back roads

Wide mountain view from an overlook near Kancamagus Pass showing rolling green ridges of the White Mountains under summer haze.
Looking out from near Kancamagus Pass, the ridgelines of the White Mountains stretch endlessly across the horizon — one of the highway’s most breathtaking views.
Back Roads and Byway / Northeast Region Travel Guides / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Driving the Kancamagus Highway: Summer Miles Through the White Mountains

There’s a reason the Kancamagus Highway is called one of New England’s most scenic drives. Stretching 34.5 miles from Lincoln to Conway, it winds through New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest — a road where waterfalls, covered bridges, and sweeping overlooks appear around every bend. On my summer trip, I traded fall’s fiery foliage for quiet green forests, cool mountain air, and the steady rush of the Swift River. From the curves of Hancock Overlook to the calm pools at Sabbaday Falls and the timeless red timbers of the Albany Covered Bridge, every stop offered another glimpse of the wild, natural beauty that defines the Kancamagus.

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January 13, 2026
Historic 1880s log cabin known as Trail Cabin, surrounded by grass and trees along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 154.
Built in the 1880s by W. J. Trail, this rustic log cabin at Milepost 154 offers a glimpse into early Appalachian mountain life.
Appalachian Region Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Appalachian Region Travel Guide | Back Roads Lens

Rolling fog, winding roads, and small-town charm — the Appalachian Region is made for slow travel. From Virginia’s Natural Bridge to the Smoky Mountains, this guide covers the best scenic drives, hidden gems, and photography spots across America’s oldest mountain range.

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October 11, 2025
Red barn and rural farm surrounded by multiple fields of crops in the Iowa countryside
A striking red barn anchors this peaceful Iowa farm, framed by rows of fields stretching across the foreground—a true Midwest classic.
Back Roads and Byway / Midwest Region Travel Guides / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Travel Destinations

Midwest Region Travel Guide: Road Trips, Scenic Byways, and the Heart of America

From rolling farmland and hidden waterfalls to rugged parks and legendary highways, the Midwest is full of quiet surprises for road-trippers and travel photographers. In this regional guide, I take you through the heart of America’s backroads—from Ohio’s Hocking Hills and the winding roads to Sturgis, to the dramatic spires of South Dakota’s Badlands and Custer State Park. These are the places where big skies meet simple beauty, and where every mile tells a story.

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October 11, 2025
Dark storm clouds rolling over the Smoky Mountains.
A storm front moves across the Smoky Mountains, creating a dramatic and moody scene.
Appalachian Region Travel Guides / Travel Destinations

Exploring the Smoky Mountains National Park: History, Hikes, and Hidden Views

The Great Smoky Mountains are a place where history and natural beauty blend seamlessly. Once home to settlers and farming families, today the park preserves cabins, barns, and churches that stand as windows into the past. From sunrise at Clingmans Dome to a quiet walk through the Primitive Baptist Church in Cades Cove, the Smokies invite travelers to hike, explore, and reflect. Join me on Back Roads Lens as I share the best views, hikes, and historic sites in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

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September 30, 2025
Exterior of Buckhorn Bar and Grill in Buckhorn, Wyoming, featuring a vintage gas pump and weathered sign under open skies
The rustic exterior of Buckhorn Bar and Grill, complete with a vintage gas pump and original signage—capturing the authentic charm of rural Wyoming.
Back Roads and Byway / Northwest Region / Scenic Drives and Roadtrips / Small Towns and HIdden America / Travel Destinations

Discover Buckhorn, Wyoming: A Hidden Gem in America’s West

Tucked away in the vast plains of northeastern Wyoming, Buckhorn is a hidden gem that defies its size with character and charm. With an unofficial population of just two, this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it community offers breathtaking landscapes framed by rolling hills and sprawling ranches. The heart of Buckhorn, the Buckhorn Bar and Grill, invites travelers to share stories over hearty meals, surrounded by taxidermy mounts that celebrate the region's rich hunting heritage. If you're seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences and a taste of authentic small-town spirit, Buckhorn deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. Discover the magic of this unique destination!

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June 10, 2025