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 1: Fort Kent, Maine

U.S. Route 1: Fort Kent, Maine

Discover the northernmost mile of U.S. Route 1 in Fort Kent, Maine — a scenic short drive across rivers, historic sites, and the international bridge connecting the U.S. and Canada. Perfect for highway fans and border town explorers alike.

U.S. Highway 71: Pineville, Missouri to Bella Vista, Arkansas

U.S. Highway 71: Pineville, Missouri to Bella Vista, Arkansas

Drive 10 miles along U.S. Highway 71 from Pineville, Missouri to Bella Vista, Arkansas, following a scenic mix of Ozark hills, small-town development, and the transition from I-49 to the historic surface route. A short but meaningful drive through one of the fastest-growing corners of the Ozarks.

U.S. Highway 385: Custer to Crazy Horse – South Dakota

U.S. Highway 385: Custer to Crazy Horse – South Dakota

Cruise 4.5 scenic miles north along U.S. Highway 385 from downtown Custer to the awe-inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota’s Black Hills. This quick drive combines small-town charm, pine forests, and a front-row seat to one of America’s largest mountain carvings.

U.S. Highway 550: Ouray to Montrose – Colorado

U.S. Highway 550: Ouray to Montrose – Colorado

Cruise 34 miles north along U.S. Highway 550 from Ouray to Montrose, Colorado, passing through scenic mountain canyons, Ridgway State Park, and wide ranching valleys on this classic Western Slope route.

U.S. Highway 71: Bella Vista Arkansas to Pineville Missouri

U.S. Highway 71: Bella Vista Arkansas to Pineville Missouri

Drive 22 miles north along Interstate 49 from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Pineville, Missouri, tracing the modern upgrade of the historic U.S. Highway 71 route through the Ozark foothills. Discover smooth bypasses, quick travel, and local attractions along the way.

U.S. Highway 62: Prairie Grove to Summers – Arkansas

U.S. Highway 62: Prairie Grove to Summers – Arkansas

Cruise 10 miles west on U.S. Highway 62 from Prairie Grove to Summers, Arkansas. Experience the small-town charm of Lincoln, scenic farmland, and rural Ozark landscapes on this pleasant stretch of northwest Arkansas highway.

U.S. Highway 70: Lakeland to Memphis – Tennessee

U.S. Highway 70: Lakeland to Memphis – Tennessee

Cruise U.S. Highway 70 for 13 miles from Lakeland into the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Experience suburban Bartlett, the bustling Wolfchase area, and the vintage charm of Summer Avenue, all the way to the I-40 interchange.