The fog is still clinging to the trees as a line of supercars gathers at Deals Gap, the unofficial starting point of the Tail of the Dragon. A Ferrari 296 GTB, a Porsche 911 GT3, and a McLaren Artura are parked next to each other, their owners comparing tire pressures and route notes. The air is cool, the road is empty, and the next 11 miles will test everything these cars are built for.
The Pacific Coast Highway gets all the attention. But it is not the only answer. The United States is filled with roads that challenge, inspire, and reward drivers who seek out the best tarmac. This guide ranks the best driving roads across the country for corner quality, scenery, and the total driving experience.
The Tail of the Dragon: The Ultimate Technical Challenge
The Tail of the Dragon is the most famous driving road in America. It is a narrow, twisting ribbon of asphalt that demands precision, patience, and respect. The road has 318 curves in 11 miles, many of them blind, and most of them without guardrails. It is not a road for top speed. It is a road for rhythm, for smooth inputs, and for the connection between driver and car.
For supercar owners, the Dragon is a test of chassis balance and steering feel. A car that is too powerful will struggle to put its power down. A car that is too heavy will feel cumbersome. The best cars for the Dragon are light, precise, and communicative. The Cherohala Skyway, a fast and flowing road with long sweepers and dramatic views, provides a contrast to the Dragon’s tight corners.
The Pacific Coast Highway: The Scenic Icon
The Pacific Coast Highway is the quintessential American road trip. It traces the California coastline for over 650 miles, offering ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and a rhythm that rewards patience and planning. The most celebrated section is the 90-mile stretch from Carmel to Big Sur, where the road hugs the cliffs and the Pacific stretches to the horizon.
For supercar owners, the PCH is about grand touring. The road is not technical in the way the Dragon is. It rewards smooth, steady driving and the ability to read the road ahead. The long straights allow for brief bursts of speed, while the sweeping curves test the car’s balance. The best way to experience the PCH is north to south, so the ocean is on your right and pullouts are easier to access.
Utah Scenic Byway 12: The Desert Epic
Utah Scenic Byway 12 is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. It connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, passing through red rock canyons, alpine forests, and the famous Hogsback, a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. The road is 122 miles of constantly changing terrain, from desert to forest to canyon.
For supercar owners, Highway 12 offers a mix of long straights, sweeping curves, and dramatic elevation changes. The road is well paved and accessible to any car, though the Hogsback section demands attention. The views are otherworldly, and the sense of isolation is part of the appeal. The best time to drive Highway 12 is late spring or early fall, when the weather is mild and the light is golden.
Arizona’s Scenic Drives: Desert and Mountains
Arizona offers a surprising variety of excellent driving roads for supercar owners. The Apache Trail near Apache Junction winds through the Superstition Mountains with tight curves and elevation changes, offering canyon views and desert scenery. The pavement is excellent for the first 25 miles, making it ideal for a spirited drive.
Oak Creek Canyon, running between Sedona and Flagstaff, drops almost 2,000 feet over 16 miles. The road follows the canyon bottom, with red rock walls towering above and pine trees lining the route. The curves are constant but manageable, and the views are spectacular year-round.
The Salt River Canyon, between Globe and Show Low, offers a dramatic descent into a canyon often called the mini Grand Canyon. The road quality is excellent, with long sweeping curves and straightaways that let you feel the car’s acceleration. The bridge at the bottom crosses the Salt River, providing a perfect photo stop.
The Mingus Mountain road connects Jerome to Prescott Valley with tight switchbacks and technical curves. The views of the Verde Valley are spectacular, and the road rewards a car with sharp turn-in and precise throttle control.
The Midwest Surprises
While the coastal highways often steal the spotlight, the Midwest offers surprisingly engaging driving roads. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in Wisconsin winds through glacier-carved hills, offering tight, technical corners and rolling elevation changes. The route is best in the autumn, when the foliage creates a tunnel of color.
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Illinois, offering long sweeping bends, elevation changes, and views of the river valley. It is a road for grand touring, not for technical driving, and it rewards a car that is comfortable at speed.
The Brown County Loop in Indiana, often called the “Little Smokies,” offers serpentine roads with rhythmic, back-to-back corners and smooth asphalt. It is a staple for regional Ferrari Club of America rallies and allows a driver to establish a driving rhythm.
Route Planning: Practical Considerations
The best road trips are planned. Consider the season, the weather, and the condition of the roads. Check for closures and construction. Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like Big Sur and the Smokies. Pack light. A supercar has limited luggage space. Prioritize essentials. Bring a camera. The views are worth capturing.
Drive within your limits. The roads are challenging. The consequences of a mistake can be serious. Respect the road, the car, and the other drivers.
The Tail of the Dragon Morning
The fog has lifted. The supercars are heading out. The first few corners are tight, the pavement is smooth, and the rhythm begins to build. The drivers are focused, the cars are responding, and the road is delivering.
The Tail of the Dragon is not the only answer. But it is a good start.
Key Takeaways
- The Tail of the Dragon is the ultimate technical challenge, with 318 curves in 11 miles.
- The Pacific Coast Highway offers 655 miles of coastal scenery and grand touring rhythm.
- Utah Scenic Byway 12 is a desert epic with dramatic elevation changes and the Hogsback.
- Arizona offers diverse driving roads, from the Apache Trail to Mingus Mountain.
- The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive and Brown County Loop prove the Midwest has excellent driving roads.
- Route planning, weather awareness, and driving within limits are essential.
Conclusion
The best supercar road trips in America are not limited to the Pacific Coast Highway. The Tail of the Dragon, Utah Scenic Byway 12, the Apache Trail, and the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive all offer exceptional driving experiences. Each road has its own character, its own challenges, and its own rewards.
The morning at the Tail of the Dragon is over. The supercars have disappeared into the curves. The drivers will return with stories, smiles, and a deeper appreciation for the roads that make owning a supercar worthwhile.
The best driving road is not a single road. It is the one you drive.
