From iconic national parks to a covered bridge tour.
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Winter can be an ideal time to explore America's open roads. Cruising through the countryside, around national parks, and into the mountains while the landscapes bear a fresh coating of snow is a dreamy way to travel in what's typically the off-season. The fact that winter usually sees fewer tourists on the road certainly doesn't hurt.
Of course, winter driving comes with its own set of precautions. Snow makes the scenery pop, but it also makes the roads slick. And slick roads are challenging to navigate when you're in unfamiliar territory. The Department of Transportation recommends stocking your ride with a basic winter survival kit containing a flashlight, batteries, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. (Tire chains, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and road flares couldn't hurt either.) Always confirm that your vehicle is up to date on maintenance before embarking on a winter drive.
Ready to hit the road? Ahead are 13 of the most beautiful winter drives in the U.S., from New York to Alaska.
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1.Arches National Park, Utah
PHOTO: NPS PHOTO BY JACOB W. FRANK
Starting point: Arches National Park entrance
The route: 36 miles round trip on the park's scenic drive
What to expect: Beautiful any time of year, Arches National Park's natural sandstone sculptures assume an ethereal quality when covered in a layer of snow and bathed in soft winter light — much to the delight of desert photographers. Because it's run by the National Park Service, the scenic drive is quick to be plowed after a snowfall. The process, however, could take several hours.
The paved Arches National Park Road, an out-and-back route, provides easy access to park attractions like the historic cabin Wolfe Ranch; the Windows Section, home to some of the park's largest arches; and the Delicate Arch viewpoint, the most well-known attraction in the park.
Where to stop: Park in the Windows Section to stretch your legs on a half-hour stroll beneath North Window or Double Arch. About four miles further on the drive, stop at Wolfe Ranch and pretend you've traveled back to the 1800s. From here, you can hike a mile and a half uphill to Delicate Arch, but beware of ice on the trail.