When gorgeous landscapes stretch for miles, there’s no better way to tour them than with a scenic drive. And in the United States, there are tons of legendary scenic routes to explore.
From coast to coast, the U.S. offers countless natural wonders. Arizona’s red rocks, Virginia’s forested mountains, and many more magical sights make touring the country a life-changing experience. And while Route 66 may be one of America’s most well-known scenic drives, there are even more gorgeous roads worth traveling. If you need inspiration for your next road trip, peruse this list of the country’s 10 best scenic drives.
A bald eagle struck and killed by a vehicle Friday in Wisconsin should serve as a reminder to motorists everywhere to exercise caution.
A bald eagle struck and killed by a vehicle Friday in Wisconsin should serve as a reminder to motorists everywhere to exercise caution.
“We would like to remind you that eagles are commonly feeding alongside the highways this time of year,” the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office stated Friday via social media. “We ask that you please use caution and remember that eagles need extra time and space to gain flight.”
The adult bald eagle carcass was discovered next to a highway in St. Germain and turned over to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (Image posted below.)
The Vilas County Sheriff’s Office noted that the American bald eagle – the country’s national bird since 1872 – “represents freedom in our nation and is highly revered and considered sacred within the Native American culture.”
The agency added: “Our intention of posting this picture is not to disrespect what the bald eagle represents or means to anyone, rather bring attention to this very important issue in the Northwoods.”
Bald eagles are found throughout the U.S., mostly near waterways and coasts. They’re known for their regal appearance and colossal size, with wingspans measuring nearly seven feet.
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The raptors prey mostly on fish, but are opportunistic and also prey on mammals and will eat carrion from roads.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the oldest recorded bald eagle in the wild “was at least 38 years old when it was hit and killed by a car in New York in 2015.”
At least five bison have been struck and killed by vehicles during the past two weeks in Grand Teton National Park, prompting officials to issue a plea to motorists.
At least five bison have been struck and killed by vehicles during the past two weeks in Grand Teton National Park, prompting officials to issue a plea to motorists.
“Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is one of the many unique opportunities that make Grand Teton National Park a special, awe-inspiring place,” the Wyoming park stated Thursday in a news release. “Motorists can do their part to protect and preserve these animals by slowing down and using caution while driving.”
In addition to the five bison, an elk, a coyote, a pronghorn and a wolf pup have died since mid-October as a result of vehicle strikes.
Bison and other animals are migrating as winter approaches and can appear unexpectedly on roadways. A 45-mph speed limit is supposed to keep motorists and wildlife safe.
“Drivers should use caution and slow down, especially at dawn, dusk, and during the night when visibility is reduced,” the park stated, explaining that even 2,000-pound bison are difficult to spot at night.
Between 75 and 100 large animals are struck by vehicles annually inside Grand Teton National Park.
–Generic bison image is courtesy of Yellowstone National Park
Motorists in Yellowstone National Park were involved in 241 known collisions with large mammals such as bison, elk, and bears during the past five years.
Motorists in Yellowstone National Park were involved in 241 known collisions with large mammals such as bison, elk, and bears during the past five years.
While that might sound alarming, consider that millions of visitors drove on park roads during that period.
The numbers were provided to FTW Outdoors this week in response to inquiries regarding a recent nighttime collision involving a large SUV and a bison.
Wrote Morgan Warthin of the park’s Public Affairs Office:
“So far in 2021, there have been more than 1.6 million recreation visits to the park and two known vehicle collisions with bison. In 2020, there were 3.8 million recreation visits and 14 known vehicle collisions with bison.
“There have been 241 known vehicle collisions with large mammals in the park over the last five years.”
More generally, traffic-related accidents are the most common cause of injury and death inside Yellowstone National Park, which encourages visitors to follow these safety guidelines:
• Drive cautiously and watch for animals. The park has hazards on the road you are not used to at home, like 2,000-pound bison! Other road hazards include soft shoulders, potholes and frost heaves.
• Use extra caution at night. Animal fur absorbs light, making them very difficult to see on roads at night even while using bright headlights. Slow down, especially on curves in the road, when venturing into the park during dark.
• Drowsy? Take a break. Driving while drowsy significantly increases the risk of car accidents, and with 450 miles of roads in the park, long days behind the wheel are common. Be sure to get adequate sleep before getting behind the wheel and take turns driving with other legal drivers in your group to protect yourself and others.
• Never park in the road or block traffic. If you need to stop or pull over for any reason, use a pullout and ensure all four vehicle tires are to the right of the white line. Stay with your vehicle if you’re stopped in a wildlife jam.
• Follow the speed limit. The speed limit in Yellowstone is 45 mph unless posted otherwise.
• Pack your patience. Winding roads and traffic often make drive times much longer than expected.
• Know before you go. For details on road closures and construction in the park, check out our park roads page.
–Top image showing a grizzly bear is courtesy of Yellowstone National Park
