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 scenic 14-mile drive along Arkansas Highway 92 from Drasco to Greers Ferry, passing forested landscapes, lake views, and small-town charm. This route offers a tranquil journey through the Ozarks with access to Greers Ferry Lake and nearby recreational areas.
Travel Arkansas Highway 66 from Leslie to Mountain View for 30 miles of scenic Ozark beauty. This winding two-lane road passes through historic towns, forests, and rural landscapes, ending in the folk music capital of Arkansas.
Take a scenic 10-mile drive along Arkansas Highway 285 from Wooster to Martinville, passing through Shady Grove, Twin Groves, and over Cadron Creek in this quiet Faulkner County route.
Cruise through central Arkansas on a scenic 6-mile stretch of Arkansas Highway 25 from Conway to Wooster. Pass by Beaverfork Lake and enjoy quiet countryside views as this short but vital route connects I-40 travelers to rural Faulkner County.
Take a scenic drive through the Ouachita National Forest on Arkansas Highway 298 from Story to Hot Springs Village. This quiet, forested 29-mile route offers peaceful wilderness, access to Lake Ouachita, and ends near the popular Scenic Highway 7.
Take a relaxing drive along Arkansas Highway 188 from AR-27 to the Little Fir Recreation Area, winding through the Ouachita National Forest to the quiet shores of Lake Ouachita. Discover scenic forest views, peaceful campsites, and the perfect escape into nature along this lesser-traveled Arkansas highway.
![[Revisited] Arkansas Highway 365: Maumelle to Conway](https://media.openroadarchive.com/file/ora-media/uploads/2025/06/1pis7bb05lamaxresdefault.jpg)
Take a scenic 16-mile drive along Arkansas Highway 365 from Maumelle to Conway. Follow the historic alignment through Mayflower and Preston, ending in Conway’s urban core on Harkrider Street.
Tennessee Secondary Route 105 may not stretch far, but its short segment through the town of Trimble offers a brief look into rural northwest Tennessee life. This two-mile drive forms a...
Cruise 7 miles along Tennessee Secondary Route 89 from Kenton to Trimble through West Tennessee farmland and the rural community of Mason Hall. A short but scenic drive with local charm and peaceful views.
Take a 23-mile drive down Tennessee Secondary Route 89 from Dresden to Kenton, passing through Sharon and the scenic Obion River Wildlife Management Area. This peaceful route showcases West Tennessee farmland, small-town charm, and natural beauty.
Cruise 22 miles west along Tennessee Route 54 from Paris to Dresden, passing through quiet communities like Midway, Como, and West Union. This rural drive blends scenic farmland with small-town charm, ending in historic downtown Dresden.
Tennessee Secondary Route 356 may only be a mile long, but it serves as an important east-west connector through Paris, TN. Running entirely along East Wood Street, the route links US-79 and US-641 while passing through a mix of commercial zones and the edge of the historic downtown district.