U.S. Numbered Highway System

Explore the U.S. Numbered Highway System—historic routes, major corridors, and scenic roads connecting every region of the country. Learn more about U.S. Highways across America.

The U.S. Numbered Highway System—often referred to as U.S. Routes or U.S. Highways—is a nationwide network of roads established in 1926 to improve long-distance automobile travel across the United States. Unlike the Interstate system, U.S. Highways predate freeways and often serve as main streets, scenic byways, or vital connectors through rural and urban communities alike. Many historic routes, including iconic roads like U.S. Route 66, trace their roots to this enduring network.

These highways use a grid system for numbering: odd-numbered routes run north–south, increasing from east to west, while even-numbered routes run east–west, increasing from north to south. Important cross-country highways typically end in “0” or “1” (like US 20 or US 1), and three-digit offshoots usually indicate spurs or loops branching from mainline routes.

Today, the U.S. Highway system continues to evolve—some segments have been decommissioned, realigned, or upgraded to freeways—but many routes remain essential for regional travel, trucking, and scenic exploration. This category explores the entire U.S. Numbered Highway network, from coast to coast and border to border.

Discover U.S. Routes

U.S. Route 40: Clayton to Vandalia, Ohio

U.S. Route 40: Clayton to Vandalia, Ohio

Drive east along U.S. Route 40 (National Road) from Clayton to Vandalia, Ohio, on a 9-mile real-time drive through Englewood and northern Dayton. Follow one of America’s oldest highways past suburban communities, Interstate 70, and the historic crossroads with Dixie Drive.

Main Street & National Road: Union to Clayton, Ohio

Main Street & National Road: Union to Clayton, Ohio

Drive Main Street and Historic U.S. Route 40 from Union to Clayton, Ohio, on this 3.9-mile real-time drive through Union, Englewood, and Clayton along two of Montgomery County’s most important historic highways.

U.S. Route 67: Corning, Arkansas to Poplar Bluff, Missouri

U.S. Route 67: Corning, Arkansas to Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Drive north on U.S. Route 67 from Corning, Arkansas to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, crossing the Arkansas Delta into the wooded foothills of southeast Missouri on this scenic 30-mile journey through farm country, small towns, and historic highway landscapes.