departure times and some quiet time for spending on the water. Simply pause & drive again along a route that feels genuinely natural.
Vermont Route 100 with back-road detours
You’ll find Route 100 going right through the middle of Vermont. It includes a bunch of smaller roads, and many over-50s use the main road as a base that allows them to dip off into side towns & covered bridges. There’s no single “right” way to drive down Route 100 because it connects to so many different villages.
As a result, it’s common for people to repeat the trip by changing where they turn off instead of changing their entire route. That makes the whole experience feel fresh. Best of all, you don’t have to make the route harder to feel that sense of freshness.
Utah Scenic Byway 12 between Panguitch and Torrey
Yes, Scenic Byway 12 is famous, and for good reasons. It’s a 124-mile stretch of road that goes between Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef, but you have the choice of either doing the whole thing or breaking it up into smaller segments. It’s part of the reason why many over-50s travelers treat the route as more of a connector than a full destination.
They’ll stop wherever they feel like it, rather than racing from park to park. There are plenty of smaller towns on either end, and that makes overnight planning quite easy, while the wide shoulders & pull-offs eliminate the pressure to keep moving.
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