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 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.
Take a 36-mile drive along Mississippi Highway 1 from Rolling Fork to Greenville and explore the scenic heart of the Mississippi Delta. From small farming communities to the edges of the Mississippi River, this segment of the Great River Road offers a peaceful glimpse i…
Cruise 6 scenic miles on Arkansas Highway 268 from Lead Hill to Peel, a peaceful drive through the Ozarks.
Cruise 12 peaceful miles along Arkansas Highway 287 from Greenbrier to Holland, passing through rolling farmland, quiet communities, and the scenic heart of Faulkner County. A relaxing rural drive in central Arkansas.
Cruise 5 miles north along Arkansas Highway 25 from Wooster to Greenbrier. This short but scenic route links rural farmland with the growing city of Greenbrier, ending at U.S. Route 65.
Cruise 13 miles south along Texas Highway 360 from Euless to Arlington. This key DFW-area route links travelers to major interstates, sports venues, and the entertainment hub of North Texas.
Take a short drive on Texas Highway 97 Spur, the south entrance to DFW Airport. This 3-mile connector offers a seamless route from SH-183 in Euless to the airport toll plaza, providing a fast and efficient gateway into one of America’s busiest airports.
Travel 9 miles east along Texas Highway 183 from Fort Worth to Euless, passing through Hurst and Bedford before arriving at the DFW Airport entrance. A key Metroplex corridor with heavy traffic and vital connections.
Travel 54 miles through the Mississippi Delta along Mississippi Highway 1 from Rosedale to Lula. Part of the scenic Great River Road, this drive offers rural charm, historic Delta towns, and a deep look into the region’s cultural and agricultural heritage.
Take a short and scenic drive along Arkansas Highway 319 in Conway, ending at the historic Cadron Settlement Park. Explore this 2-mile route through wooded outskirts and into Arkansas River heritage.
Take a quiet, scenic drive along Arkansas Highway 305 from Floyd to Center Hill in White County. This 8-mile rural route winds through rolling farmland and peaceful countryside, ending just west of Searcy at Highway 36.
Take a quiet drive along Arkansas Highway 92 from Center Ridge to Bee Branch, a 13-mile route through northern Conway and Van Buren Counties. Enjoy scenic farmland, small communities like Rabbit Ridge, and a relaxed pace in this peaceful slice of rural Arkansas.
Travel 34 peaceful miles along Mississippi Highway 315 from Sardis to Rich, passing through quiet Delta communities like Sledge and Birdie. This scenic rural route highlights the agricultural roots and history of northern Mississippi.